Food Quirk

[Born2Restore]

We have a 4 yr old Westie who has a quirk that we have never seen w/ any of our other dogs in the past.  As he approaches his food bowl to eat, he seems to try and 'bury' his food, using his snoot.(as if he is covering w/ imaginary dirt).  Does anyone know why he would do this? He is a rescue and we have had him for almost 2 years.

[Jerry_NJ]

Our 8 year old rescue Westie hasn't done that but it would not surprise me.  My experience with our Westie is he is a real stubborn and lovable character.  He does like to adjust things, blankets for example and papers on the floor with his nose.  

He was a found in a park,  lost and near starved dog when animal control picked him up, so he had some time trying to make his own way, find food and defend himself.  That many have had a influence - it also damaged his hearing due to yeast infection, we think.

In spite of starving he is picky about food and will not eat many thing other dogs we've owned would love.  It is even hard to find a treat to reward him with, he rejects most of them.  Just as well, he seems to have several food allergies. Good thing he is cute and fun - why else would we put up with him?  He will have lived with us one year next April.

[Margot49]

I really think it is that hiding food instinct.  I've had dogs, including the current one, that take their cheques outside and hide them or dig holes and cover them up.  Had a Yorkie years ago that hid all his rawhides in the potted plants.  I couldn't figure out where the heck they were all going.

[aria88]

Hi. I had a shih tzu who used to do this as well - if he didn't feel like eating, he would push his food bowl around and try to cover with newspaper! I think that so long as your dog is still eating regularly, there is nothing to worry about.

[Margot49]

Well, just had a good laugh.  On the way to the kitchen to close up for the night.  Glanced over at the dog crate and the puppy had put her newly washed blanket on top of her food bowl.  LOL
Has she been reading this forum or what?  :-)

[Misfits4Me]

welcome...Has he always done this or did the behavior just start? Any food changes lately?  Just curious.....Karla

[Margot49]

LOL!  I have seen many dogs do this though not usually before eating.  I think it is just a natural instinct to hide food.  
I have had dogs that will take food out of their bowl and bury it under blankets in their beds.  I have a little Chihuahua mix here now and I have her food and water bowls on a small rug in the service porch.  She will either scrunch up the rug up around the feeder or take the rug and pull it to another area.  Seems like normal "dog" behavior to me.