Bone Burying in Dogs: Normal or Problem Behavior?

Why Do Dogs Bury Bones?

Bone burying, also known as "caching," is a natural instinct inherited from dogs’ wild ancestors. These ancestors buried excess food to protect it from predators and rival pack members, ensuring they could eat later when hungry. Even though modern dogs are fed regularly by their owners, this instinct remains strong. As noted in *Dog-Ology*, this behavior persists even when it no longer serves a practical purpose—such as hiding food under couch cushions or in laundry hampers.

The act isn’t just about food. Dogs may also bury toys or other valued items for the same reason. This behavior is shared with other animals like squirrels, hamsters, and even some human cultures, such as Inuit families who bury meat to ferment it.

Is It a Problem Behavior?

Bone burying is not inherently a problem. In fact, *Doctor Dunbar’s Good Little Dog Book* states that digging—especially to bury or retrieve bones—is a legitimate canine activity. The real issue arises when dogs dig in the wrong places, like flower beds or lawns, which can damage yards. From a human perspective, the behavior is often seen as undesirable, but it’s not malicious—it’s instinctual.

However, if a dog is burying items excessively, especially in inappropriate places, it may signal underlying issues like boredom, anxiety, or stress. *Dog-Ology* notes that too much caching can be diagnosed as problem behavior in such cases. This is especially true if the dog is constantly hiding things or showing signs of distress.

How to Manage the Behavior

Rather than punish the behavior, experts recommend redirecting it. *Doctor Dunbar’s Good Little Dog Book* suggests creating a designated "digging pit" in the yard—like a sandbox—filled with treats, kibble, Kongs, or marrow bones. Once the dog learns that this pit is a treasure trove, it will prefer to dig there instead of in flower beds.

Similarly, *Juvenile Delinquent Dogs* recommends giving dogs alternative ways to bury items, such as placing bones under blankets, in toy boxes, or under couch cushions. This satisfies the instinct without causing damage.

Supervision and management are key. If a dog is left alone in the yard, it may dig in unwanted areas. The solution is to either supervise or restrict access to certain zones until the dog learns acceptable alternatives.

When to Be Concerned

While bone burying is normal, watch for signs of overdoing it. If your dog is constantly digging, hiding items in multiple locations, or showing signs of anxiety (like pacing or excessive licking), the behavior may be more than instinct. In such cases, it may be linked to stress or lack of mental stimulation.

Also, if your dog is digging to reach underground animals like mice or snakes, it may be trying to hunt. *Juvenile Delinquent Dogs* suggests safely removing pests from your yard and providing more engaging activities to reduce this urge.

Final Thoughts: It’s Natural, But Manageable

Bone burying is a common and natural behavior in dogs, driven by deep-rooted survival instincts. It’s not a sign of disobedience or bad training. With proper redirection—like a digging pit or safe indoor hiding spots—this behavior can be managed without suppression. The goal is not to stop it entirely, but to guide it into acceptable outlets.