One of the dog behaviors that most puzzles ARISTOPARENTS, especially first-time ones, is burying things. Whether underground, under their bed, under the sofa... It is a surprising behavior. As accustomed as we may be to seeing ARISTODOGS hiding bones in movies, seeing it on screen is one thing, and seeing it happen in real life is another. Especially when we do not understand the reasons behind this curious behavior.
People often think that dogs hide food or toys to play and tease their owners a little. But in reality, this habit has a more biological and instinctive explanation, specifically based on the survival instinct. Something very animal-like.
This behavior can occur in all dogs, but it is encouraged by three specific circumstances:
—When an ARISTODOG lives with two or more dogs in the same household.
—In homes with a garden or large planters where they can dig holes and jealously hide their bone or favorite food.
—When they are given something new. Something they have never seen, smelled, or tasted before. Whether it is a snack, a toy with a different texture, an unusual reward, etc. They want to hide it at all costs!
In general, that survival instinct drives the dog to store its food in case a time comes when obtaining food is not so easy. A time when it may have to rely on the reserves in its own pantry (the hole dug in the ground, the hiding place under a piece of furniture at home...).
Likewise, if the dog has or perceives that it has “competition” (another dog at home), it will tend to hide its favorite treats or objects to prevent another dog from sticking its nose into its affairs and the food or toys from ending up in another dog's jaws. This is not related to the animal going hungry or not accepting its canine companion well. As we said, it is an instinct. It cannot help it.
Over time, one of two things will probably happen: it will either forget forever about what it buried, or the dog will dig up the toy, bone, or food. If it is food, it may try to eat it after digging it up, so you should pay attention and check whether the food is still in good condition to prevent possible poisoning.
The question that inevitably arises in this case is: Can it be controlled? Is there any way to prevent our ARISTODOG from digging and hiding things?
As we have said, it is a natural instinct in dogs. And there is no reason to try to correct something that is instinctive in a dog. We cannot expect it to behave like a person, because it is not one. And its codes are not ours. Therefore, ideally, we should let our dog express its nature freely. Let it do what its body tells it to do —especially when it is harmless.
In any case, if you still prefer your dog not to do it so that it does not damage the garden or your plants, it is essential that you be very strict about sticking to mealtimes. This way, your dog's biological clock will get into a routine, knowing that it will always have food at the same times of day. It will also feel that it does not need to store its food underground.
Likewise, if you have two or more dogs in the family, make sure you treat them fairly. In other words, each one should have its own toys, food, bed, accessories... This will prevent them from competing with one another and from feeling that you favor one of them.
