Understanding Your Canine Companion
You’ve probably noticed your dog’s peculiar behavior of burying bones, toys, or even leftover food. Don’t fret, this behavior is deeply rooted in their wolf ancestors and is a survival instinct. Even though your dog doesn’t need to hunt for its food, the instinct to bury and hoard is still strong.
The Survival Instinct
Dogs are descendants of wolves and wild dogs, who were scavengers as well as hunters. When they had a successful hunt, they would often have surplus food which they needed to hide from other predators.
- Burying the surplus: Wolves would bury the surplus food in the ground, disguising it with dirt and leaves. This would protect it from other predators and also preserve it by keeping it cool.
- Storing for lean times: Burying food also allowed these wild dogs to store food for lean times. They could return to their hidden cache later when food was scarce.
The Behavior in Domestic Dogs
While domestic dogs don’t need to hunt or scavenge for their food, this instinctive behavior still manifests itself in numerous ways.
- Burying bones: Dogs often bury bones or chew toys that they want to save for later. This mirrors the behavior of their wild ancestors who would bury surplus food.
- Hiding toys or treats: If your dog receives a new toy or a particularly tasty treat, they may hide it to enjoy it later in peace.
| Behavior | Reason |
|---|---|
| Burying bones | Mirrors ancestral behavior of hiding surplus food |
| Hiding toys or treats | Save for later enjoyment in peace |
How to Respond to This Behavior
As this behavior is instinctive, it’s not something you should try to stop. It’s a natural part of being a dog. However, you can manage it.
- Provide appropriate items to bury: Give your dog chew toys or treats that are safe for them to bury and chew on later. Avoid real bones as these can splinter and cause injury.
- Designated digging spot: If possible, provide a designated spot in your yard where your dog is allowed to dig. This can help protect your plants and lawn from your dog’s enthusiastic digging.
Your Dog’s Unique Personality
Remember, every dog’s behavior can also be influenced by their individual personality. Some dogs may bury items frequently, while others may not display this behavior at all. Always take the time to understand and appreciate your dog’s unique quirks and behaviors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my dog bury his toys?
This behavior is an instinctive behavior that stems from their wild ancestors who would bury surplus food to save for later.
Should I stop my dog from burying bones?
It’s not necessary to stop this behavior, but you should ensure that what your dog is burying is safe. Real bones can splinter and cause injury.
My dog doesn’t bury anything, is that normal?
Absolutely, every dog is different. Some may display this behavior more than others. It’s all part of your dog’s unique personality.
