If you’re anything like me and currently raise a Jack Russell Terrier, I can nearly guarantee that you have encountered your Jack Russell hiding items around the house or outdoors.
The items can range from toys to bones or even treats.
While it may seem cute and innocent for your Jack Russell Terrier to hide these items around the home, you may also be curious why they do it and if it may signal that something is wrong.
I have been raising my Jack Russell Terrier for the past 3 years and through observation and additional research, here is what I can tell you on this topic.
Why Does My Jack Russell Terrier Hide Things?
Jack Russell Terriers will hide items such as toys, bones, or treats because they fear them being taken by another animal in the household. Jack Russell’s will also hide things if they want to save them for later or due to neglect and boredom or for enjoyment.
As you may have noticed, the reasons why your Jack Russell Terrier is hiding items in the backyard in clever spots or the home can vary.
I wanted to take the time to break this topic down further for you and help you understand why your Jack Russell Terrier is hiding items and if it is ever a cause for concern.
Continue reading to find out what I recommend you do and if it ever becomes something for you to worry about.
- Jack Russell’s Need Attention And Exercise And Find Things To Do
- 5 Other Reasons A Jack Russell Terrier Will Hide Things
- When Can Hiding Things Become Annoying Or Problematic With A Jack Russell?
- Hiding Toys And Treats With A Jack Russell Is Normal, Go With It
Jack Russell’s Need Attention And Exercise And Find Things To Do
Owning a Jack Russell can arguably be one of the best experiences you will have with dog ownership.
Jack Russell’s are filled with personality.
And, of course, tons of energy.
With this comes some responsibility from you as the owner.
Jack Russell’s demand exercise.
Jack Russell’s also typically have a nature to them that causes them to follow you everywhere you go.
This can be overwhelming, but once you get in the swing of things, it becomes natural, and you honestly do not notice it.
However, when they do not get what they need, such as attention or exercise, they can grow bored or restless.
A bored Jack Russell is creative, sometimes destructive, and does certain things just because they have nothing better to do.
One of these activities they can fill their day with can undoubtedly be hiding toys, bones, or other treats inside of the house or outside.
It is not something overly concerning and shouldn’t cause you too much anxiety.
Up next, I am going to cover the 5 primary reasons I believe a Jack Russell Terrier will hide items around the house or out in the yard.
Or at least explain what I have noticed with my own Jack Russell Terrier (Luna) during my first 3 years of raising her.
5 Other Reasons A Jack Russell Terrier Will Hide Things
1.) Boredom
Boredom is usually the main cause of many negative behaviors with a Jack Russell Terrier.
Frankly, boredom with any dog breed can spark entertaining behaviors and cause them to do some funny things.
They have nothing but time in these situations and hiding their favorite toys, bones, or even a large treat may be how they choose to allocate their time.
Even though they are secretly just wanting you to hang out with them, which is the next item on my list to discuss.
2.) Lack of Attention
Jack Russell’s hates when they are not the center of attention.
They are a hyper dog breed and have a fierce love for their owners.
When they do not get the attention from you as the owner, they may show some of their curious, inventive, and creative behaviors.
This is one of the times when you may notice some additional bones or toys being hidden around the house or buried in the backyard.
Just be sure to properly train your Jack Russell not to dig up that beautiful backyard to dig their bones into hiding.
Additionally, never forget that Jack Russell’s can be sneaky.
If they can move through the house unsupervised to hide items and toys, they may also be using this opportunity to exploit some lack of potty training against you.
When your Jack Russell is young, it is best to keep them in a contained space where you can keep an eye on them.
Or at a minimum, limit the total amount of time you spend away from your Jack Russell.
3.) Fear Of Losing Toys Or Food To Another Family Dog
I am 100% confident this is a primary reason for a Jack Russell Terrier to hide things.
How do I know this?
Well, because Luna (my JRT) does this all the time to keep bones and her favorite items away from my yellow lab (Graham)
Luna will bury these items in couch cushions, find a spot outside to move dirt around, or hide them behind a desk.
Anywhere Luna can fit her body, she will utilize to hide her items from Graham.
You can count on another Jack Russell Terrier doing the same to keep another family dog or pet away from their favorite items.
What is funny is that they do it to each other.
Graham hides his toys and favorite items from Luna as well.
Nonetheless, if you have multiple dogs in the home, you can nearly guarantee that this will take place.
4.) Saving For Later Can Cause Your JR To Hide Things
Sometimes your Jack Russell may be interested in keeping a favorite treat, rawhide, or another item to enjoy later.
Jack Russell Terriers are intelligent dogs.
If they have a treat or a flavored bone they enjoy that much, they may have an interest in having some of it now and enjoying the rest later.
In the meantime, they will hide it and find a safe spot for their favorite item to rest until they are ready for it again.
5.) Anxiety and Stress
Anxiety and stress can seem like boredom with the ways your Jack Russell behaves, so it can become confusing to know the difference.
However, the anxiety of being away from you as their owner or separation anxiety, in general, may cause your Jack Russell to hide things around the home as well.
That is one of the main reasons I always recommend utilizing a suitable crate.
Especially if you need to leave your Jack Russell for extended periods of time.
This will help avoid items being destroyed or digging take place outside while they attempt to hide things or release some of that built-up stress in their system.
When Can Hiding Things Become Annoying Or Problematic With A Jack Russell?
For the most part, your Jack Russell hiding items in the backyard or inside the home is not ever going to be something you need to worry about.
I would only be concerned if you believe it is due to neglect or an issue impacting your Jack Russell’s overall happiness and well-being.
Other than that, hiding items is something you can come to expect with this dog and something to be aware of.
Hiding Toys And Treats With A Jack Russell Is Normal, Go With It
Hiding toys treats, and random items around the home, including my clothes, is something I have learned to embrace with my female Jack Russell.
It has never been a cause for concern except for maybe a signal that I could potentially spend a bit more time with her.
Outside of that, my Jack Russell behaves as expected and is a fantastic family dog.
If your Jack Russell is hiding items around the home or outside, do not worry about it.
It is part of their quirky behavior and will likely be a personality trait you grow to laugh at for years to come.
Luna and I wish you the best of luck with your Jack Russell Terriers and the journey you have ahead of you.
Does Your Jack Russell Terrier Hide Things Around the House or Yard?
What are your Jack Russell’s favorite items to hide around the house, and why do you think they do it?
Be sure to share those thoughts, stories, and concerns by dropping a comment below.
As always, Luna and I appreciate you stopping by and reading today, and we will see you again next time.