Why do dogs hide or bury food?
It is likely that those who have a dog as a pet, have surely observed curiously as at some point: buried or hid their food in different parts of the house or the garden, an event that goes unnoticed by considering that the animal could be entertaining in this way. However, The act carried out by the dog to hide or bury the food or other objects is not a simple game for the animal, but it goes much further.
So, if you frequently observed your dog hiding their food, or some other object, this article will surely arouse your interest, because we will mention the possible causes and how you can prevent this behavior Continue present in the canino's life.
Why dogs bury food: causes
In principle, it must be clarified that, although it is a very common behavior in dogs, it does not represent the lack of education or any alteration in the animal's behavior, on the contrary, The reasons are usually multiple, but it is considered a common aspect in the dog, in addition to being a recognized practice through history as a symbol of survival, due to its growth as a wild animal that could cross food shortage.
Survival instinct
One of the first reasons why The dog adopts the behavior of hiding food It is for the survival instinct. Years before they could domesticate, the canine survived in a wild way, that is, they had no comforts in terms of food, but should hunt it and protect it from other animals to ensure its food.
This need for protection led to dogs intelligently to save various amounts of food underground in order to have reserve portions in case of returning the shortage. Although some time has passed since this fact, and currently domesticated dogs receive their diet regularly, the animal's instinct continues latent to hide or bury the remains of its food, as a promotion impulse.
Competitiveness
The suspicion for food in the presence of other animals outside the house can cause the dog to assume the behavior of hiding food surpluses. This behavior is also associated with the survival instinct and the period of scarcity in which wild dogs remained long ago, because the presence of other animals around their food made them be on a warning, so burying or hiding their food was the first option to protect it.
Accumulation
The dog's compulsive need to hide or bury your food or other objects in various places of the house is also known as "hoarding." In a specific case, relating more to prevention. The constant shortage of foods that dogs in their wild time crossed, made them creditors of techniques necessary for food protection, To prevent starving In case the lack of these will be presented again. That is why, although it was many years ago, the custom of animals to be cautious does not change and still looks like hidden.
This behavior not only shows the skill of dogs when trying to stay before a food shortage, but also reveals the intelligence and attitude of the animal, to provide situations that are currently almost non -existent because they are domesticated animals.
Fun
When it comes to hiding objects in addition to food, it can be seen that it is not only a survival instinct, but also For dogs this is a common form of entertainment. Thus there is no worry, just try to hide things in inappropriate places.
When is this behavior common?
As already seen throughout history, there are different reasons why the dog hides or buries the food. At present these causes can be synthesized in three simple reasons:
- When there are more than two dogs inside the house, so it is obliged to hide their food from other animals.
- When he feels that they provide little food and looks at the need to bury or hide a little for later.
- When he proves some food that had not previously consumed.
These are the most common reasons why today the hidden dog or buries its food. If you live in a garden space, the dog is likely to feel more freedom to do this practice, because it is perceived outdoors and without limitations to bury and hide its food and belongings.
How to avoid this behavior?
Although it is not an alteration in the health of the dog, hiding or hiding food can be annoying, because it spoils the garden or failing it in inappropriate places of the house. That is why, if you want to avoid it, you can follow the following recommendations:
Fixed schedule in food
Trying to maintain a constant schedule in food hours will make the canine biological clock adapt to receiving food at the selected hours. This will help you feel satisfied and should not hide food for other moments. It is always recommended to feed twice a day, so you will not feel that you give it little food.
Attentive to your reactions
If for some reason you must modify or change the dog food, keep your reactions attentive. It is likely that starting to give it a new food can cause a state of alert in the dog, which you do not like, and for this reason hide it or bury it. That is why you must keep pending the animal's behavior.
Following these recommendations, it is very likely that the canine does not see the need to let out its compulsion to bury your food so frequently and only when you need to have fun or entertain yourself you can visualize this behavior.
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