Ever caught your pup sneakily stashing a bone under a pile of laundry? Or maybe you’ve found a half-chewed toy mysteriously wedged between the couch cushions?
If your dog has a habit of burying things, don’t worry—they’re not secretly hoarding treasure or plotting world domination (probably). Burying is a completely natural (and often hilarious) canine behaviour. So why do they do it?
1. Blame It on Their Wild Ancestors
Before dogs became the spoiled, belly-rub-loving companions they are today, their ancestors were wild animals that needed to survive on their own. Food wasn’t always easy to come by, so when they had a big meal, they’d bury leftovers to keep them safe from scavengers (and to snack on later). Even though your pup gets a steady supply of kibble, that old survival instinct still kicks in—especially if they think their precious treat might disappear.
2. It’s Their Version of a Savings Account
You have a bank account; your dog has the backyard. Dogs might not understand online banking, but they do know that sometimes it’s a good idea to save things for later. That’s why they bury food, toys, and even random household objects—just in case there’s a rainy day (or an unexpected shortage of chew toys).
3. It’s a Game!
For some dogs, burying things isn’t about survival at all—it’s just plain fun. Digging, hiding, and “rediscovering” their treasures can be an exciting game. Think of it as their version of hide-and-seek… except they never tell you where they hid things, and sometimes forget themselves. (Cue the confused dog digging frantically while wondering where their favorite chew stick went.)
4. They’re Just Trying to Impress You
Some dogs bury things as a way to show off their prized possessions. It’s like they’re saying, “Look, hooman! I have this super valuable thing, and I must protect it!” They don’t realise that their “valuable thing” is actually a slobbery tennis ball that’s been rolling around in the dirt for three weeks.
5. Some Breeds Are Just Wired for It
Certain breeds, like Terriers and Dachshunds, were literally bred to dig and burrow after small prey. So if your pup is one of these natural diggers, they might bury things just because they love to dig—it’s in their DNA. No treasure map required.
How to Stop Your Dog from Burying Everything
If your dog’s habit of hiding things is getting out of hand (especially if they’re turning your garden into an archaeological site), here are some tips:
- Give them puzzle toys – Mental stimulation can keep them busy without the need for burying.
- Limit extra treats and toys – If they have too much, they might feel the need to “store” things for later.
- Designate a digging zone – If your dog loves to dig, create a special spot where it’s okay for them to go full excavator mode.
- Play more interactive games – Redirect their energy into games like fetch or tug-of-war.
At the end of the day, burying is just one of those quirky dog behaviours that make our pups so lovable. Whether they’re hiding treats for later or just having a blast, it’s all part of their charming (if slightly mysterious) personality. So the next time you find a missing sock in the backyard… well, at least now you know why.
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