Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

geardaddy

(24,931 posts)
Thu Jan 2, 2014, 01:23 PM Jan 2014

Dogs poop in line with Earth’s magnetic field, says study

A study published this week in the journal Frontiers in Zoology suggests that dogs choose to relieve themselves along a north-south axis in line with Earth’s magnetic field. The Motherboard blog reported on the study’s findings, saying that the research was carried out by a team of Czech and German scientists.

“Dogs are sensitive to small variations of the Earth’s magnetic field,” said the research team. “Dogs preferred to excrete with the body being aligned along the North-south axis” rather than the East-west axis.

The study examined the daily habits of 70 dogs during 1,893 defecations and 5,582 urinations over the course of two years. Consistently, during times of calm electromagnetic “weather,” the dogs chose to eliminate while facing north or south.

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/01/02/dogs-poop-in-line-with-earths-magnetic-field-says-study/

6 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Dogs poop in line with Earth’s magnetic field, says study (Original Post) geardaddy Jan 2014 OP
Our dog does a little spin before deciding what direction to poop in. onehandle Jan 2014 #1
Ours spins too. geardaddy Jan 2014 #2
Woah... Cool Factoid that might be TMI. Xyzse Jan 2014 #3
My girl's magnetic compass is busted Brother Buzz Jan 2014 #4
It's clear now that the Lounge is in the forefront of science. rug Jan 2014 #5
My dogs must be aliens then ... Myrina Jan 2014 #6

onehandle

(51,122 posts)
1. Our dog does a little spin before deciding what direction to poop in.
Thu Jan 2, 2014, 01:26 PM
Jan 2014

Now I have to keep up with where he points his butt.

As if I don't have enough to do!

Brother Buzz

(36,466 posts)
4. My girl's magnetic compass is busted
Thu Jan 2, 2014, 02:04 PM
Jan 2014

But then again, her stylish chapeau may be interfering with the magnetic field.

Myrina

(12,296 posts)
6. My dogs must be aliens then ...
Thu Jan 2, 2014, 02:11 PM
Jan 2014

... there's no rhyme or reason to where they poop, except that it has to be a poop-free spot.

Latest Discussions»The DU Lounge»Dogs poop in line with Ea...