Some dogs like to hide things. They can hide food in couch cushions or food in holes in the yard – or some other weird combination.
While this behavior may seem odd to the human eye, it can be perfectly reasonable for our pups.
University of animal behavior Certified dog trainer Angela Logsdon-Hoover, of VCA Animal Hospital, says there are actually many reasons dogs hide or bury their treats or food – including:
- instinctive behavior
- breed-specific behavior
- resource protection behavior
- seeking attention
- boring
- nausea
Why do dogs hide food?
These types of behavior, burying or hiding food, all fall under the same general category of behavior. In fact, Angela says it’s not just food and treats that dogs can bury or hide, but toys as well.
There are several possible reasons dogs bury food:
- Instinct: “Caching is a behavior rooted in wild dogs, in which they bury food in the ground — acting as a refrigerator — to return to later in times of scarcity ,” she said.
- She says: “Breeds that hunt small prey such as Terriers, Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, Beagles, etc., tend to exhibit this behavior more often. “It’s part of their natural motivation. These susceptible breeds should be provided with a suitable place for digging and burial.
- Possessiveness and/or anxiety: “If a dog is concerned that his food or toys are in danger of being taken by a pet or other person, they may hide them to keep them safe,” says Angela. .
- Attention-seeking behavior: “If digging in the yard for fun previously caused you to yell at or chase your dog, he may see this as attention, even if that’s the norm. extreme,” said Angela. “Dogs are opportunistic, and if a behavior gives them some reward – like a release of energy, your attention – they will continue to do it.”
- Nausea: “In some cases, nauseated dogs may bury food because they don’t want to see or smell it,” says Angela. “They can use towels, blankets, laundry … to cover the plate of food, to avoid putting food in their mouths to take away. “She says to consult a veterinarian if burying is a new behavior for your pet and is accompanied by other symptoms such as increased salivation.
- Boredom: “High energy dogs need enough energy,” says Angela. “If they have pent-up energy, they will naturally find ways to dispel it, such as digging, chewing, licking or barking.”
Where do dogs hide their treats?
There are different ways to show this behavior, such as hiding their food or snacks in various locations.
Angela says dogs can bury toys or treats in couch cushions, under blankets, in holes in the yard, in bushes, or even hide food underneath their own bodies.
California-based dog trainer Ash Miner, a certified donkey dog instructor (CTDI) working with a master’s degree in animal behavior, says there are many dogs that will bring just about anything.” their workspace,” whether it’s a crate, a dog bed, or under a parent’s bed.
“These items can be food, but not always,” she said. “Sometimes they do it with dog toys or things that smell like their owners – shoes and sandals are extremely common. This is their ‘storehouse’ of valuables.”
Ash says of the thousands of dogs she has worked with, about 40% exhibit some version of this type of behavior. She says that in her experience, it’s not more common in certain dog breeds or personality types.
“In my experience, this is a learned behavior or genetic predisposition to instinct,” she said. “All breeds and personality types can do this, regardless of their upbringing and any possible emotional trauma. Please don’t assume that because a dog hid their stuff they were severely neglected, as that doesn’t usually happen.”
Ash says there is no certain age when this develops.
She said: “I have seen this in puppies as young as 8 weeks old when they first come home. “In terms of more aggressive resource protection, it’s genetic, and there’s often a single event that ‘triggers’ an aggressive response. It could happen at any time and the event might not be something that stands out for us humans.”
In general, this behavior is not a bad thing, Ash said.
She says: “I firmly believe that hiding or hoarding is a very enjoyable activity for dogs and I always recommend that you set aside a specific safe space for your dog to practice this. “Never take anything from a dog or their pile, unless it is a prohibited item—something yours or something dangerous to your dog. If you need to take something away, always exchange it for a gift or another item of equal or greater value. If your dog exhibits any aggressive behavior, stop immediately and call a free trainer experienced in resource protection protocols to help you provide your dog with a Some tools to deal with situations where they might have to give up everything and give you the skills to stay safe.
Treating hiding can be fun for dogs
Dogs can bury or hide their treats and treats for a variety of reasons – but most simply, it can be instinct and pleasure. If you notice this behavior in your dog, give them a safe space to participate in the activity. But if you notice any signs of anxiety, aggression, stress, or anything else that’s worrisome, consult a professional.
