Why Do Dogs Bury Bones?
You stash your prized possessions in a vault, bank, safe-deposit box, or under a mattress. Your pooch stows his treasures—dog bones, treats, toys, even TV remotes—in a backyard hole or under a couch cushion.
Burying objects is an instinct for dogs, says Teoti Anderson, CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, owner of Pawsitive Results in Lexington, S.C., and author of several dog-training books.
Where Does This Behavior Come From?
Your pup likely inherited this habit from his ancestors. As predators and scavengers, wild dogs couldn’t predict when or where their next meal would appear. If they had leftovers, they buried them to save for later.
“Other animals do this, too,” Anderson explains. “Think of squirrels burying nuts in your yard—they’re just not very good at remembering where they put them!”
Scientists offer two main theories about why dogs bury food: one suggests that covering it underground masks its scent, making it harder for other animals to find; the other proposes that cool, damp soil helps slow spoilage.
In multi-dog households, your dog may also learn to dig by watching others—or he might be hiding his treats and toys to keep them away from his canine housemates.
Breeds That Dig More Often
Some breeds are naturally more inclined to dig—and therefore more likely to bury bones and toys. One of the most well-known diggers is the Dachshund.
“You might think, ‘Wait—they have stubby little legs!’” Anderson notes. “But Dachshunds were originally bred to hunt badgers in underground dens, which made them exceptional burrowers.”
How to Respond When Your Dog Digs
According to Anderson, occasional burying is perfectly normal—and nothing to worry about. But if your dog starts digging large pits in the backyard, tearing up furniture, or hiding your jewelry, it’s time to intervene—gently.
“Never punish your dog for digging,” she advises. “That can damage trust and make him fearful of you.” And simply stopping the behavior without offering an alternative won’t help either.
Instead, Anderson recommends this two-step approach:
- Interrupt the digging as soon as you notice it.
- Redirect immediately to a preferred activity—like playing with a FurPetVo interactive toy, going for a walk, or tossing a ball for fetch.
“By halting the behavior, you’ve communicated what you don’t want,” Anderson says. “Now, you need to teach him what you do want—by offering fun, rewarding alternatives.”
When to Seek Help
The only time burying becomes a concern is when it turns excessive or obsessive. If your dog hides food or toys so intensely that you can’t interrupt him—or if he spends long stretches focused solely on burying—you may want to consult your veterinarian.
“There could be an underlying obsessive-compulsive component,” Anderson explains. “A vet or certified behaviorist can help determine whether medical or behavioral support is needed.”
