Buzz
If you've ever stumbled upon your dog's favorite toy hidden beneath cushions or buried under a pile of dirt in the yard, you likely already know that dogs have an instinct to bury objects. Digging, like many other dog behaviors, is part of their natural instincts. But what sparks this drive to dig?
Cesar's Way reveals that before dogs were domesticated and fed conveniently packaged kibble by their human companions, they had to fend for themselves. When they managed to catch a meal, it was crucial to hide it from other dogs. Burying their food helped obscure the scent, keeping it safe from being stolen.
This instinctive behavior lingers even when a dog knows food will be served. It can also show up when a dog has more food than it can consume at once. Burying it in the ground allows them to save it for later.
Food isn't the sole motivator for a dog to start digging. If they've found something of yours, like the remote control, they might just be signaling a wish to play.
Certain dog breeds are more inclined to dig than others. Terriers, dachshunds, beagles, basset hounds, and miniature schnauzers are known for digging more frequently, though nearly any dog can display this behavior. While this digging habit isn't usually harmful, it's important to make sure your dog isn't exposed to potentially dangerous chemicals, such as lawn care products, while they're in the yard. And it's probably a good idea to keep your remote in a secure spot before your dog decides to bury it for you.
