Your socks. The new shoes. The remote control. Each of their toys. Some dogs just love to hide things. But why? There are several explanations for why your dog may have somewhat annoying behavior.
Animal Behavior College Dog Trainer Deborah Fenton and Certified Dog Behavior Consultant Kate Naito discuss why dogs hide things and how to address this behavior so you can keep track of all your favorite things.
Hiding things is in their nature
“Usually when dogs hide things, they do it because they have an instinct to store or guard their food and possessions,” Fenton said.
“While we don’t want our dogs hiding a half-eaten bully stick between the couch cushions or digging in the back yard to bury a bone, we need to understand that this is instinct, not mischief,” he explains. said Naito.
They save for later
Just as squirrels hide nuts, and people put valuables in a safe, dogs hide their most treasured things, so they stay safe and never get lost.
This is a survival strategy
“Hiding excess food in the ground is believed to be a canine survival strategy where food can be preserved and protected in the cold ground, and then eaten at a later time. When it comes to domestic dogs, hiding thing prevents other pets in the house from stealing from them,” said Naito.
It can indicate stress
Dogs that hide or protect their possessions may have underlying anxiety or stress issues. This may come from living with another dog who removes things, among other reasons.
Basic health issues
Hiding isn’t always a behavioral issue. The behavior could be a sign of a health problem, such as your dog being overfed, or simply boredom.
How to Stop Hiding
One of the best ways to prevent these habits is to teach puppies the right way to play from the beginning. Avoid giving puppies access to off-limits items such as children’s shoes, socks, or toys and keep the following tips in mind:
Use playtime to teach your dog proper behavior
Offer appropriate toys and play often, teaching the “give” cue so your dog learns to return the toys, and establish the correct place to put the toys. At the first sign of hoarding, call your puppy. When they return, reward them with a treat.
Fenton recommends the following best practices:
- Keep your pet’s toys where your dog can access them.
- If you find a lost toy, put it back where the toys are stored.
- Reward your dog with praise and play whenever your dog retrieves a toy.
- Teach your dog to place their toys in a specific area of your home, using treats to reward positive behavior.
Put away things your dog might be tempted to hide
Consider keeping certain items, such as treats or toys, out of your dog’s sight or reach. It is best to give them access to these items under supervision. For example, let your dog chew on a bone in a room where there’s nowhere to hide, suggests Naito.
Don’t give too many toys or treats
Having too many things can cause dogs to bury things. If you have a lot of toys, for example, rotate them so your dog only has access to a few at a time.
Create a controlled food environment
When your dog is still in training, consider using a baby gate or barrier so they can’t move their food outside the kitchen or wherever their food is served, says Fenton.
Teach your dog new tricks
Dogs that receive a lot of mental and physical stimulation are less likely to develop bad habits. Teaching dog tricks is a great way to bond with your dog while teaching respectful play manners at the same time. Consider making controlled games of fetch or tug or morning jogs part of your dog’s routine. Dog sports, such as AKC Trick Dog or AKC Scent Work, are also great ways for your dog to release excess energy.
What Not To Do To Stop Dogs From Hiding Things
Whatever you do to respond to your dog’s hiding, your goal should be to strengthen the trusting and loving relationship you have. You don’t want to do anything to jeopardize that or create a situation where your dog is afraid and may even bite in retaliation. Avoid chasing your dog or making a fuss. Doing so may signal to your dog that you are creating a game of chase that encourages hiding behavior.
If you’re still not seeing the results you want, Fenton suggests contacting a dog trainer who uses positive reinforcement methods to help change your pet’s behavior while you train your dog. not to hide things.
