Instinctive Reason Dogs Bury Bones

Even if you’ve never owned a pet, it’s likely that you’ve seen photos of dogs burying bones in the backyard. But why do they do this? Is there an instinctive reason dogs bury bones, or is it simply a dog’s way of playing around?

Have you ever noticed your dog burying a bone in your backyard or in the park? Dogs have been burying bones and other items for centuries, and there is a long-standing tradition of this behavior. But why do dogs bury bones? To answer that question, we will need to look at the history of this behavior as well as its current purpose.

The Instinctual History of Burying Bones

Dogs are descended from wolves, so it makes sense to look at their behaviors as an indication of what our own four-legged friends are doing now when they bury their bones.

Wolves will often bury bones and other items in order to save them for later consumption. This means that burying a bone is more than just a way for them to hide it—it’s actually an instinctual behavior that has been passed down through generations.

The Purpose of Burying Bones Today

In recent years, the purpose of dogs burying bones has changed somewhat. While some dogs still bury their bones with the intention of eating them later, others may be doing it out of boredom or anxiety.

For example, if your dog tends to bury their bone right after you give it to them, it may be trying to keep itself entertained by creating an activity for itself and acting out this instinctual behavior.

On the other hand, if your dog buries their bone when they’re feeling anxious or stressed out (such as during thunderstorms), then it may be instinctively trying to protect itself from potential dangers by hiding something valuable away from plain sight. 

Burying Bones as a Stress Reliever

On the other hand, if your dog buries their bone when they’re feeling anxious or stressed out (such as during thunderstorms), then it may be instinctively trying to protect itself from potential dangers by hiding something valuable away from plain sight. 

When stressed or anxious, some dogs may turn to bury items as a way to cope with their feelings.

This is especially true when owners are away from home for long periods of time; it could be the dog’s way of trying to keep themselves occupied while their owners are gone.

Burying Bones For Later Use

Another reason why dogs may bury their bones is to save them for later use. Dogs are notorious scavengers, so when they find something that looks like a potential snack, they’ll stash it away for later. By burying the bone in their favorite spot in the yard or house, they ensure that no one else will take it while they’re away or asleep.

This also explains why some dogs dig up old bones—they weren’t able to eat them when they first found them but now want another chance at enjoying them!                           

What Can Owners Do?

It’s important for owners to understand that burying bones is perfectly normal behavior and should not be discouraged—so long as your pup isn’t digging up anything valuable! If you’re concerned about your pooch’s current diet and treats, try switching up his menu by adding high-quality proteins like fresh meat or salmon-based kibbles.

By giving your pup healthier options and providing him with plenty of exercise and attention throughout the day, he’ll have fewer opportunities to feel stressed or bored which can help reduce his urge to bury things around the house. 

What To Do If Your Dog Is Burying Bones

If your dog begins burying bones indoors or on your property, it should be addressed as soon as possible – as it could present certain health risks depending on what types of objects are being buried. For example, if your dog is digging up sticks or rocks in your yard before burying them again, you may need to worry about potential injuries from sharp edges in those materials.

Additionally, if your dog is burrowing into piles of leaves or dirt near trees and shrubs in order to stash away his prized possessions – he could inadvertently spread disease-causing pests like fleas throughout your yard without you even knowing it!

To discourage this type of behavior at home, try providing plenty of stimulating toys for him to play with instead – such as chewable rubber balls or stuffed animals specifically designed for pets that love chewing and burrowing into their toys.

You may also want to consider enlisting professional help from trainers who specialize in teaching dogs how not to engage in destructive behaviors like digging indoors or outdoors on your property. 

Safety First

If you decide to give your pup permission to bury objects around the house or yard, keep safety top-of-mind by choosing age-appropriate toys (like those made without small parts) and avoiding anything that can be swallowed whole or broken apart easily.

Also, make sure that whatever they’re burying won’t hurt them if they attempt to dig too deep into the ground—so no sharp objects! And finally, always supervise your pup while he’s playing with his newly unearthed goodies; you never know how he might react if another pet attempts to take it away from him!

Final Thoughts on Instinctive Reason Dogs Bury Bones

Understanding the instinctive reason dogs bury bones can be tricky – but it isn’t impossible! From ancient instincts that have been passed down from wolves over time, to modern-day hoarding tendencies – there are many potential explanations for why our furry friends behave this way.

While some degree of burying behavior might be normal for some pups – others may require additional training and behavioral interventions in order to stop potentially dangerous activities like digging up sticks and rocks outdoors or hiding items around the house where they shouldn’t be stored away safely!

Thankfully, by understanding the instinctive reason dogs bury bones and taking steps early on – pet owners can help their beloved companions learn healthier habits while keeping themselves out of trouble too!