You give your dog a new toy… and a little while later it’s disappeared under a blanket, in the garden, or behind the couch. Sound familiar? Many dogs tend to hide their toys. But why do they do that? We’ll tell you in this blog post!
Instinct: it's in their nature
Hiding (or burying) items is an ancient instinct. In the wild, our dogs' ancestors buried food to eat later.
What does that mean for your dog?
- He sees the toy as something valuable
- He wants to save it for later
- It provides a sense of control and security
Even without a real need, this behavior persists.
Protecting valuable possessions
Not every toy gets hidden. Usually, it's favorites:
- New toys
- Toys with a strong scent
- Chew treats or bones
Your dog is trying to "secure" these, so to speak.
Insecurity or competition
In households with multiple dogs (or other pets), hiding can also be related to:
- Fear of something being taken away
- Competition for resources
Even if there’s no direct threat, your dog may still display this behavior.
To play again later
Sometimes it's simple: your dog isn't in the mood right now, but wants to save the toy.
Think of it like saving a snack for later, only hidden under a cushion 😉
Fun fact
Some dogs "pretend" to bury something, for example, on the couch or in their bed, without actually digging a hole. This is also called sham burying and is part of their natural behavior.
Finally
A dog that hides its toys is actually showing that it considers them valuable. In most cases, it's a good sign! Only when it escalates into stress or possessiveness is it wise to intervene.
Baloo's Trivia
Consider it a compliment; your dog finds his toys (and his home) worth keeping.