If your dog constantly grabs your socks, shoes, or household items and runs off, you're not alone. Many dogs develop a habit of stealing things—especially objects that smell like their favorite human. What starts as playful mischief can quickly turn into a repetitive behavior, especially if you respond by chasing them, unintentionally turning it into a game.

Let’s explore why dogs steal objects and the best ways to stop this behavior for good.

Why Dogs Like to Steal

Dogs rely heavily on their sense of smell, and items that carry your scent—like clothing, towels, or even tissues—can be incredibly appealing to them. This attraction to familiar smells is instinctive and comforting for many dogs.

However, the behavior isn’t always just about scent. Often, dogs learn that stealing gets them attention. If you drop what you're doing and run after them, they see it as playtime. Over time, your dog may start grabbing anything within reach, knowing it’ll spark a reaction from you.

Why Chasing Makes It Worse

It’s natural to want to take back whatever your dog stole, especially if it’s valuable or dangerous. But chasing your dog can backfire. Many dogs find it exciting and will learn to repeat the behavior just to keep the game going.

Additionally, some items—like plastic, fabric, or electronics—can pose choking hazards or cause serious digestive issues if swallowed. Trying to forcibly remove an item from your dog’s mouth can lead to fear or even aggression, especially if they begin to feel threatened or protective over the object.

In some cases, repeatedly grabbing things from your dog can lead to what's called resource guarding, where the dog begins to growl or snap to defend what they consider theirs.

How to Prevent the Habit from Forming

The best approach is prevention. Start by keeping tempting objects out of reach. Store shoes in closed closets, use lidded hampers, and ensure garbage cans are secure. Puppy-proofing your home reduces the chances of theft in the first place.

Make sure your dog’s physical and mental needs are being met. Boredom can drive unwanted behaviors, so provide regular walks, playtime, training, and interactive toys. Offering chew toys or food puzzles can keep them mentally engaged and away from your belongings.

Training basic commands like "leave it" helps set clear boundaries. You can practice by showing your dog a treat, closing your hand when they try to grab it, and rewarding them from the other hand once they stop trying. This teaches them patience and self-control.

What to Do If Your Dog Already Steals

If your dog already has a habit of stealing, it's important to stay calm. Avoid yelling or chasing. Instead, work on teaching a "drop it" command. Start with toys or safe objects and reward your dog when they give the item up.

You can also introduce trading games—swap a stolen item for something your dog values more, like a treat or a toy. Over time, your dog will learn that giving up an item doesn’t mean they lose out—it may even mean something better is coming.

If your dog shows signs of tension, like growling, stiff posture, or avoiding eye contact when holding something, don’t force a trade. These can be signs of guarding behavior, and working with a qualified trainer or behaviorist may be necessary.

In urgent cases, such as when your dog has grabbed something harmful (like chocolate or medication), calmly drop high-value treats nearby to distract them long enough to safely retrieve the object.

Calm Reactions Create Better Outcomes

When your dog steals something, your reaction is key. Instead of getting frustrated, calmly approach them with a high-value treat or toy, acting uninterested in the item they’ve taken. Use your training cues and reward them when they cooperate. Praise and consistency will help your dog learn that cooperation leads to good things.

With patience, positive reinforcement, and some smart prevention, your dog will soon realize that there are far more rewarding games than keep-away.