Why do dogs bury food and other things?
 |
Do dogs bury their food |
Have you ever given your dog a bone and then saw him head down the sofa or take it out into the garden to bury it? Many dogs like to bury food and other things in safe places, and dogs are often prepared to bury things that belong to them. Discover four reasons why dogs bury food and how to train your dog not to bury food or other things.
A natural instinct in dogs
This behavior probably developed due to strong survival instincts inherited from the domesticated ancestors of wild dogs. Food was not easy to obtain and make the most of the food they had, as these wild dogs often buried excess food in the ground near their dens.
Where the soil acts as a natural refrigerator by keeping the meal out of direct sunlight and the temperature of the earth decreases with the depth of the pit, while keeping the food fresh for a longer period, so that the caper can recover this food later when the nutrition is scarce.
Dogs can bury anything they consider valuable, and it's not just-food. But this is because of his instincts to keep valuables safe and protected.
Dogs Breed type
Several dog breeds are more apt to dig and bury than others. Examples of these breeds are terriers, dachshunds, beagles, and Basset Schnauzers.
Karen Tereus, for example, this species was originally bred to hunt and catch small prey, and they have maintained excellent digging skills and their hunt instinct.
And since these breeds are bred specifically for digging, they may also have a strong desire to save their resources and thus will likely bury the bone.
This is normal behavior for them. But remember, regardless of a dog's breed, all dogs have the potential to dig.
Feeling bored dog
Dogs need stimulation and excrete their energy every day, and when humans do not provide it for them, they will look for their own ways to release this energy for them to motivate themselves, and these methods include burying food or other things.
For example, stealing and burying a TV set can be a fun game for the dog as well as for getting your attention (attention-seeking behavior) and for further changing the dog's everyday style.
The dog feels anxious
Stress and anxiety can play a role in burying behavior. Some anxious dogs may bury things to calm themselves because digging is a self-soothing behavior.
Where if the dog does not feel safe at the moment or in the area where he eats, he may bury his food to eat in a more comfortable place or time.
You may also see more of this behavior in households with multiple dogs, or among dogs that grew up in places where food was not widely available.
Burying behavior may improve once your dog feels safe and is being fed on a consistent schedule, but if not, it is suggested that you seek advice from your veterinarian and behavioral professionals.
How to prevent a dog from burying food?
Remember that burying behavior can occur for several reasons and it could be due to boredom, anxiety, and the natural desire to hide things in safe places. As it is normal behavior.
To prevent your dog from burying food, be sure to provide a specific regimen, playtime, positive training techniques, and other appropriate outlets for your dog's energy release.
Also, put some fun games around your dog if you are not next to your dog so that the dog does not feel bored. Since puzzle games work well for dogs.
And be sure to change the games every once in a while to keep things interesting.
You can also turn dog burying behavior into a fun game that you play several times a week with your dog.
Experts recommend this because it is an instinct in dogs, so you should provide appropriate opportunities for your dog to bury what you ask him to (instead of the TV remote control).
This game will enrich your dog with new learning of what is suitable for hiding and what is not.
If your dog buries your things or bury toys out of boredom, do the following:
1: In an optimistic tone, call your dog by their name to grab their attention.
2: Redirect the dog to a suitable digging area, short game, or other behavior, then offer him a treat.
