Why do dogs bury bones?

By HotBotUpdated: July 15, 2024

Answer

Origins of the Behavior

Dogs have an ingrained instinct to bury bones that dates back to their wild ancestors. Wild canines, such as wolves, foxes, and coyotes, often faced periods of food scarcity. To survive, they developed behaviors to store surplus food for future consumption. This behavior, known as "caching," ensured that they would have a food supply during times when prey was scarce. Domesticated dogs have inherited this instinct from their wild ancestors, even though they may not face the same survival challenges.

Instinctive Drives

The act of burying bones is driven by several instinctive factors:

Preservation: In the wild, burying food helps to preserve it by protecting it from immediate decay and from scavengers. The cool, dark environment underground slows the decomposition process.
Protection: Burying bones helps keep them safe from other animals who might steal them. This is particularly important in a pack setting where competition for resources is fierce.
Territorial Behavior: Dogs have a natural territorial instinct. Burying items within their territory serves as a way to mark their domain and keep valuable resources within their control.

Modern-Day Reasons

In contemporary settings, domesticated dogs may still bury bones even though they are regularly fed. Several modern-day reasons for this behavior include:

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Instinct: Despite the lack of necessity, the instinct to bury still persists. It's an ingrained behavior that doesn’t simply disappear with domestication.
Security: Dogs may bury bones or toys to hide them from other pets or even humans in the household, ensuring that they can enjoy these items later.
Comfort: Burying bones can be a comforting activity for some dogs, providing them with a sense of security and satisfaction.
Play: Some dogs find the act of digging and burying to be fun. It can be a form of play, providing both mental and physical stimulation.

Breed-Specific Tendencies

Certain dog breeds are more prone to burying bones than others. Terrier breeds, for example, were originally bred to dig out small animals from their burrows. This digging instinct makes them more likely to engage in burying behavior. Similarly, breeds like Dachshunds, which were also bred for hunting and digging, may exhibit this behavior more frequently.

Environmental Influences

The environment in which a dog lives can influence its burying behavior. Dogs with access to outdoor spaces, such as gardens or yards, are more likely to bury bones than those living in apartments without such access. Additionally, the type of soil and the ease with which a dog can dig will also affect whether they engage in this activity. Soft, loose soil is more conducive to burying than hard, compacted ground.

Psychological Factors

Several psychological factors can contribute to a dog's burying behavior:

Anxiety: Dogs experiencing anxiety or stress may bury bones as a coping mechanism. The act of digging and hiding can provide a sense of control and security.
Boredom: Dogs that are bored or lack mental stimulation may turn to burying as a way to entertain themselves. This can be particularly true for high-energy breeds that require a lot of physical and mental activity.
Resource Guarding: Some dogs may bury bones as a form of resource guarding, a behavior where they try to protect their valued possessions from being taken away.

Human Interaction and Training

Human behavior and training can also influence whether a dog will bury bones. For example, if a dog is frequently given treats or bones and has learned that these items are always available, they may feel less need to hide them. Conversely, if a dog is given treats sporadically, they may be more likely to bury them for later enjoyment.

Training can also modify this behavior. Owners who discourage digging and burying through consistent training and redirection can reduce the frequency of this activity. Positive reinforcement for alternative behaviors, such as playing with toys or engaging in interactive activities, can also help.

Rarely Known Details

While the general reasons for burying bones are widely understood, there are some lesser-known details worth noting:

Seasonal Changes: Dogs may be more likely to bury bones during certain times of the year. For example, in the fall, dogs might bury more items as a preparation for the winter months, mimicking the behavior of storing food for leaner times.
Scent Marking: When dogs bury bones, they often roll in the dirt or rub their scent on the ground. This acts as a way to mark the buried item with their unique scent, making it easier for them to locate it later.
Social Learning: Puppies may learn the behavior of burying bones by observing older dogs. This social learning aspect highlights the importance of environment and upbringing in the development of this behavior.

In understanding why dogs bury bones, it becomes clear that this behavior is a complex interplay of instinct, environment, psychology, and breed-specific tendencies. It is a fascinating example of how ancient survival tactics can persist in domesticated animals, providing insight into their natural history and behavioral evolution. Ultimately, observing and understanding this behavior can deepen the bond between humans and their canine companions, offering a glimpse into the deeply rooted instincts that drive their actions.