Why dogs love playing in dirt: It's about their natural instincts

You might be tired of washing your dog every time you go back home after walking it.

Even if you think that your dog misbehaves purposefully, it's probably not.

Here are some reasons for such behavior.

Natural Instincts

Digging in dirt or soil is a behavior deeply rooted in their ancestry. 

Wolves dig to create dens, bury food, or regulate body temperature. 

While domesticated dogs may not have the same specific reasons for digging, the instinctual behavior remains.

Cooling Down

By digging a shallow hole and lying in it, they can escape the heat and seek relief from hot temperatures.

Entertainment and Mental Stimulation

It provides an outlet for their energy and can serve as a form of entertainment. 

Dogs enjoy the physical activity and the sensory experience of digging, which can engage their senses of smell, touch, and proprioception.

Hiding and Searching

Dogs have a natural inclination to hide or bury items. In the wild, wolves bury food to save it for later. 

Similarly, dogs may enjoy burying their toys, bones, or other treasures in the dirt as a way to preserve them or engage in a playful game of hide-and-seek.

Scent Exploration

Dogs have an exceptional sense of smell, and digging in dirt allows them to investigate and explore these intriguing scents.

Marking Territory

By leaving their scent through scratching and digging, they communicate their presence to other animals in the area.
 

• Related news:
• dogs
• pets facts
• pets
• 9 June 2023

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