Why Does My Dog Keep Taking My Shoes?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Clothing, shoes and children’s toys are favorite items for canine kleptomaniacs. These dogs may enjoy chewing the object, tearing it or just tossing it around. When a dog takes something that is not hers, she does not know she is stealing.

She simply sees something she wants and goes for the object.

Why does my dog only steal my shoes?

Shoes is a clothing item that carries a lot of scent because we wear them for extended periods of time, and we also sweat in them. Accordingly, when our dogs want something to steal,

they are most attracted to things like shoes or socks that have a higher concentration of our scent on them

.

How do I stop my dog from grabbing my shoes?

So, if your dog enjoys gaining your attention by stealing things, the best thing to do when they steal is to

completely ignore them

, as long as it is safe to do so. Simply wait until they lose interest and drop the item, then encourage them to do something else instead, such as play with a toy or enjoy a chew.

Why is my puppy obsessed with shoes?

Leather in particular is quite fun for some dogs. But sometimes it isn’t just interest and a love for your personal smell. Puppies will often chew on shoes

because they’re teething

and similar to babies they need something to chew on to relieve the discomfort.

Why do dogs grab shoes when excited?

The learning, or nurtural components, in this case could be positive or negative reinforcement. Let us suppose, for a moment, that your dog is displaying the behavior because of dominance with negative reinforcement of the behavior. In that case, she would grab the object

to prevent people from getting it

.

Why do dogs like shoes and feet?


The sweat and oil on your feet can give a dog a lot of information– as can pheromones

. There’s not much research out there on pheromones, but it’s reasonable to theorize that a dog that frequently steals and chews your socks and shoes, or licks your toes compulsively is attracted to your pheromones.

Why does my dog take my slippers off my feet?


Dogs do get lonely and need toys and chewy distractions

. If you have not provided anything then your slipper might just be the best item to fill the loneliness gap. Slippers are overloaded with your scent and are soft and comforting. They are the perfect object to run off with and keep close by while you are away.

Why does my dog take my shoes and sleep with them?

1.

The Scent that Comes from the Shoe

. The scent that comes from the shoe is your scent and this is very comforting for the dog. When you are not around your dog might go into your room and lay on your shoes as a way to comfort himself while you’re gone.

Why does my dog stare at me?

Just as humans stare into the eyes of someone they adore, dogs will stare at their owners

to express affection

. In fact, mutual staring between humans and dogs releases oxytocin, known as the love hormone. This chemical plays an important role in bonding and boosts feelings of love and trust.

How much do dogs love me?

How can you tell if your dog loves you? Here are some indicators that your dog really does love you for more than a fresh bag of kibble and a walk in the park:

Your dog is happy to see you

. Your dog may jump and bark and get over-emotional when you walk through the door.

Why does my dog put my hand in his mouth when I pet him?

This type of mouthing is the most common.

When a dog greets someone, is excited about playtime, or is amped up about something else

, he may mouth at your hands, wrists, or clothing. Generally, these dogs will jump and wag their tails. You might feel their canines or molars when they mouth you.

Do dogs think stuffed animals are real?

Both preferences are linked to the dogs genetic drive or instinct to hunt and prey on smaller, squeaking, or quacking animals – such as rats or ducks. Given the above,

it is both normal and common for dogs to enjoy playing with stuffed animal toys

.

Why does my dog bring me things when I get home?

For some dogs, this excitement can stem from

wanting some playtime with you

, especially if you typically play with your dog right away when you return. It doesn’t take very long for a dog to learn that it’s playtime when you return home. When your dog brings you a toy, it is his way of saying, “Come play with me!”

Why do dogs take shoes and socks?


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.

Why does my dog sit at my feet when I’m on the toilet?

Here’s why. If your dog follows you into the bathroom,

it’s likely a result of their animal instinct and pack mentality

. Canines who do this are referred to as “Velcro dogs,” due to their desire to be attached to your side. They may follow you around, even to the bathroom, to protect a part of their pack.

Why does my dog steal my socks?

Dogs steal socks

for attention

.

Dogs understand and interpret human expression much more than one might assume. When your dog begins to realize that stealing a pair of socks from your clean laundry pile is going to get you looking his way, he might get in the habit of doing it for fun.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.