Why do dogs like to steal?

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FuFuBear

Boxer Pal
This is just a general question for most dogs. Why do dogs like to steal your personal belongings (shoes or clothing) and run off with them? I know it has our scent but what is the explanation to that behavior? Does anyone know? How does that help them in the "WILD"?
 

Fabbidavisjr

Boxer Booster
My theory

My theory is say a pack of dogs killed a deer. All the dogs run in they're grab the meat and run, to a spot where they can eat it.

But with your belonging I think of its more of a let me see how this can be useful to me deal. If your dogs a pup it probably just wants to chew it. If your dog is older you really need to teach it a leave it command.
 

LILYLARUE

Boxer Insane
I can agree with the above as far as some reasons. Also, boxers especially, dogs are smart. Often times it's just a game to them. They figure out you will chase them to get the object back. So they learn that it's the trigger for a game with you.

Try grabbing a toy, call the dog and then removing the object and replacing with the toy. Play a short game of fetch or tug to get interracted with the dog. Teach him toys will get a much better reward than stealing your things.

I will add, my one rescue will steal socks, and my pillows. He doesn't do anything but lay with them. I see this as a stress coping behavior. But often my pit/boxer will them try to take the item to intiate a game of tug, therefore the object is often destroyed! LOL
 

sandy's mom

Boxer Insane
when Napoleon was little he LOVED dirty, stinky socks.
He cared nothing about anything clean, just the dirty ones.
Makes no sense...

Bella on the other hand, will steal anything to get attention.
But, she doesnt' run with it, she shakes it at you.

Puppies... :)
 

Eleonora II

Boxer Buddy
For the fun of it maybe?

This topic brings back old memories when Buddy was a puppy/toddler ... He used to steal our slippers and shoes and chew off the heels on mine. I can't remember how many he destroyed until he grew out of it. He used to go and hide somewhere and happily dismember them. We tried everything to no avail.

Suddenly this phase was over when he was about 2 years old and peace returned. But about 3 month ago he had an attack again and destroyed my favorite pumps. Well ...

The wild shaking with the head is "killing" the object - that's what the trainer told us. It's the very same behaviour when he catches a cat and kills it. He throws the cat up in the air, catches it and shakes it wildly. He does the same with his soft toys - we throw it, he catches it and then shakes it wildly. At times I worry that Bud's head comes off ... :).

They're just adorable nonetheless!!
 

Demismom

Boxer Booster
Our Lucy is constantly taking things that are not hers, sometimes she races outside with them and at other times she will grab something and just stand there with it in her mouth staring as us.
 

prittiegirl

Super Boxer
I secretly think it's to make the humans look stupid as they kajol (sp?) their puppy/dog into coming even an inch closer to them. It's like the boxer version of America's Funniest Home Videos!

Just today I was pulling out all the stops to get my girl back to me because she found a 2 foot LOG and was carrying it around thinking it was the best thing in the world. I'm dancing around, and squeaking toys, offering treats like a fool...

I bet she was splitting a gut watching me, waiting to tell Raine all about it!
 
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