[JessicaP]

Kevin, my 3-year-old Golden Retriever, has developed this strange habit that’s been driving me crazy. Whenever I give him a new chew toy or treat, he doesn’t seem to want to use it at all. Instead, he’ll carefully take it in his mouth, trot off to a corner, and hide it—often under the couch, behind the TV stand, or even in his favorite spot by the window. It’s like he’s hoarding them, but he never actually plays with or eats them. The weirdest part is when I give him a treat, like a stuffed Kong, he’ll sniff it for a second and then go stash it in his bed or under the coffee table like he’s hiding treasure. It’s not like he’s not hungry or interested. He just won’t engage with it. I’m starting to wonder if this could be a sign of separation anxiety or if he’s just trying to “save” his food for later, but I’ve never seen anything like it with any of my other dogs. Should I be worried, or is this just a quirky Kevin thing?

[Emma Braby]

Kevin’s habit of hiding treats and toys is likely instinctual rather than a cause for concern. Dogs naturally hoard high-value items to “save” them for later, a behavior rooted in their wild ancestors. He may also see these items as too special to use immediately or be unsure how to engage with them. If he’s otherwise happy and relaxed, it’s likely just a quirky habit.

You can encourage him to interact with his toys by playing alongside him, making treats more interactive, or offering them more frequently so they feel less rare. If he insists on stashing, giving him a designated spot for his treasures might help. Unless he’s showing distress or refusing to eat, Kevin’s just a collector at heart!

Check out our favorite interactive toys that Kevin is bound to enjoy.

[Author]

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