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Why Dogs Hide Stuff
Does your dog hide treats… or do they curiously steal your socks, underwear or other things? Today we look at one of the quirky like thing do, and why they hide treats and other things.
Dogs have a natural instinct to hide food, also known as “hoarding.” This behavior can stem from their wild ancestor’s survival instincts.
Survival Instinct
Often they had to store food to have enough to survive during times of scarcity. In the wild, dogs would bury their food to keep it safe from other animals, and this behavior has carried over into domesticated dogs.
One reason a dog may hide things (food and other things) is to save ‘it’ for later. Whether it is an item to comfort them or something to eat. Dogs have a natural inclination to store food to eat later. And hiding treats is a way for them to save their favorite snacks for when they’re feeling hungry. Which stems back to the canine ancestry.
Multi Pet Household or When They are Puppies
Another reason that a dog may hide treats or food is to protect it from other animals. This could be other dogs, or even cats. A canine may hide their stuff to keep it safe from being stolen or eaten by other animals. It may also be a common behavior that’s seen in multi-dog households. They may also hide away treats in order to keep them away from stronger canine siblings. Read about dog treat dispensing toys here!
Some Dogs Hide Their Treats for Fun
Additionally, dogs may hide treats as a form of play. Some dogs enjoy the act of hiding and finding their treats again. In fact while our rescue dog Oscar is happy to share his treats and toys with me, he takes great excitement in hiding them from my husband. He will wait and watch til my husband gets near and races to his treat before he gets there.
Some dogs will engage in this behavior as a form of entertainment. They may hide a treat, and then go looking for it, as if they were playing a game of hide and seek.
Traumatic Experiences Shelter and Rescue Dogs
Moreover, some dogs may hide treats as a form of canine anxiety. Dogs that suffer from separation anxiety may hide treats as a way to cope with their feelings of stress and anxiety. This behavior is also seen in some dogs who have been through traumatic experiences or a rescue dog, rescued from a difficult situation.
It’s important to note that hiding treats can also be a sign of an underlying medical condition such as anemia or diabetes. If your dog hides treats and shows any signs of illness, it’s important to take them to the vet for a check-up.
What Else Dogs May Steal Away
Dogs can hide a variety of things, including food, toys, and other items that they find interesting or valuable.
When it comes to food, dogs may hide treats, bones, or even their regular meals. They may bury these items in the backyard, hide them under furniture or in a corner of the room, or even stash them in a designated “hoarding spot” such as a closet or pantry.
In addition to food, dogs may also hide toys. This behavior can stem from a desire to protect their possessions from other animals or from a playful inclination to hide and seek with their toys. Some dogs may bury their toys in the yard, while others may stash them under furniture or in a designated toy box.
Why Dogs May Steal Your Socks
Dogs may also hide other items such as shoes, underwear, socks, or other household items. Some dogs may have a habit of collecting and hiding items they find interesting or valuable. Such as a favorite blanket, socks, stuffed toys as well and its not limited to food. Some dogs want anything that smells like their pet parent. Often this behavior is seen as a sign of possessiveness or a form of anxiety.
It’s also important to note that it is possible that a dogs may hide things as a form of destructive behavior. It’s possible for Dogs that are bored or anxious to chew on or destroy items. And then hide the remains as a way to avoid getting in trouble.
How to Help Your Dog Hiding Stuff (If It’s Negative)
If you worry your dog is suffering with anxiety, or hiding stuff due to less than healthy behaviors there are ways to help them. One way is to designate an area to have their toys and bed such as a dog toy box.
Make sure their toys are in a safe place where you can monitor their behavior. And if your dog’s hiding behavior appears excessive or destructive, it may be helpful to consult with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. This can help to determine any underlying cause and develop a plan to address it.
Concluding Why Do Dogs Hide Treats
In conclusion, dogs hide treats for a variety of reasons, including survival instincts, protection, play, and anxiety. While it can be a cute and endearing canine behavior, it’s important to keep an eye on your dog’s behavior and make sure that it’s not a sign of an underlying issue. As a pet owner, it’s important to understand and interpret the behavior of your dog. This will help to ensure they are happy and healthy dogs.
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