This is why dogs hide things

Has it ever happened that in the morning you couldn’t find your sock or your new shoe? Have you already faced the fact that your dog leads a secretive lifestyle?

Some dogs regularly hide things. But why? There are several explanations for it, let’s look at them!

Hiding things is part of their nature

Most dogs hide things because their instincts dictate that they should accumulate or preserve food and everything that forms part of their possessions. Although this trait can often be annoying, we, as owners, must still understand that with this they “don’t want to throw a spanner in the works.”

1.) They put things aside for later

Just as squirrels stash nuts and people put valuables in a safe, dogs also hide what they consider their most precious possessions to keep them safe.

Hiding food is the species’ survival strategy

2.) It is a survival strategy

It is believed that hiding food in the ground is the dog species’ survival strategy, which allows them to preserve it in the cool earth for later consumption. In the case of domesticated dogs, the hidden items prevent other animals from taking them away.

3.) It can also indicate stress

Hiding things can also be associated with anxiety or stress-related problems. This may be because of the presence of other dogs who take things, but other reasons can also lie behind it.

4.) Other problems

When dogs often hide this and that, it’s not always a behavioural problem; it could be that the dog is overfed, or simply just bored.

Hiding may indicate anxiety problems

How to reduce these habits

One of the best ways to prevent these habits is to teach the dog the correct forms of play from an early age. Let’s avoid letting our little friend access things like shoes, socks, or children’s toys, and keep the following tips in mind:

• Play with our four-legged friend and teach them the appropriate behaviour.
• Offer suitable toys and play frequently.
• Store our little friend’s toys where they are accessible for them.
• If we find a missing toy, put it back in its place.
• Teach the “give it back” command so our dog will return the toys.
• At the first signs of hiding and hoarding, call the dog to us, and if they return, reward them with a little treat.
• Teach the dog to put their toys in a specific place, and reward the correct behaviour.

Dogs who receive plenty of mental and physical stimulation are less prone to bad habits. Teaching tricks is a great way to connect with our little friend and strengthen the bond between us. Controlled chasing games, tug-of-war games, morning runs, or dog sports are also excellent ways for our dog to burn off excess energy.

If, even after following our tips, you don’t achieve the desired results, it’s worth seeking help from a professional who applies the methods of positive reinforcement to modify the dog’s behaviour while teaching them not to hide things.