Dogs love to grab shoes, socks, and household items, sometimes turning them into chew toys. While this behavior may seem playful, it can lead to destruction, choking hazards, and frustration for owners.
In this guide, we’ll explore why dogs steal objects and how to train them to stop.
Why Do Dogs Steal Shoes and Objects?
Dogs may steal objects for several reasons:
✔ Curiosity – Shoes and household items carry interesting scents.
✔ Teething – Puppies may chew on items to soothe gum discomfort.
✔ Boredom – A lack of stimulation can lead to playful theft.
✔ Attention-Seeking – Some dogs steal objects to get their owner’s reaction.
✔ Possessiveness – Certain breeds enjoy hoarding objects in a “safe” place.
Now, let’s go over how to prevent this behavior effectively.
Step 1: Keep Tempting Items Out of Reach
Preventing access is the easiest way to stop the habit.
✔ Store shoes in closed closets or elevated shelves.
✔ Keep laundry in hampers with lids.
✔ Remove small objects from accessible areas.
✔ If they can’t reach it, they can’t steal it.
Step 2: Teach the “Drop It” Command
If your dog grabs an item, they should know how to release it on command.
How to Train It:
✔ Hold a treat and say “Drop it” when they have an object.
✔ When they release it, immediately reward them with the treat.
✔ Practice with different objects until they drop items reliably.
✔ This prevents resource-guarding and unsafe chewing.
Step 3: Provide Appropriate Chew Toys
Dogs often steal objects because they lack alternatives.
✔ Offer rubber chew toys, bones, or rope toys.
✔ Rotate toys regularly to keep them interesting.
✔ Reward them for chewing on designated toys instead of stolen items.
✔ A dog with plenty of chew toys is less likely to seek out shoes.
Step 4: Ignore Attention-Seeking Theft
If your dog steals items to get your attention, don’t reward them.
✔ Avoid chasing them—it turns into a fun game.
✔ Stay calm, retrieve the item quietly, and redirect them to a toy.
✔ Only give attention when they are behaving well.
✔ Dogs repeat behaviors that get a reaction.
Step 5: Use Positive Reinforcement for Good Behavior
Encourage your dog to leave objects alone by rewarding them.
✔ If they walk past a shoe without grabbing it, praise them.
✔ Reward them for choosing their own toys instead.
✔ Use the “Leave it” command to prevent stealing before it starts.
✔ Reinforcing good behavior helps break bad habits.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
1. Chasing After Your Dog
❌ Mistake: Turning the situation into a fun game.
✅ Solution: Stay calm, use “Drop it”, and redirect.
2. Punishing After the Fact
❌ Mistake: Scolding them after they’ve stolen an item.
✅ Solution: Dogs don’t connect punishment with past actions—redirect instead.
3. Not Providing Enough Alternatives
❌ Mistake: Expecting them to stop stealing without offering toys.
✅ Solution: Give them chew toys and mental stimulation.
When to Seek Professional Help
If stealing becomes excessive, consult a:
✔ Dog Trainer – For structured behavior correction.
✔ Veterinarian – To check for compulsive chewing tendencies.
✔ Canine Behaviorist – If stealing is linked to anxiety or resource-guarding.
Conclusion
Stopping your dog from stealing shoes and objects requires a mix of prevention, training, and positive reinforcement. By keeping items out of reach, teaching commands like “Drop it,” and providing engaging chew toys, you can redirect their behavior effectively.
With consistency, your dog will learn to leave your belongings alone and focus on their own toys!