3 min read • Wyatt West, Staff Writer & Outdoor Fiend, Timberdog
If you’ve ever watched your dog dig furiously in the yard to bury a bone or toy, you might have wondered what’s behind this age-old canine ritual. It's a behavior that stirs a mix of curiosity and amusement among dog owners. But there’s more to it than just quirky entertainment. This fascinating behavior is rooted in history, instinct, and biology.
The Ancestral Connection
Dogs’ inclination to bury their treasures dates back thousands of years to their wild ancestors. Wolves, the progenitors of domestic dogs, are opportunistic feeders. They never knew when their next meal might come, so they developed a habit of hoarding food. This behavior, known as caching, ensured that they had something to fall back on during lean times.
In the wild, food scarcity was a real threat, and caching became a survival strategy. Wolves would bury leftovers to hide them from scavengers and return to these hidden stashes when prey was scarce. This instinctual behavior has been passed down through generations, and although our domesticated dogs have regular meals provided, the instinct to bury remains.
Instincts and Natural Behaviors
Dr. Stanley Coren, a professor emeritus in psychology at the University of British Columbia, notes, “The behavior of burying bones or food is a deeply ingrained instinct inherited from their wild ancestors. It’s a survival mechanism that dogs continue to exhibit even when it’s not necessary.” This statement sheds light on the deep-rooted nature of the burying instinct.
For modern dogs, burying bones might seem redundant, but it’s an expression of their natural behaviors. It's akin to how cats, even when domesticated, still exhibit stalking and pouncing behaviors typical of their wild relatives.
Practical Reasons
Beyond instinct, there are practical reasons why dogs bury bones:
- Preservation: Burying a bone helps keep it fresh. The cool earth acts as a natural refrigerator, preventing the bone from spoiling and making it more enjoyable to chew on later.
- Protection: By burying their bones, dogs protect their prized possessions from other animals. In a multi-dog household, this behavior is more pronounced as dogs attempt to safeguard their treats from potential thieves.
- Mental Stimulation: Digging and burying activities provide dogs with much-needed mental and physical stimulation. It engages their senses and satisfies their urge to perform meaningful tasks.
Environmental Influences
A dog’s environment plays a significant role in this behavior. Dogs living in urban settings might bury their bones less frequently due to lack of access to soil, while those in rural areas might indulge more often. Moreover, the type of breed also influences this behavior. For example, terriers and dachshunds, bred for hunting and digging, are more likely to exhibit burying behavior.
The Role of Breed and Temperament
Certain breeds are more inclined to bury than others. Breeds with a strong predatory instinct, such as terriers, are natural diggers. They were historically bred to hunt and chase prey into burrows, and this instinct translates into their modern behavior of burying objects.
Moreover, a dog's temperament plays a part. An anxious or stressed dog might bury objects as a coping mechanism. According to Dr. Karen Becker, a proactive and integrative wellness veterinarian, “Dogs with anxiety or stress might engage in burying as a form of self-soothing. It gives them a sense of control and security.”
Fun and Games
Let’s not forget that for many dogs, burying bones is simply fun. It’s a game that involves planning, physical activity, and satisfaction when they retrieve their hidden treasure later. This play behavior is essential for their well-being and happiness.
Addressing Excessive Burying
While burying is normal, excessive behavior might indicate underlying issues. If your dog is compulsively burying bones or other items, it might be worth consulting with a veterinarian or animal behaviorist. It could be a sign of anxiety, boredom, or even a nutritional deficiency.
Encouraging Healthy Burying Behavior
- Provide Alternatives: Offer chew toys and interactive play to keep your dog engaged.
- Create Digging Zones: If you have a yard, designate a specific area where your dog can dig and bury without causing damage.
- Monitor and Manage: Keep an eye on your dog’s burying habits to ensure they’re not burying items that could be harmful or easily forgotten.
Understanding why dogs bury bones helps us appreciate their behaviors more and enables us to provide an environment that caters to their instincts. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the world of our canine companions, revealing how much of their wild heritage they carry with them. So next time you see your dog digging away, you’ll know there’s a rich history and a host of reasons behind that endearing habit.
Photo credit: Sabbra Cadabra