Some dogs like to hide things. They can hide treats in sofa cushions or food in holes in the yard – or some other curious combination.
Although the behavior may seem strange through human eyes, it probably makes perfect sense to our puppies.
Angela Logsdon-Hoover, a certified Animal Behavior College dog trainer from VCA Animal Hospitals, explains that there are actually many reasons why dogs hide or bury their treats or food, including:
- instinctive behavior
- breed-specific behavior
- resource protection behavior
- attention seeking
- boredom
- nausea
Why do dogs hide food?
These types of behaviors, burying or hiding food, all fall under the same general umbrella. In fact, Angela says it’s not just food and treats that dogs can bury or hide, but also toys.
There are several possible reasons why dogs bury food:
- Instinctive: “Caching is a behavior derived from wild canids in which they would bury food in the dirt – which acted like a refrigerator – only to return to it later in times of scarcity,” she says.
- Breed predisposition: “Breeds that hunt small prey like terriers, dachshunds, basset hounds, beagles, etc., tend to display this behavior more often,” she says. “It is part of their natural motivation. These predisposed breeds should be offered a suitable place to dig and bury.
- Possessiveness and/or anxiety: “If a dog fears that his food or toys will be taken by another animal or a human, he can hide them to protect them,” explains Angela.
- Attention-seeking behavior: “If digging in the yard for fun has always made you yell or chase your dog, he may see it as attention, even if it’s negative,” says Angela. “Dogs are opportunistic, and if a behavior has earned them multiple rewards — like expelling energy, your attention — they will continue to engage in that behavior.”
- Nausea: “In some cases, dogs that are nauseous may bury food because they don’t want to see it or smell it,” Angela explains. “They can use towels, blankets, linens, etc., to cover the dish with food, to avoid putting the food in their mouths to take it elsewhere. “She says to see your vet if burrowing is a new behavior for your pet and is accompanied by other symptoms like hypersalivation.
- Boredom: “High-energy dogs need a sufficient outlet for their energy,” says Angela. “If they have pent up energy, they will naturally find a way to dispel it, such as digging, chewing, licking or barking.”
Where do dogs hide their treats?
There are different ways to display this behavior, such as hiding your food or treats in various places.
Angela says dogs can bury toys or treats in couch cushions, under blankets, in holes in the yard, in bushes, or even hide food under their own body.
California-based dog trainer Ash Miner, Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI) working on a master’s degree in animal behavior, says there are plenty of dogs that will bring things into their “den space,” whether it’s either a crate, a dog bed, or under their parent’s bed.
“These items can be food, but not always,” she says. “Sometimes they do this with dog toys or things that smell like their owner – shoes and slippers are extremely common. It is their “stash” of valuables.
Ash says that of the thousands of dogs she has worked with, about 40% display some version of this type of behavior. She says that, in her experience, it’s not more common in certain breeds of dogs or certain personality types.
“In my experience, it’s a learned behavior or a genetic predisposition to instinct,” she says. “All breeds and personality types can do this, regardless of upbringing and any possible emotional trauma. Please don’t assume that because a dog hides his treats, he’s been severely neglected. , as this is often not the case.
Ash says there isn’t a certain age where it develops.
“I’ve seen this in puppies as young as 8 weeks old when they first came home,” she says. “When it comes to the most aggressive resource protection, it’s genetic and there’s usually a singular event that ‘activates’ the aggressive response. It can happen at any time, and the event may not be something that stands out for us humans.
Generally speaking, behavior isn’t a bad thing, Ash says.
“I strongly believe that hiding or hoarding treats is a great fun activity for the dog, and I always recommend leaving a special safe space for your dog to practice this,” she says. “Never take anything from the dog or its heap unless it’s a prohibited item – something that belongs to you or something dangerous to your dog. If you have to take something away, always exchange it for a treat. or other object of equal or greater value If your dog is showing aggression, stop immediately and call a non-strength trainer experienced in resource protection protocols to help give your dog tools to deal with situations where he may have to give up and give you the skills to be careful.”
Hiding treats can be fun for dogs
Dogs can bury or hide their treats and food for a variety of reasons, but in its simplest form it can be instinctive and fun. If you notice this behavior in your dog, give him a safe space to participate in the activity. But if you notice signs of anxiety, aggression, stress, or anything else to worry about, see a professional.