Mary Allen
Introduction: The Curious Case of Burying Bones
Dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years, yet they still exhibit behaviors that are rooted in their wild ancestry. One such behavior is the tendency to bury their bones, even when they are indoors and there is no dirt in sight. This behavior can be confusing and even frustrating for pet owners who may wonder why their dog is doing this and what they can do to stop it. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this behavior, as well as ways to discourage it.
Instinctual behavior of dogs
Dogs are descended from wild canids, such as wolves, who would bury their food as a way to protect it from scavengers and to create a cache of food for later. This instinctual behavior is still present in domesticated dogs, even though they may not have to worry about predators or scarcity of food. Dogs have a natural urge to protect their possessions and hide them away for later use.
The concept of caching
The behavior of burying bones is part of a larger concept known as caching. Caching is the act of hiding food or possessions in a location that is not easily accessible, with the intention of retrieving them later. This behavior is common in many animals, including birds, squirrels, and even humans. For dogs, caching serves as a way to ensure that they always have a supply of food, even if they are not able to find it in their immediate environment. It is an instinctual behavior that is deeply ingrained in their DNA.