Why Do Dogs Bury Bones or Toys?

Why Do Dogs Bury Bones?

If you’ve ever found a bone wedged between your couch cushions or buried under a pile of laundry, you may wonder why your dog insists on hiding their prized possessions. While it’s easy to assume this is just quirky behavior, there are deeper instincts at play.

Dogs will bury bones both outdoors and indoors for a variety of reasons, ranging from evolutionary survival instincts to simple enjoyment.  Not all dogs bury bones, but some have a penchant for doing so for fun or because they want to safeguard their possession.

There are many different reasons why dogs will bury their bones or toys.

A Survival Instinct Passed Down Through Generations

The practice of burying bones, food, and toys stems from a deeply ingrained instinct passed down from dogs’ wild ancestors. Before dogs were domesticated, they had to hunt for their meals and didn’t always know when they would find their next food source.  

For survival, wild canines, like wolves and foxes, would bury excess food to keep it safe from scavengers. The soil acted as a natural refrigerator, preventing the meat from spoiling quickly. Even though modern dogs are well-fed and don’t need to worry about food shortages, this survival instinct remains hardwired into their DNA.

This same instinct occurs when your dog is digging up the yard even if they don’t always place items in the hole.

Protecting Valuables from Others

Another reason dogs bury bones and other items is to protect them from potential threats. Even in a household where no one is competing for their food, some dogs feel the need to safeguard their treasures. This can be especially true in multi-pet homes where other dogs (or even curious cats) might try to steal their favorite chew toy or bone. By hiding the bone or toy, a dog is safeguarding his or her prized possession to make sure that it remains untouched until they’re ready to enjoy it again.

A Fun and Satisfying Activity

For some dogs, burying bones or even toys is less about survival and more about enjoyment. Digging, hiding, and “saving” items can be a fun and rewarding activity. Certain breeds, particularly those bred for hunting or retrieving—like Terriers, Dachshunds, and Beagles—may have an even stronger instinct to dig and bury. These dogs were historically bred to hunt small animals that burrow underground, so the act of burying items comes naturally to them.

If your dog enjoys digging and hiding objects, you may find bones or toys stashed in surprising places around your home. Some dogs carefully tuck items under blankets, in the laundry basket, or even under pillows. While it might seem strange, this behavior provides mental stimulation and keeps them engaged.

Stress, Anxiety, and Resource Guarding

Sometimes, a dog burying bones inside the house can be a sign of stress or anxiety. If a dog feels uncertain about his environment, such as a recent move, a new pet, or changes in their daily routine, they may instinctively try to hide their valuable resources. This behavior can also be a sign of resource guarding, where a dog feels the need to protect food or toys from being taken away. 

If you notice your dog becoming overly protective of their buried items, showing signs of aggression when approached, or excessively hiding food and toys, it may be worth assessing their environment.  By making sure that they feel secure, maintaining a consistent routine, and using positive reinforcement training can help ease any stress-related behaviors.

How to Manage the “Burying” Behavior if It Becomes Problematic

While burying bones and toys is generally harmless, it can become a problem if your dog starts hiding food in places where it spoils or if they become obsessive about the behavior.

If you want to discourage excessive burying, here are a few strategies to consider:

Provide plenty of Physical & Metal Stimulation:

A bored dog is more likely to develop obsessive behaviors. Interactive toys, training sessions, and regular exercise can help reduce unnecessary burying. Long walks, playing fetch, whatever it takes to tire your pup.

Limit Access To Extra Bones or Treats:

If your dog buries bones or their treats instead of eating them, try offering smaller portions or giving them a bone only when you can supervise.

Create a Designated Digging Area:

If your dog loves to bury items outdoors, consider setting up a small sandbox or designated digging spot where they can safely engage in this natural behavior. 

Keep An Eye on Your Dog’s Stress Levels:

If the digging behavior seems excessive, evaluate whether any changes in the household might be triggering anxiety. Providing a secure environment and ensuring your dog feels safe can help minimize compulsive burying.

A Harmless Quirk or Something More?

Most of the time, a dog that buries bones or even toys, whether it is outside in the yard or inside your home, is a harmless and natural behavior. It’s often a sign of their instinctive nature, a way to have fun, or even an effort to keep their prized possessions safe. However, if it becomes excessive or is linked to anxiety, it may be worth addressing through training or environmental adjustments.

So, the next time you find a hidden bone tucked away in your couch, remember—it’s just your dog’s way of saying, “I’ll save this for later.”