It might seem like dogs are acting like paranoid creatures preparing for the end of the world. But that’s not the case.
According to Mia Cobb, a researcher at the Animal Welfare Research Center at the University of Melbourne in Australia, this behavior in reflects how their modern actions are shaped by their evolutionary past.
So, why do they do it?
When examining such cases, scientists often use the term “food caching,” which refers to storing food in cozy spots for later use. This behavior is quite common in the animal kingdom—from squirrels to .
One type of this behavior is known as larder hoarding. For example, a squirrel hides nuts in just one or two locations to survive the long winter.
The second type is scatter hoarding, where animals create small caches in various places, reducing the likelihood of losing all their food at once to a thieving competitor and ending up hungry. Scatter hoarding is most often observed in wild canids, such as foxes and wolves, as reported by Science Alert.
As for domestic dogs, their behavior reflects the competitive feeding patterns of their ancestors, who lived by hunting and faced unpredictable food availability, which was crucial for survival.
Clearly, dogs rely on a combination of smell and spatial memory based on observation. They need to remember where they’ve hidden important items.
Is your dog afraid of not being fed?
No, domestic dogs don’t worry about being left without food, says Ms. Cobb. This behavior is driven by an inherited survival mechanism. It shouldn’t be seen as evidence that they anticipate future hunger.
However, dogs that have experienced food scarcity or , such as strays, may indeed be concerned about food supplies. This is a protective mechanism shaped by experience. Interestingly, it is also exhibited by hunting breeds like terriers and hounds.
Is this behavior a problem?
If you’ve noticed that items in your home are disappearing more frequently, it’s not something to ignore.
If you’ve invited a dog to live with you, it’s essential to provide an environment that allows for the expression of their natural behaviors. This includes daily physical activity, social interaction, and regular mental stimulation.
Snuffle mats and interactive puzzle toys for slow feeding are excellent ways to stimulate a dog’s “hunting” for food, helping them combat boredom and anxiety while providing enjoyable activities.
The next time you see your dog carefully hiding something, you can relax, knowing they’re not fearing an impending apocalypse or protesting your choice of treats. is simply displaying normal, natural behavior rooted in their wild ancestry.
If you’re still concerned about your dog’s tendency to hoard items, consider scheduling a consultation with a pet psychologist.
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