One of the main reasons dogs steal is boredom! When they don’t get enough exercise or their daily needs aren’t met, they may steal things for their own amusement.
In addition to boredom, there are several other reasons why dogs might steal:
- Seeking attention: Some dogs will grab your attention by parading around with your belongings in their mouths. If your dog behaves this way, it might be a sign that you should spend more quality time with him, rather than being distracted by your phone.
- Seeking happiness: Similar to boredom, but in this case, the dog wants to play. It will run around with your stuff in its mouth, hoping you’ll chase after it. It’s all part of a fun game for your dog.
- Favorites: Some dogs love to hide various items, often in corners or their nests. This isn’t something to be overly concerned about. However, dogs that have a habit of stealing usually do so because they’re drawn to a particular item due to its smell, shape, or feel—such as socks.
For puppies, this behavior is quite normal. They get bored more easily and need to bite things as they go through teething.
How to handle a dog that steals?
- For valuables: If your dog steals something valuable, it’s important to train it as soon as you discover the behavior. Also, ensure that these items are kept out of reach to prevent future theft.
- For non-valuables: If the items aren’t valuable, it’s not necessary to punish your dog. A dog home alone doesn’t understand why you’re angry. Scolding or punishing them could harm your bond with them, and it’s often not worth it.
Remember, spend more time playing with your dog when you have the opportunity. A tired dog with expended energy is far less likely to steal, as they won’t be restless or bored from being cooped up all day.
Lastly, if stealing becomes a habit, think of other ways to manage the behavior besides relocating items. You can install gates or limit the dog’s access to certain areas. Punishing the dog won’t solve the issue.
