Your Dog Giving You Its Chewing Bone Might Not Mean What You Think It Does

Many adorable dogs love showing off their prized possessions. It can be a pup displaying its absolute favorite toy, a stick discovered on an outdoor adventure, or a half-eaten treat. A charitable dog may also want to showcase these items when strangers visit. Giving up something it cherishes to a human is a particularly special connection. Some owners might view this as a gift, which is already quite sweet, but it goes deeper than that; your dog is expressing trust in you to take care of its belongings.

Dogs like to keep things in safe places; think about the movie cliché of dogs always burying every bone they find. This behavior is in their nature, and even if shoving a slimy, half-chewed rawhide into the couch cushions may seem mischievous and gross, it is keeping it hidden in case of an emergency (running out of food) or to hide from a curious cat or another canine sibling. So, when a dog hands its owner food that it sees as essential, it is putting that trust in its human companion to take care of it and keep it safe until it needs it again.

From the cutest small dog breeds in the world to the gentlest giants, every dog has its charming personality. Some dogs don't like to dine alone, and while bringing food is a sign of trust, a loving canine can have a cute ulterior motive of wanting to enjoy a treat, but ensure its owner is aware of its prize. Bringing an owner their favorite bone is just one of the few actions that make dogs endearing, though owners should be mindful of when that sharing feels distrustful or when paying attention to these items is excessive.

A dog bringing you its prized possessions and food should be a practice of love; however, a conflicted pup that seems to present an item only to lash out at its owner is not the same. This behavior is not indicative of how a dog feels about its owner; rather, it is another instinct that needs some tuning.

Resource guarding manifests as a dog being aggressive or standoffish towards its owner and others near its possessions, a "don't you dare touch it" mentality. Teaching a puppy to share its food and toys can help curb this behavior before it becomes a problem. Owners should select a qualified dog trainer to help them strategize a plan for adult dogs that are adopted with behavioral issues already. Alternatively, a once-generous pet that no longer wants to share may indicate an underlying health issue and warrant a veterinary check-up.

A dog that walks around whining while holding a favorite treat or object before presenting it may cause concern for a pet parent. However, this behavior can indicate excitement, a desire to hide a treasure, or, in some cases, anxiety. By monitoring a pet and noting any signs of distress or behavioral changes, a pet parent can discern if a veterinary visit is needed. In most cases, a dog sharing a bone or a beloved toy is a sign of trust. Beyond being attuned to any sudden changes in behavior or health, owners should enjoy the gifted item, regardless of how slobbery, for the special bond it represents.