Is it OK to let my dog bury bones in the yard?

Yes, as long as it's not damaging your property excessively or causing your dog stress. You can designate a digging pit to keep the rest of your yard safe.

Why does my dog bury bones in the house?

Indoor burying often means your dog is trying to save a valuable item. It can also be a sign of anxiety or boredom. Provide more enrichment and consider blocking access to carpets.

Can a dog get sick from digging and storing bones?

If a bone is buried for days, it can rot and cause gastrointestinal upset if eaten later. Burying itself isn't dangerous, but supervise and remove bones after a few hours.

Should I stop my dog from burying bones?

Not necessarily. It's a natural instinct. However, if it's compulsive or destructive, redirect the behavior with a digging pit, more exercise, and mental stimulation.

Why Does My Dog Bury Bones? Causes & What to Do

Why Do Dogs Bury Bones? The Instinct Explained

If you’ve ever watched your dog dig a hole in the backyard, drop a bone in it, and cover it with dirt, you’re witnessing an ancient survival instinct. Dogs are descendants of wolves, and wild canids often bury leftover food to hide it from scavengers and preserve it for later. Even though our domesticated dogs don’t need to hunt or hide food, that instinct remains strong.

Your dog’s burying behavior is driven by a few key factors:

Food Preservation: In the wild, burying meat kept it cooler and away from flies. Your dog’s brain says, “This is valuable, keep it safe.”
Resource Guarding: Even if your dog is the only pet, they might bury high-value items to prevent another animal (or human) from taking them.
Boredom or Excess Energy: Digging can be a fun, self-rewarding activity. If your dog is under-exercised or bored, they might dig holes to pass the time.
Breed Tendencies: Terriers, dachshunds, and other digging breeds bury items more often.

Most of the time, burying bones is a normal, harmless behavior. But it can become a problem if it’s done indoors or damages your yard.

When Should You Be Concerned?

Occasional burying in the yard is normal. However, watch for these signs that indicate a potential issue:

Indoor Digging: If your dog tries to dig through carpets, furniture, or walls to bury items, this may signal anxiety or obsessive behavior.
Compulsive Digging: If your dog digs frantically for hours and can’t stop even when redirected, it could be a sign of obsessive-compulsive disorder or severe stress.
Hoarding Without Burying: Some dogs collect toys and bones in a pile without burying. If they also show aggression when you approach the stash, it may be resource guarding.
Excessive Digging in Yard: Multiple holes each day, especially if your dog isn’t burying anything, could indicate boredom, separation anxiety, or a natural instinct to escape.

If your dog’s burying behavior is interfering with their quality of life or causing distress, consult your veterinarian. They can rule out medical issues and recommend behavior modification or medication if needed.

How to Manage Your Dog’s Burying Instinct

You don’t need to eliminate this natural behavior entirely, but you can direct it into appropriate outlets.

Provide a Digging Pit

Designate a specific area in your yard where digging is allowed. Fill it with loose soil or sand, and bury toys or treats there for your dog to discover. This teaches them where it’s okay to dig. Praise and reward them when they use the pit.

Increase Exercise and Mental Stimulation

A tired dog is less likely to dig from boredom. Make sure your dog gets at least 30-60 minutes of structured exercise daily, plus mental enrichment like puzzle toys, training sessions, or nose work games.

Rotate Toys and Bones

Instead of leaving all toys available, rotate them weekly. Offer one or two high-value items at a time, and when your dog buries one, pick it up later and swap it. This prevents hoarding.

Use Positive Reinforcement

If you catch your dog starting to dig in an off-limits area, interrupt with a cheerful cue like “let’s go” and redirect them to their digging pit or a toy. Never yell or punish; it can increase anxiety.

Manage the Environment

For indoor diggers, block access to carpeted areas with baby gates. Provide soft blankets or a sandbox indoors (if you’re brave). If your dog buries bones under pillows, consider limiting bone access to supervised times.

What Not to Do

Don’t Punish After the Fact: If you find a hole an hour later, your dog won’t connect punishment to the digging. It only creates fear.
Don’t Take Away All Bones: Burying is a natural behavior. Removing all bones can backfire and lead to other stress behaviors.
Don’t Assume It’s Always a Problem: Sometimes, a dog just enjoys the ritual. If it’s not destructive, and your dog is healthy, it’s okay to let them be.

When to Call a Vet

Make an appointment if your dog:
– Digs repeatedly and excessively (could be obsessive-compulsive or anxiety-related)
– Buries inedible objects and tries to eat them (risk of blockage)
– Acts distressed, paces, or whines while digging
– Has unexplained changes in behavior along with other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy

Your vet can help determine if there’s an underlying medical cause, such as digestive issues or pain, that prompts your dog to hide food.

Remember, burying bones is usually a harmless quirk. With a little redirection and understanding, you and your dog can enjoy a happy, hole-y (if you choose) coexistence.

If you’re ever worried about your dog’s behavior, a vet visit is the best first step. Your dog can’t tell you why they dig, but your vet can help uncover the reason.

Key Takeaway

Burying bones is a normal instinct, but if it becomes excessive or destructive, redirect your dog to a designated digging pit and increase enrichment.

Sources

AKC
ASPCA