Why Dogs Like to Dig Holes and Bury Things
Do you guys ever wonder why dogs like to bury their "treasures"? It's sometimes no fun to have your kiddo's favorite toy go missing, to be able only to find one shoe and then later to discover it in a hole in your flower garden or even inside your sofa cushions. But, burying is a part of the adventure in dog ownership. There is a method to your pup's madness! Here are some reasons why your dog may be creating their own treasure hunt with an internal map.
It's their nature! Dogs are a part of a species that would be used to burying things for survival in the wild. Specifically with food, putting it in a hold and covering it with dirt is a way to keep the food fresh while hiding the scent from other animals. Don't worry; you are not underfeeding your dog. They probably have plenty and choose to hide a little for a snack later.
A sign of anxiousness – When dogs are in a stressful environment or trying to fit into a new one, it may cause them to bury things they want to keep for themselves as a coping mechanism. Burying favorite things can be seen in dogs who have been adopted and come from a previous situation where things were taken from them often. They begin to hide something that gives them comfort.
Boredom – Just like us, your four-legged companion can go a little stir crazy from time to time. If your dog has started to bury things, they may simply just need some entertainment. Mental and physical stimulation is always vital for any pet. Your dog will let you know in various signs that that's what they need, and the topic at hand can be a way boredom manifests.
So, what can you do to keep the digging at a minimum? According to the Humane Society, keep them active and expand their environment. Here's how:
Walk your dog at least twice a day. If you don’t have time, we’ve got you covered!
Try enrolling them in a training program.
Keep interesting toys in the yard while you're not around
As dog owners, the key is making sure they feel safe, secure, happy, and are healthy. For example, suppose your dog is constantly storing things for a rainy day. This behavior isn't necessarily naughty or strange. Instead, they are either trying to tell you they need comfort or stimulation. They may also just be operating out of their doggy nature. If you've adopted a dog recently and they seem a little uneasy, give them some time. Make sure they have plenty of food, snacks, toys, and playtime. If your old family dog just can't seem to stop digging holes and hiding things, try leaving things in their path that’s not valuable and come up with some creative ways to prepare for their burying habits.