Tuesday, August 10, 2010 Why does your dog bury treats or toys?
Why does your dog bury her treats or toys?
Does your dog often bury her bones, treats or even her toys in your backyard? Ever find a bone under the pillow on your bed or behind the sofa cushions? Or does she attempt to “faux bury” her cookies in the corner of the carpet like my dog Natasha, to the point of creating a raw spot on the top her nose?
Most behaviors dogs practice today are rooted in their ancient, developmental history. In the early days of canines, food wasn’t always plentiful. After a successful hunt, a dog would bury whatever he didn’t consume to keep it from scavengers and even other members of her pack. When she became hungry again or prey was sparse, she would return to her “stash” to consume the leftovers.
Sometimes the problem was that the hunt was so successful there was too much food to be consumed at one meal. An ancestral urge led the dogs to bury their food for leaner times. The dirt also helped keep the food fresher by keeping it from direct sunlight.
You might wonder why your dog still practices this behavior when you deliver her kibble to her food bowl every day! Old habits die hard and even our domesticated canines still experience the natural instinct to hoard. In fact, many species in the animal kingdom regularly practice hoarding behaviors. Squirrels hide acorns, leopards hang their kill from trees for later consumption, and even humans stock their pantry with canned goods and non-perishables.
Your dog’s modified hoarding instinct is normal. But if her burying urge becomes obsessive, try to limit her toys and treats to one or two items. After all, she can only play with one toy and chew one bone at a time. Make sure she’s getting plenty of daily exercise and structured activities throughout the day to keep him healthy, happy, stimulated, and balanced!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010 - CPR Tuesday, August 10, 2010 - Switching to Adult Food from Puppy Food Tuesday, August 10, 2010 - Switching to Adult Food from Puppy Food Tuesday, August 10, 2010 - Achieving Balance TRAINING TIP Tuesday, August 10, 2010 - Why does your dog bury treats or toys? Thursday, June 10, 2010 - Dog Agility TRAINING TIP Thursday, June 10, 2010 - Spin TRICK TIP Thursday, June 10, 2010 - How To Stop Separation Anxiety In Dogs TRAINING TIP Wednesday, June 9, 2010 - Dog Insurance Wednesday, June 9, 2010 - Teaching Dog Tricks TRICK TIP Wednesday, June 9, 2010 - Let's Go Leash walking TRAINING TIP Friday, May 28, 2010 - Go Natural Friday, May 28, 2010 - Go Natural Monday, May 24, 2010 - The Perfect Garden Dog TRAINING TIP Monday, May 24, 2010 - The Perfect Garden Dog TRAINING TIP Monday, May 24, 2010 - Go Natural Monday, May 24, 2010 - Go Natural Thursday, March 25, 2010 - Recall Outside TRAINING TIP Thursday, March 25, 2010 - Herbs for Arthritis Friday, February 26, 2010 - Meat Eater Monday, February 8, 2010 - It is cold out side so spice up your pets diet. Monday, December 21, 2009 - HAPPY HOLIDAYS Friday, August 21, 2009 - Teaching the whistle for a recall TRAINING TIP Thursday, August 20, 2009 - Events and Pets eating poop and anal glands health. Wednesday, June 24, 2009 - Socialization worksheet TRAINING TIP Tuesday, June 23, 2009 - We are currently seeking Volunteers Wednesday, March 25, 2009 - Drop it TRICK TIP Tuesday, March 24, 2009 - An unusual new sight for a new puppy TRAINING TIP Monday, March 23, 2009 - HELP volunteers/foster or tax right off Wednesday, February 4, 2009 - Teach your dog to shake hands. TRICK TIP Monday, February 2, 2009 - Teach the dog to come. TRAINING TIP Wednesday, January 21, 2009 - Pet Owners Beware Friday, December 19, 2008 - Shake hands TRICK TIP Thursday, December 18, 2008 - Through the k-9 eyes TRAINING TIP Thursday, December 4, 2008 - Thinking of buying a new dog for Christmas? Tuesday, October 14, 2008 - Jumping Up TRAINING TIP Monday, October 13, 2008 - Prevent Halloween Havoc Friday, August 29, 2008 - Submissive Urination TRAINING TIP Friday, August 28, 2008 - October 25th : Saturday Mcnallys & Sanors Dog fest 1st. Tuesday, July 9, 2008 - A. Guarding behaviors TRAINING TIP Tuesday, July 8, 2008 - All dog Food i not created equal Friday, June 6, 2008 - Summer and heat and other prevention tips Monday, April 21, 2008 - Spring is in the air so please beware: Things you did not know could harm your pet. Friday, March 7, 2008 - Spring is coming I promise & so are the fleas
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