Is your dog digging holes like a gopher or tunnels for the next bullet train? Golden Retrievers are also known to exhibit some quirky behaviors, such as digging and burying objects. If you own a Golden Retriever and have ever found a buried toy or treat in your yard, you may be wondering why your dog does this. In this article, we will explore the reasons why Golden Retrievers bury things, as well as provide some tips for managing this behavior.
The Instinctual Behavior of Burying
Golden Retrievers are descended from dogs bred to retrieve game, such as birds and rabbits, for their owners. One of the behaviors that goldens exhibit in the wild is burying their prey to protect it and save it for later consumption. This instinctual behavior is deeply ingrained in the breed, and even domesticated Golden Retrievers will sometimes exhibit this behavior with objects such as toys, bones, and even clothing items.
The Need for Safekeeping
Another reason why Golden Retrievers bury things is that they may want to keep them safe. This behavior is often seen with high-value items such as treats (bones), which the dog wants to keep for themselves and away from other dogs or animals. By burying these items, the dog is trying to keep them hidden and secure, so they can enjoy them at a later time.
They may also have another fur member they are trying to protect their toys from.
Boredom
If you don’t occupy your golden with enough tasks or exercise, then they will take it out on your yard. If they are outside for long periods of times, they have to figure out ways to occupy their time. I’ve seen some goldens (not mine) who were not being watched dig a 20 feet tunnel under the ground. A tunnel that large without being seen, I’d say boredom.
They Are Thiefs
No really, some just like to steal stuff. Kinda kidding, kinda not.
A Real-Life Example
To better understand why Golden Retrievers bury things, let us look at a real-life example. Imagine you have a Golden Retriever named Maks (Jaks dad) who loves to play with his favorite toy, a squeaky ball. Maks likes to carry the ball with him wherever he goes, but he is also worried that other dogs might try to take it from him. To keep the ball safe, Maks buries it in the backyard when he is not playing with it. He carefully digs a hole in the dirt, places the ball inside, and covers it up with dirt and leaves. Maks knows that the ball is now safe and secure, and he can retrieve it later when he wants to play again.
Then you come out and tell him to stop. Poor guy.
Managing the Behavior
While burying behavior is instinctual for Golden Retrievers, it can sometimes become problematic. For example, if your dog is digging up your garden or flower beds to bury their toys, it can be frustrating and costly to repair. To manage this behavior, there are a few things you can do.
- Provide Adequate Toys: Make sure your Golden Retriever has plenty of toys to play with. If they have a variety of toys to choose from, they may be less likely to bury them.
- Training: Teach your dog the “leave it” command so that they will not bury items that they should not, such as household items or dangerous objects.
- Supervision: Monitor your dog’s behavior when they are playing with toys or digging in the yard. If you see them starting to bury something, redirect their attention to a different activity or toy. I know my dogs want to be near me all the time even outside. Except when rolling in the grass. My presence is enough for them to not want to dig.
- Create a Digging Pit: If your dog loves to dig, consider creating a designated digging pit for them. Fill the area with sand or soft soil and bury some toys or treats in it for them to find. Or take them to the beach, and let them dig all they want.
- Play With Them More: Find more time to spend with them on walks and playing fetch. The time playing with them will be better than the time spent covering holes.
Conclusion
Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly nature and their quirky behaviors, including burying objects. This instinctual behavior is deeply ingrained in the breed and serves as a way to protect and save objects for later use. While this behavior can sometimes become problematic, there are ways to manage it and ensure that both you and your dog are happy and content. With patience and understanding, you can help your Golden Retriever live a happy and fulfilling life.
References:
- “Breed Information: Golden Retriever” by the American Kennel Club: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/golden-retriever/
- “Why do Dogs Bury Things?” by Rover: https://www.rover.com/blog/why-do-dogs-bury-things/
- “Why Dogs Bury Things and How to Stop It” by Chewy: https://www.chewy.com/petcentral/why-dogs-bury-things-and-how-to-stop-it/
- “Why do Dogs Dig?” by the American Kennel Club: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/why-do-dogs-dig/
- “Dog Training and Behavior” by the American Veterinary Medical Association: https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/dog-training-and-behavior
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