Why Dogs Bury Bones: Find Out Their Instinctual Behavior
Dogs bury bones due to instincts inherited from their wild ancestors, like wolves. This behavior reflects their natural drive to protect resources, preserve food, and stay mentally stimulated. (1)
Key Takeaways
- Dogs bury bones as an instinct to safeguard resources, rooted in their survival strategies as wild canines.
- Modern dogs find mental stimulation and joy in burying, mimicking their ancestral instincts.
- Managing this behavior involves understanding its triggers and providing healthy outlets like toys or digging spaces.
Historical Origins
Credits: Dog Psychology 101
Wild canines like gray wolves have food-caching instincts that are deeply ingrained in their survival strategies. These behaviors were a response to a harsh reality—food was scarce and unpredictable. When prey was abundant, wolves didn’t gorge until they could no longer move.
Instead, they buried what they couldn’t eat, often under layers of dirt, leaves, or snow. This served two key purposes: preserving the food from spoilage and keeping it hidden from scavengers like crows or competing predators.
Interestingly, studies show that buried meat stays fresher for longer due to reduced exposure to sunlight and bacteria. Wolves often returned to these caches days—or even weeks—later. The success of this survival tactic ensured that the behavior became hardwired into their genetic code.
Modern Behavior in Dogs
Domestic dogs, while far removed from their wild ancestors in many ways, retain these same instincts. Ever noticed a dog digging frantically in your backyard or burying a favorite chew toy under a pile of laundry? It’s not just random mischief—it’s a nod to their evolutionary past. (2)
Dogs might bury bones or toys for several reasons. Resource guarding is a big one. Even if there’s no competition in sight, your dog’s instincts might drive them to stash away a “valuable” item for safekeeping. Another factor is sheer habit. A bone or toy might represent a treasure in their eyes, so they treat it with the same care a wolf would give a hunk of meat.
One amusing anecdote comes to mind: a friend’s Golden Retriever routinely buries socks in the garden. When we dug up the yard for new landscaping, it looked like we had unearthed an archaeological site—except instead of artifacts, it was a collection of mismatched socks!
Psychological Benefits
There’s something deeply satisfying for dogs about the act of burying. It’s not just instinctual; it’s mentally enriching. Digging and hiding provide a sense of purpose. The process taps into their need for problem-solving, much like how we might feel accomplished after completing a puzzle or solving a riddle.
Burying also ties into a dog’s sense of safety. When they stash a bone or toy, they’re reinforcing their control over their environment. Dogs living in secure, loving homes may indulge in this behavior more freely because they feel safe enough to engage in playful or instinctual activities.
Dogs with access to mental stimulation—like burying or finding hidden treats—often display lower levels of anxiety. It gives them an outlet to channel their natural instincts, which helps reduce boredom and prevents destructive behaviors.
Environmental and Behavioral Triggers
Sometimes, a dog’s burying habit might be triggered by their environment—or a lack of stimulation. A dog left alone for hours with nothing to do might turn to digging as a way to pass the time. Similarly, a dog with pent-up energy might dig as a release, channeling their frustration or boredom into creating a hole or hiding an object.
Safe environments also play a role. A dog that feels threatened or insecure may avoid burying altogether, fearing that their treasures will be stolen. In contrast, a dog that feels relaxed and confident might be more likely to engage in this behavior.
Changes in routine—like a move to a new home or the arrival of another pet—can temporarily increase burying tendencies. It’s their way of regaining control amidst uncertainty.
Breed-Specific Tendencies
Certain breeds are more predisposed to burying and digging behaviors. Terriers, for instance, were bred to hunt burrowing animals, so their digging instinct is practically second nature. Similarly, Dachshunds were designed to pursue badgers into their dens, making them avid diggers.
Herding breeds like Border Collies and Australian Shepherds may also engage in burying behaviors, but their reasons might differ slightly—they may view the act as part of their instinct to “organize” or “manage” their surroundings. On the other hand, guard breeds like Rottweilers or Dobermans may bury to protect valuable items they deem important.
If you’ve got a dog like a Beagle or a Siberian Husky, expect digging and burying to be part of their repertoire. It’s not misbehavior—it’s just in their DNA.
Dog Training Tips
If your dog has developed a habit of burying food or bones in every corner of your home or yard, it’s important to figure out whether this behavior is turning into something problematic.
Most dogs will dig and bury from time to time, but when the behavior becomes excessive—like digging up the entire yard or hiding bones under every couch cushion—it’s worth stepping in.
Start by redirecting your dog’s energy. Setting up a “digging box” can help. Simply fill a shallow container or area with sand or loose soil, and let your dog know it’s the perfect spot to dig and bury.
You can even bury their favorite toys and bones to encourage them to use this designated area instead of digging up your garden or furniture.
Interactive toys and puzzles can also work wonders. These challenge your dog’s brain, which can help them focus on something else besides digging.
If your dog buries out of boredom, providing mental stimulation can break the cycle. Incorporate more physical exercise, like longer walks or a game of fetch, to tire them out. Tired dogs are less likely to dig excessively.
Above all, reinforce positive behavior. If your dog uses the digging box instead of the yard, reward them with treats or affection.
Over time, they’ll associate the right digging behavior with positive outcomes. Remember, dogs are creatures of habit. The more consistent you are, the more likely your dog will understand what’s expected.
When to Be Concerned
Generally, burying is a harmless and instinctual behavior. However, when a dog buries excessively, especially with other signs of stress, it might be time to take a closer look.
If your dog starts to whine, pace, or chew destructively, it could indicate anxiety. Burying bones or toys might be a way for your dog to self-soothe in stressful situations.
Dogs suffering from separation anxiety, for example, might bury their favorite objects as a coping mechanism when left alone. This behavior helps them feel safe and secure. But if the burying becomes obsessive, it’s a sign that something deeper might be at play.
Excessive burying can also happen when there’s a lack of mental or physical stimulation. Dogs that aren’t getting enough exercise or attention may resort to these behaviors out of frustration or boredom.
If your dog’s digging and burying seems to be getting out of control, consider consulting a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer.
They can help identify whether the behavior stems from a health issue or a deeper emotional problem. Sometimes, simply adjusting your dog’s environment or introducing more stimulating activities can make all the difference.
If burying is combined with other destructive behaviors, it’s essential to address it early on. Intervening early can help avoid more serious issues down the road, ensuring your dog’s happiness and well-being.
Conclusion
Understanding why dogs bury things gives us insight into their complex, instinct-driven behaviors. While it might be a little inconvenient to dig up bones—or socks—hidden in the yard, it’s a small price to pay for the joy of having these lovable, quirky companions in our lives. Instead of getting frustrated, find ways to work with their natural instincts.
Who knows? You might even find a way to turn your backyard into a dig-friendly zone that both you and your dog can appreciate.
FAQ
Why do dogs dig and bury bones and toys?
Dogs dig and bury because it’s a natural instinct passed down from wild dogs. They would bury food or bones to save them for leaner times. Today, dogs may bury bones and toys for fun or to feel secure.
Why does my dog bury bones and other items like the TV remote?
A dog is burying items like bones and other items because of their natural instinct to protect things they value. It might also be a playful habit or an outlet for boredom, especially if they dig holes in your yard or hide items under couch cushions.
Are some dog breeds more likely to bury food or bones?
Yes, certain dog breeds are more prone to burying food or bones. Breeds like Terriers, which love to dig holes, often display this behavior. According to the American Kennel Club, dogs with strong hunting or guarding instincts are more likely to bury bones and toys.
Is it normal for a dog to bury food or bones in couch cushions?
Yes, it’s normal. Dogs may bury food or bones in unusual spots like couch cushions if they don’t have access to a yard. This behavior mimics their instinct to dig and bury resources in safe places for later use.
Can dog training stop a dog from burying bones and other items?
Dog training can help manage excessive burying. Providing outlets like digging boxes or puzzles can redirect their energy. Since dogs dig and bury naturally, it’s more effective to guide this behavior rather than trying to eliminate it.
References
- https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/why-do-dogs-bury-bones
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/why-do-dogs-bury-bones/
