Have you ever been taking a walk through your backyard only to find a freshly dug mound of earth hiding one of your dog’s favorite toys? If you have, you aren’t alone. This is a common experience for many dog owners. Dogs love to bury toys, food, and other items throughout their territory, mostly because of instinct. Whether they choose an ideal spot is another question. Let’s take a look at the reasons your dog may be burying its toys. This will help you better understand your dog and whether you should get involved in the situation.
Why Do Dogs Bury Their Toys?
1. It’s Instinct
Burying is a natural reaction for dogs. This behavior goes back to their ancestors. For those who aren’t aware, wolves, coyotes, and even wild dogs bury items they feel are special or may be needed at a later time. This can be food or items. When it comes to your domestic dog at home, they may feel the need to bury toys and food as well. In some cases, it’s simply a call back to their history and is an action they feel is necessary.
2. Too Many Toys
Another reason you may find your dog enjoys burying their toys is abundance. This behavior also reflects your dog’s connection to their ancestors. Wolves are known for burying excess food. They do this to keep it safe from scavengers so they can eat it when needed. Your dog may look at their toys in the same way. If they have too many to play with, they may bury them for use later.
3. A Negative Past
It’s possible that your pet had a bad experience with toys in the past. Perhaps their breeder, other dogs in the house they once lived in, or even people they’ve interacted with didn’t allow them to play with their toys when they wanted. If that’s the case, your dog may be burying toys so no one takes them away.
4. Possessiveness
Possessiveness can be a real issue when you have multiple dogs in a household. If there are certain toys your dog favors, they may try to bury them in the backyard to keep the other dogs away from them. If you notice growling or any type of aggression when toys are being played within your home, a possessive dog could be the reason for the burying behavior.
5. Your Dog Is Over It
Dogs are more like kids than you realize, and just like a child, your dog may get bored with the same old toys. If you notice your dog taking an older toy out to the backyard and burying it, this could be the reason, especially if they continue to play with newer toys. Burying could be your dog’s way of telling you they need new toys.
6. Wanting More Activity
Another reason your dog may be burying their toys is that they want more of your attention or more activity throughout the day. When your dog comes to you and instead of taking them for a walk or spending time with them, you simply toss their toy, they may start to expect this kind of reaction from you. If your dog feels they aren’t getting enough physical activity, they may bury their toys so you can’t try to preoccupy them.
7. Anxiety
Dogs show nervousness, stress, or separation anxiety in multiple ways. One of these ways could be by hiding their toys. Perhaps they hope you won’t leave if you can’t find the toy, or perhaps they want the toy tucked away safely for when they are alone. Pay close attention to when your dog buries their toys to better understand if it’s due to anxiety.
8. Wanting Attention
Yes, dogs will do things to get your attention. This includes burying things. These things may be their toys, but it could lead to other items. You may find that when your dog is wanting you to pay attention to them they start burying random things, including things of yours or other family members.
9. Boredom
Dogs, like us, get bored of the same old same old every day. This doesn’t mean they don’t like their toys anymore, but they may just want something else to do. Going out to the backyard and burying one of their toys could be your dog’s way of staying occupied when they’re having an especially boring day.
10. Protecting Their Toys
Your dog may feel the need to protect their toys. If a toy is a special favorite of your pet’s, you may find that your dog wants to bury it to keep you or other animals away from it. In most instances, they will go back and get it when they are ready to play with it. Many dog owners find this kind of behavior cute, but sadly, the dog may become upset when the toy is no longer able to be played with.
Conclusion
While there are many reasons your dog may be hiding and burying their toys, it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact cause. Unless your dog is showing signs of distress or aggression, it’s okay to allow them to play with their toys on their own terms. In most cases, you can sit back and watch your dog’s antics without any issues.
Featured Image Credit: IRINA ORLOVA, Shutterstock
