Do you have a puppy or dog that constantly steals your shoes, socks and anything else ‘illegal’

Here are my top tips for success:

An explanation of why the problem occurs

Dogs steal items for lots of reasons, they are bored, overtired, need your attention and because it gets reinforced. Every time.

Think about it. Every single time they steal your slipper, your socks, one of the cushions of the sofa, child’s toy. You react. Every single time. You may shout, chase, try to grab the item, swap it for sausage or a toy. Well, guess what your dogs doesn’t think ‘oh they were mad I won’t do that again’ nope they think oh wow that was a good game. I got to run around, I got attention, I got to play with my human, I got a great big hit of adrenaline. Definitely going to do that again…

So what do you do?

Here are my top tips.

1) Management – no surprises that this is the first step. Dogs have difficulty, particularly when their young, identifying the difference between their shoes and their toys. Made even more complicated on occasions when you give them one of your old slippers to play with. Keep it simple, keep your shoes and socks and any other chewable items out of reach were possible. Set your dog up for success

2) Teach them a drop it and leave it. They are different. Drop it = drop whatever you have and Leave it means they don’t touch it at all. Swap the illegal item for another ‘high value’ toy or piece of sausage. Don’t just grab the stolen item (if safe to do so) just distract them wait until they have lost interest before you remove it. If you want a copy of the teaching plan gets in touch.

3) Are they getting enough enrichment as well as physical activity. There are loads of great enrichment activities suitable for all sorts of dogs, puzzles, scent work, tricks all great for tiring them out in a calm focused way.

4) Are they not getting enough sleep or rest? Overtired puppies and dogs get fractious and make poor choices. Dogs need passive calming activities as well as a lot of rest and sleep opportunities. Try healthy chews, Toppls and kongs. Teach them a settle cue, show them it’s ok to be around you and just hang out.

5) And finally. Think about the pattern you have set up. Think about it. Every time they pick up an ‘illegal’ item you respond. When they pick up their own toy, do you do the same? Or do you do nothing? Leave them to play, maybe occasionally throw the toy or a quick game of tug. No wonder they steal things! SO mix it up. If they pick something up they shouldn’t, stay quiet calm and casual, ignore as long as it is safe to do so or just quietly take it off them. BUT when they pick up their toy ‘the game is afoot!’ leap to your feet and chase them, play with them, tug, do toy swap react with the same enthusiasm. Make it worthwhile. Try it.

It is difficult when your dog keeps stealing items, be consistent and patient and if you want help as always get in touch.