Have you ever presented your dog with a delicious treat, only to see him take off and hide it rather than devouring it? This baffling action is more prevalent than most dog owners know. Although it seems inexplicable, there are a number of reasons why dogs will hide their food and treats. Some of the reasons are purely natural, while others may indicate underlying behavioral or emotional problems.
Understand why your dog acquires this habit would help you know if it is innocuous or if something should be stopped. The following are seven reasons why dogs hide food and how to handle it.
1. Instinctive Behavior
The primary reason dogs hide food is because of instincts. Domesticated dogs no longer need to hunt for survival, but they still carry their ancestors' habits as far as they have to fend for themselves for food.
In the wild, food sources can be unpredictable. To prepare for scarcity, wild dogs often store excess food by burying it in a secure location. This instinct can still surface in modern pet dogs, leading them to stash treats and food even when they have plenty available. While this behavior is generally harmless, it can be frustrating if your dog hides food in inconvenient places around the house.
2. Air Burying for Nausea
Another reason why dogs bury food is that they are ill. If dogs are nauseous, they can be repelled by food that would otherwise appeal to them. Some dogs will push their food out of the way or try to "air bury" it—a trick for camouflaging the smell by pretending to bury it.
If you notice this habit, monitor your dog. Occasional nausea cannot be avoided, but when the symptoms persist for more than a day, visit the vet.
3. Overfeeding
Some dogs will eat everything put in front of them, and some control the amount they eat. When you overfeed your dog, they will look to hide the excess for a later time. The reason for this may be their natural behavior or just an attempt at "cleaning up" without offending the owner's sensibilities.
If your dog is prone to hiding food, attempt to alter portion amounts so that they are only given what they need.
4. Historical Trauma and Anxiety
Dogs that have experienced past food insecurity, especially rescue dogs, will steal food out of worry that it may not be there for them later. This is normal in dogs that have come from multi-pet households or fought for food in the past.
Over time, as your dog realizes that there is always food, this behavior can break down. Providing them with regular feeding time and a serene environment can soothe them.
5. Attention Seeking
Dogs want attention and will sometimes engage in abnormal behaviors to get attention. When you react excessively when your dog steals food, they will steal food for attention.
To prevent this behavior from becoming a habit of seeking attention, avoid overreaction. Instead, redirect their attention with positive reinforcement for better behavior.
6. Accidental Rewards
Many dog owners inadvertently reinforce the food-hiding behavior. When you catch your dog hiding a treat and reward them with another one, they quickly learn that food hiding gets more.
In order to stop this cycle, don't reward with additional treats when your dog is hiding food. Wait for them to bring back and consume the initial treat first before giving them another.
7. Possessive Behavior and Resource Guarding
Possessiveness is one of the more worrisome reasons why a dog might hide food. Some dogs become resource-guarders, feeling like they need to guard their food from other people. This type of behavior results in aggression if not confronted effectively.
If your dog growls or snaps when someone approaches their hidden food, it may be time to consult a professional trainer or behaviorist. Addressing resource guarding early can prevent more serious behavioral issues from developing.
How to Address the Behavior
The best approach depends on the underlying cause of the behavior. Here are some steps you can take:
For instinctual behavior: Observe where your dog is hiding food and remove it if necessary. Refusal of access to too many treats also helps.
For nausea: Monitor closely and take them to the vet if the issue persists.
For overfeeding: Limit portion sizes to prevent leftovers.
For anxiety: Create a routine and assure them to keep your dog in a sense of security.
For attention-seeking behavior: Don't give in to the habit by acting neutral and noticing other good behaviors.
For resource guarding: Getting expert counsel to prevent aggressive behavior from dominating.
Final Thoughts
Wasting time waiting through your dog's food and treat hiding act is a confusing experience, but it's a behavior with logical reasons. Whether it's a genetic habit, a response to too much feeding, or an emotional response, once you know the reason behind it, you'll be better equipped to keep it under leash.
By watching what your dog is doing and adjusting things accordingly, you can make them comfortable and secure along with preventing sneaky food from being an issue in your home.
