Sometimes, dogs get a case of sticky fingers — er, paws — and swipe things around the house. Show Seemingly nothing is safe from this canine kleptomania: shoes, socks, and yes, even underwear. But why do our dogs steal? Don’t we spoil them enough? No one can really tell you why your dog may be a barking bandit since some sniffers snatch items no matter what, but we’ll share some of the leading explanations and tell you how to solve the problem below. Common Reasons Dogs May Steal Shoes and ClothesFirst and foremost, it’s important to note that your dog isn’t being malicious when he grabs your favorite luxury tie instead of your bargain bin one. He has no concept of worth outside of a food’s value in his belly. So rest assured, he isn’t hoarding your stuff to sell for snacks. Nor is he, as is commonly but mistakenly assumed, being spiteful. Your dog is likely stealing for one of a few surprisingly basic reasons. AttentionWe know this is shocking news, but the more attention a dog gets, the happier he is, in most cases. And there’s a good chance your pickpocket pupper is no different. Just look at all the awesome attention he gets every time he steals something! In addition to getting up and likely checking your dog’s bed or crate for the item, you’re also giving your pooch more attention by chasing him if he decides to play keep-away with the stolen object. So, if you’ve been working longer hours or giving your doggo less one-on-one time, this might explain the sudden canine crime spree. Desire to ChewChewing is a natural behavior in dogs, and your four-footer needs a safe outlet for this desire. Fail to give him something and he’ll most likely start sniffing around for something fun to chew on his own, and I promise you won’t like what he comes up with! Shoes, socks, and dish towels are especially fun to chew and shred, so they’re often the first items to grow legs when a toothy hound is around. Not only is this behavior an expensive nuisance, but it can also be dangerous if your dog ingests the chewed item or hurts his mouth munching on something he shouldn’t. BoredomA mischievous mutt may also steal stuff because he’s just plain old bored. Dogs need mental exercise as much as they need the physical variety, especially if your pooch is a working breed, like a husky, shepherd, or cattle dog. And keep in mind that a bored dog can get himself into all sorts of trouble beyond stealing, like shredding pillows, chasing the cat, or redesigning your couch with his chompers. So, for the sake of your dog’s safety (and your sanity), make sure you give your pupper plenty of things to do (we’ll talk more about ideas for occupying your dog below). ScentThis is a gross one, but certain items around the house are tempting targets because they smell like you. Yes, this includes your underwear and the seams of your pants. At least they want to be near you, right? Smelling your scent provides comfort when you’re not around, which is why a lot of clothes-stealing goes on when you’re out and about. Your dog may take other items to cuddle, such as stuffed animals or pillows (again, especially if they smell like you), in your absence. AnxietyStealing is sometimes a compulsive behavior, like excessive grooming, pacing, or wall-staring. And these kinds of behaviors often manifest in response to anxiety. Surrounding himself in bathroom towels or carrying around your slipper when a visitor is over might be your dog’s way of alleviating his anxiety and self-soothing. Just understand that canine anxiety is no fun for our pets, so be sure to discuss the issue with your vet and a canine behaviorist if you suspect your dog is a worrywart. How Can You Stop Clothes Stealing Behavior in Dogs?The good news is that most cases of canine theft have quick fixes, unlike other, more complicated behavioral issues. By tweaking a few things around the house, employing some solid management strategies, and shifting your routine, you’ll have a happier, less pilfering pupper in no time. Combat pooch pirates by:
No matter the reason for your dog’s thievery, never harshly correct him if he steals an item. There’s no need to do so, and it may exacerbate the underlying cause of his stealing habit. A simple “no” in a firm tone will do, followed by redirecting him to an acceptable chew or toy. Being overly harsh in your corrections can make the naughty behavior worse. Which Dogs Are the Most Likely Thieves?While any pup can exhibit the behavior, some types of dogs steal items more than others. If you have any of these canine companions, you’re more likely to have episodes of canine kleptomania:
Do You NEED to Stop Canine Theft?In many cases, yes. If your dog is destroying the objects he steals, you should nip the behavior in the bud. This will not only save you time, money, and aggravation, but it could also save your pup’s life. Ingesting foreign materials could lead to a painful, expensive, and possibly deadly bowel obstruction. Your dog could also cut his mouth or damage his teeth while chewing an off-limits object. But for dogs that merely swipe an item to cuddle with, the behavior is pretty harmless, so it’s up to you whether you’d like to redirect it to more pooch-friendly items like plush toys or blankets. You could also offer an old t-shirt of yours in hope he stops raiding your laundry basket. That might save you some embarrassment down the line. *** Do you have a canine klepto in your house? What’s his favorite thing to snatch? Have you found a solution? Let us know in the comments. |