Marking Territory: Dogs have specialized glands in their paws that secrete pheromones. When a dog lifts its leg, it releases these pheromones into the air, marking its territory. This communicates to other dogs that the area belongs to them.
Communication: Urination is also a way for dogs to communicate with each other. By lifting their legs, dogs are sending a message about their social status, reproductive status, and overall health.
Scent-Marking: Dogs have a keen sense of smell, and they rely on scent-marking to gather information about their surroundings. When a dog lifts its leg, it is also leaving behind a scent that other dogs can detect. This allows dogs to track each other and learn about the activities of other animals in the area.
In summary, lifting the leg to urinate is a natural and instinctive behavior in both male and female dogs. It serves multiple functions, including marking territory, communicating with other dogs, and scent-marking.