Your dog begs for a treat, only to hide it in the couch cushions or bury it in the backyard after you give it to them. Does this behavior leave you scratching your head? It's common for a lot of dogs, but why do dogs bury stuff? Keep reading to find out what might be motivating your dog's hoarding behavior and what you can do about it.
Why Do Dogs Bury Things?
A number of factors could explain your dog's burying habit. Here are a few of the most common reasons for this typical dog behavior.
Hereditary Instinct
Why do dogs bury things? Oftentimes, it's because they're wired to. It's an instinct that they inherited from their ancestors. When they manage to hunt down or scavenge a big meal, they hide the leftovers by burying it in the ground, both to help preserve it and to protect it from other scavengers, says The Spruce Pets. Although domesticated dogs may get meals like clockwork and have no need to stash food for later, the instinctual behaviors passed down through their DNA tell them otherwise.
Breed
Although all dogs have this instinct at some level, it appears to be strongest in dogs that were bred to hunt small game. Terriers and smaller members of the hound group, like dachshunds, beagles and basset hounds, tend to have a high propensity toward digging and burying objects. These dogs were intentionally bred to retain more of their hunting instincts, and it appears likely that this includes the instinct to preserve their "catches."
Anxiety or Possessiveness
Dogs are often soothed by the act of digging. As such, those who feel anxious or insecure may turn to digging and burying objects as a coping mechanism for their anxiety. In a multi-dog household, dogs who feel like there's competition for food and other resources, like toys, might resort to hiding their stuff to keep it safe. This can especially be true of tiny dogs, like Chihuahuas, who fear having their things taken away by larger pets. If you have a little dog, this may explain why you find treats, chew toys and pieces of kibble stashed between the couch cushions or underneath the furniture.
Boredom
All of that can explain why dogs hide and bury their food and toys, but why do dogs bury stuff that isn't theirs? If your dog seems to get a kick out of burying your things, it might be because they're simply bored, and they're trying to get your attention. To your dog, burying your things is a fun game, and you're invited to play along.
Tasty Tips
Curbing the Impulse to Bury Things
If your dog is making a habit of burying food or toys, it might be that they're being given too much at once, says American Kennel Club. Make sure you're not overfeeding or over-treating your dog and leaving them with a surplus of food that they feel like they need to save for later. And if they're burying toys instead of playing with them, try limiting the number of toys they have access to at one time, rotating them on a weekly basis. Exercising your dog regularly and providing them with plenty of attention can also help cut down on the impulse to dig — and reduce the temptation to steal and hide your stuff.
It's important to let dogs be dogs and give them opportunities to exercise their natural instincts. Rather than trying to train your dog not to dig and bury things at all, provide places both inside and outside where it's okay to exercise this behavior — a sandbox in the backyard or a pile of pillows and blankets inside, for instance — and turn it into a game of hide-and-seek that you can play together.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Oral Care Small & Mini Chicken, Rice & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build-up, specially designed for small & mini dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult 6+ Large Breed No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe dog food
Supports energy & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, joints, heart & kidneys healthy
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Barley Entrée
Chicken & barley entree with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Perfect Digestion Small Bites Chicken, Brown Rice & Whole Oats Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome. Delicious food in a small bite size
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
For the faster metabolism of Small & Mini dogs
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Can Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Small & Mini Chicken & Vegetables Entrée Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Hearty Vegetable & Chicken Stew dog food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Barley & Whole Oats Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Savory Stew with Beef & Vegetables Dog Food
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small Paws dry dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light with Liver Dog Food
Low calories & L-Carnitine help promote ideal body weight, support healthy mobility & maintain heart function
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Beef & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Beef & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Savory Stew Can Variety Pack Dog Food
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small & Mini dog food
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Savory Stew with Chicken & Vegetables
Chicken & Vegetables recipe with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to help your puppy build immunity and strong bones
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken & Rice Entrée Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Chicken Recipe Dog Food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Fewer calories for less active dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Tender Chicken & Vegetable Stew Dog Food
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous coat
Hill's Science Diet Adult Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports lean muscle and beautiful coat for adult dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken, Carrots & Spinach Stew Dog Food
Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Related articles
What's My Dog Doing When I'm Not Home?
Who knows what dogs do when you're not home? Here are some of the most common activities your pet will take part in while you're away.
Socializing & Introducing Your New Puppy
Learn how to socialize your puppy with new members of your family, other dogs or pets in the house and and new people in your community.
Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter?
You know your furry friend loves peanut butter, but is it good for him? Learn the details about this snack and when it's safe for your dog.
Is it Safe to Feed My Dog a Banana?
Are bananas good or bad for dogs? Find out if it's safe too feed him a banana treat and what to do if he's eaten a whole one, peel and all.
Dog Ear Cropping, Tail Docking and Other Cosmetic Canine Surgeries to Avoid
Learn about the most common cosmetic canine surgeries like dog ear cropping, dewclaw removal & tail docking, and why vets usually recommend avoiding them.
Can Dogs Get Braces? (& Are They Safe?)
Learn when braces can be an option for dogs, like when a dog has severe bite or teeth alignment issues, and how they can help dogs chew & eat normally.
Where Does Your Pup's Bad Behavior Come From?
Learn where your dog's bad dog behavior comes from, as well as advice on dealing with it it and training tips to help him to overcome common issues.
How to Give a Dog a Pill: Helpful Tips & Methods
While getting a dog to take a pill can be tricky, learn valuable tips for helping them to take pills, liquids and other medications without a fuss.
How to Make Your Garden Safe for Your Dog
If you have a garden, find out how you can protect your dog from potential hazards such as plants, garden tools, and water features.
Teaching Your Dog to Fetch
Discover easy and effective methods for teaching your dog to play fetch, including commands to use and how rewards can help him learn the game.
How to Make Vet Visits Less Scary for Your Dog
Is your dog scared of vet appointments? Learn tips for calming his anxiety and taking the stress out of his trip to the veterinarian.
How to Treat A Cut on A Dog (& What to Put on It)
Learn basic steps & precautions for treating a cut on your dog, including what you can put on the cut, and when you should take them to the vet.
The Facts Behind Breed-Specific Dog Food
Choosing the right food for your puppy is a challenging task, and a very important one. Learn ,more about breed specific dog foods.
Learn About the Best Dog Breeds for Children
Learn tips for choosing the best dog breed for your children and family, considering things like breed size, energy level, temperament and age.
Why Science Matters in Your Dog's Food
Learn why scientific research is important in formulating quality dog food, especially for things like taste, size, texture and nutritional ingredients.
Outside Games & Activities for Your Puppy
Get ready to discover fun activities you can have with your new puppy outdoors while learning how to keep him safe and happy.
My Dog Is Bullying Other Dogs: What Should I Do?
Learn how to spot bullying behavior in dogs, including signs like being pushy, aggressive and stealing other dogs' food, and tips for putting a stop to it.
Shelter Adoption or Dog Breeders: What's the Best Place to Get a Puppy?
There are several places to get a puppy, learn more about finding a puppy at a shelter, breeder, rescue organisations or local newspaper.
Five Great Ways to Keep Your Puppy Healthy
Get helpful tips on how to keep your puppy healthy, including oral and ear care, puppy stress prevention, and more.
Lumps on Your Dog: Common Types & What You Should Know
Learn about common types of lumps & bumps you might notice on your dog, tips for monitoring them over time and when they might become a health concern.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.