Every day, we celebrate our shared love of dogs and hopefully brighten your day. Enjoy!
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That curious habit of your dog burying bones or treats in the backyard? It's not just quirky behavior – it's an instinct deeply rooted in their wild ancestry.
Caching for Lean Times: Wild canids, like wolves, often bury food to save it for later when prey may be scarce. This "caching" behavior ensures survival during periods of food shortage. [1] While your domesticated dog likely enjoys regular meals, the instinct to stash away food for a rainy day remains.
Keeping Valuables Safe: Burying food can also be a way for dogs to protect their prized possessions from scavengers or competing pack members. By hiding food, they ensure that it remains available only to them. [2]
Scent Marking: The act of digging and burying can also be a way for dogs to leave their scent in the area, marking their territory. [3]
Behavioral Reasons: In some cases, burying behavior might be linked to anxiety or boredom. If your dog is excessively burying food or non-food items, it's worth considering whether their needs are being met. [4]
While this behavior might be inconvenient for owners, it's a natural instinct for dogs. Providing appropriate outlets for digging and enrichment activities can help satisfy their innate drive.
References:
[1] Bekoff, M. (2002). Minding animals: Awareness, emotions, and heart. Oxford University Press. [2] Coren, S. (2006). How dogs think. Free Press. [3] Beaver, B. V. (2009). Canine behavior: Insights and answers. Elsevier Health Sciences. [4] Overall, K. L. (2013). Manual of clinical behavioral medicine for dogs and cats. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Family photo of the day: Luna!
We want to share your pup. Email us your favorite doggy pic or video with your pup’s name, and we'll try to feature it as a family photos in one of our upcoming newsletters or on our Facebook page.
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Sources:
Dog of the day: Reddit
Meme of the day: Reddit