Understanding Your Furry Friend
Have you ever walked into your garden and found your dog proudly standing over a half-buried squeaky toy, looking at you as if to say, “I’ve got a secret, human!”? If you’ve ever turned around and discovered your dog pawing around the backyard, sofa cushions, or even your laundry basket, trying to “hide” a toy, you may have asked yourself: why do dogs bury their toys?
It’s a behaviour that can leave you scratching your head, a little amused, and sometimes even a bit frustrated. But the truth is, there’s a fascinating reason behind it, one that stretches back thousands of years and taps into your dog’s instincts, emotions, and playful nature.
Understanding why dogs hide, stash, or bury their favourite toys isn’t just fun trivia, it helps you connect with your furry friend, provide the right toys, and make playtime safer and more rewarding.
And if you want to see toys that your dog will absolutely love to hide, chew, and play with, explore our Dog Toys Collection at Pet Bites.
The Ancient Instinct Behind Burying
Dogs are more than just cute companions; they are the descendants of wolves, creatures with instincts honed over thousands of years. Long before dogs became our companions, their ancestors, the wolves had a very practical reason to bury things. They lived in the wild, and food was never guaranteed. Burying surplus meat or bones ensured they had a secret stash for hungry days.
Fast forward thousands of years, and while your dog may not need to hide dinner to survive, the instinct to bury and protect treasured items has remained. Today, that “treasure” is often a squeaky toy, a chew, or even a sock that your dog suddenly decides is far too valuable to leave lying around.
Some breeds carry it more strongly. Terriers, hounds, and retrievers, for example, often display a heightened desire to dig and hide items. So, when your Golden Retriever is pawing around the garden to stash a toy, it’s not mischief, it’s history repeating itself in the cutest way possible.
Burying as a Form of Play
For many dogs, burying toys is not just a quirky habit, it’s a full-blown adventure, a game that engages both their body and mind. The moment your dog paws it into a hiding spot, whether under the sofa, behind cushions, or in the garden, they experience the thrill of discovery, strategy, and anticipation all at once.
Each act of burying a toy challenges your dog’s problem-solving abilities. This is their way of exercising their mind, making decisions, and learning from each hiding attempt. Play is essential for a dog’s overall wellbeing. When they engage in activities like burying toys, they release energy, reduce stress, and maintain a healthy level of curiosity.
As pet owners, understanding this play instinct helps us provide better experiences for our furry companions. Instead of discouraging the behaviour, we can embrace it by offering toys specifically designed for hiding, digging, or interactive play.
Burying as Comfort and Security
Beyond instincts and play, burying can also serve a deeper emotional purpose. Some dogs stash toys as a comfort mechanism. When life feels overwhelming, maybe due to loud noises, visitors, or changes in routine, burying a toy provides a sense of security. It’s a way for dogs to feel in control of their environment, creating a little safe zone of possessions they can rely on.
This behaviour can also indicate possessiveness or attachment. If a toy is particularly cherished, your dog may want to keep it hidden from other pets or even family members. Understanding this gives you insight into their emotional needs, allowing you to provide comfort while respecting their instincts.
Behavioural Reasons Behind Burying
Sometimes, a dog burying their toys isn’t just instinct, it’s a way of communicating. Dogs have their own unique language, and their behaviours often tell us more than words ever could. When a dog starts hiding or burying toys, it could be a subtle signal of boredom, stress, or a need for attention. For instance, a dog left alone for long hours may start digging into cushions or the backyard to occupy themselves, or a particularly anxious dog may stash a favourite chew to feel a sense of security. Even excitement can prompt burying; some dogs hide toys as a way to manage overwhelming stimulation in their environment.
Understanding these behavioural cues is crucial. It’s not mischief, it’s a message from your dog that they need mental engagement, reassurance, or a safe outlet for their natural instincts.
Paying attention to patterns in your dog’s hiding behaviour is key. Do they stash toys when you’re busy or out of sight? Are certain types of toys more likely to be hidden than others? By observing and understanding these cues, you can respond with empathy and offer the right solutions, whether that’s a stimulating puzzle toy, extra playtime, or a designated hiding area.
Signs Your Dog Loves Their Toys
For many dogs, toys aren’t just objects, they are treasures, comfort items, or sources of endless fun. Observing how your dog interacts with their toys can give you valuable insight into their personality, mood, and emotional wellbeing.
Excitement and enthusiasm: One of the most obvious signs that your dog loves a toy is that, You might notice wagging tails, gleeful barks, or playful antics like running around the room with a squeaky toy clasped firmly in their jaws. Some dogs even engage in little “zoomies” after finding or retrieving a favourite toy, showing that it brings them genuine happiness and excitement.
Mental engagement: Burying a toy is a mentally stimulating exercise. They are using problem-solving skills, spatial awareness, and memory. It’s their way of exercising their mind while indulging in a fun activity. A dog that thoughtfully hides and later seeks out their toys is demonstrating curiosity, intelligence, and engagement.
Physical activity: The act of burying a toy also provides valuable physical exercise. Digging, shoving, pawing, and even trotting to “stash” a toy engages different muscle groups and keeps your dog active, helping them release pent-up energy in a natural, instinctual way. For dogs who might not get enough outdoor playtime, burying toys inside or in designated digging areas can be an excellent alternative to keep them physically stimulated.
Revisiting buried treasures: Perhaps one of the most heartwarming signs that your dog truly values a toy is when they return to it later. Some dogs will dig up a buried toy hours, or even days, after hiding it, this behaviour shows that the toy isn’t just a fleeting interest, it’s something they cherish and enjoy interacting with over time.
Choosing the Right Toys for Dogs Who Bury
Not every toy is suitable for a dog who loves to dig, hide, or stash their treasures. Choosing the right toys ensures that your furry friend’s natural instincts are satisfied safely, while keeping playtime fun, and stress-free. Here are some key things to consider:
Durability matters: Dogs who bury or chew toys need something that can withstand their energy. Opt for toys made from tough materials like reinforced rubber, durable nylon, or heavy-duty fabric.
Size-appropriate toys: Always choose toys that are the right size for your dog. Toys that are too small can be a choking hazard, while overly large toys might be frustrating to carry, dig, or hide. The perfect size allows your dog to engage with their toy safely and comfortably.
Interactive features: Puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, and other mentally stimulating options are perfect for dogs who love to bury. They turn playtime into a rewarding challenge, encouraging problem-solving, exploration, and independent entertainment, especially for dogs left alone during the day.
Safe materials: Non-toxic, chew-safe materials are a must. Toys should be free from harmful chemicals and safe for extended chewing or digging sessions. This ensures that your dog can enjoy their treasures without any health risks.
Best Sellers Your Dog Will Love
For dogs who enjoy burying, hiding, and playing, our best-selling toys combine durability, fun, and mental stimulation:
KONG Dog Core Strength Bamboo Bone
Designed for durability and engagement, the KONG Bamboo Bone features a multi-layered construction that withstands vigorous chewing. Its unique shape and texture make it ideal for dogs who enjoy burying their toys, as it can be easily hidden and rediscovered.
Combining the fun of a tennis ball with the excitement of a squeaker, these Airdog Squeaker Balls are perfect for fetch and interactive play. Their lightweight design allows for easy tossing and hiding, catering to dogs who love to bury their toys and then retrieve them later.
West Paw Topple Puzzle Toy
This interactive puzzle toy is designed to challenge your dog's mind and keep them entertained. The Toppl Puzzle Toy can be filled with treats or peanut butter, encouraging your dog to work for their reward. Its unique shape makes it easy to hide, providing a satisfying challenge for dogs who enjoy burying their toys and returning to them later.
The KONG SqueakStix combines the durability of a stick with the fun of a squeaker. Its flexible design allows for interactive play, and its size makes it suitable for hiding and burying. Dogs who enjoy stashing their toys will find this squeaky stick both entertaining and satisfying to hide and retrieve.
These favourites have been loved by dogs across Australia and are a great starting point for satisfying their natural burying instincts.
Burying toys is more than a quirky habit, it’s a window into your dog’s instincts, emotions, and intelligence. From mental stimulation to physical activity and emotional comfort, it’s a behaviour that shows how clever, playful, and instinct-driven your furry friend really is. By providing the right toys, you can nurture these behaviours safely, reduce stress, and make every play session more rewarding.
Browse our best-selling dog toys at Pet Bites today and discover the perfect treasures that will keep tails wagging, minds sharp, and hearts happy. Because a responsible pet parent knows how to keep their dogs happy.
