Have you ever returned home to find your favorite shoes being chewed on by your beloved dog? Or thought a sock went missing only to discover it in your dog’s bed? Why do dogs have a knack for stealing clothes?
If your dog is in the habit of taking off with your underwear, understanding the reasons behind this behavior can help. Here, we explore several explanations for why dogs are so fixated on their owner’s garments and provide tips on safeguarding your belongings from your dog’s peculiar interest.
The 6 Reasons That Dogs Steal Clothing
It’s essential to realize that your dog isn’t pilfering or gnawing on your clothes with sinister intentions. Acknowledging this fact can enhance your comprehension of your dog’s behavior.
1. Your Clothes Smell Like You
If your dog has a penchant for nabbing your dirty laundry, it’s likely because it carries your scent. The stronger the odor on your clothing, the more appealing it may be to your dog. Leaving your clothes on the floor or in easily accessible spots might lead your dog to believe that you’ve left them there as a gift.
In such instances, your dog might transport the clothing to their bed to have your scent close by for comfort. Given that dogs are pack animals, blending their scent with yours can offer reassurance.
2. They Have Anxiety and Stress
Dogs experiencing anxiety and stress are more inclined to seize something imbued with your scent. This behavior might serve as a coping mechanism to alleviate their anxiety.
Snagging clothing that carries your scent not only provides comfort but also signifies self-soothing for distressed dogs.
3. Clothing Is Soft and Chewable
Dogs are drawn to soft items. This attraction may stem from an evolutionary trait since dogs historically hunted soft, furry creatures. Chewing on soft objects could evoke memories of gnawing on feathers and fur.
Additionally, dogs simply enjoy chewing as it aligns with their instinctual behaviors. Without appropriate chew toys, they may resort to chewing on whatever is available, which could include your possessions.
4. They Are Bored
Inadequate physical or mental stimulation can trigger destructive behavior in dogs. To combat boredom, dogs seek out sources of entertainment, leading to theft and chewing of forbidden items.
Dogs require sufficient physical exercise to expend their energy. Lack of appropriate chew toys and playtime may result in dogs wreaking havoc on your property and belongings.
5. They Are Looking for Attention
At times, dogs can be playful troublemakers, snatching your clothing to instigate a lively chase. Engaging in a game of tug-of-war with your sock can be particularly thrilling for them.
This behavior could indicate that your dog craves more playtime and interaction with you.
6. Dogs Are Scavengers
A dog’s innate instincts propel them to scavenge, endowing them with adept thievery skills. Dogs are naturally on the lookout for food or anything that smells like you, is soft, enjoyable to play with, and carries your scent.
This trait also implies that your dog might pilfer items beyond your clothing, showcasing their scavenging prowess by snatching food, trash, or other intriguing objects.
The 5 Tips to Stop Your Dog From Stealing Your Clothes
While this behavior is generally harmless, except for the occasional missing item of clothing, chewing on garments should be curbed as it can pose choking hazards or lead to intestinal blockages. Here are some suggestions to help deter this behavior.
1. Spend Quality Time With Them
If you’re frequently away, make the most of your free time by engaging in dog-centric activities with your pet. Visit the dog park, take long walks, play fetch, or partake in activities your dog enjoys. Exhaust your dog’s energy levels! A content, stimulated dog is less likely to engage in mischief.
2. Give Them Chew Toys
Supplying your dog with appropriate toys can prevent boredom, especially if they have a penchant for chewing on your belongings. Opt for chew toys tailored to dogs that can offer both physical and mental stimulation.
If your dog’s existing toys have lost their appeal, consider introducing new ones. Rotate between old and new toys to keep your pup engaged.
3. Use Positive Reinforcement
Dogs respond favorably to positive reinforcement. Instead of chasing or scolding your dog when they seize an item like a sock, refrain from reacting, provided they aren’t chewing on it.
Once your dog loses interest in the item, casually retrieve it. Consistent reactions can turn the act of grabbing your clothing into an enjoyable game, garnering your dog’s attention.
4. Don’t Leave Your Clothing Out
If socks and T-shirts aren’t strewn about, your dog won’t have the opportunity to abscond with them. Store your clothing in closed closets and keep laundry in a hamper with a secure lid. Deprived of the allure of your garments, your dog will have no reason to pilfer.
5. Give Your Dog Your Clothing
If your dog seeks comfort from an item imbued with your scent, wear an old T-shirt for a day and place it in your dog’s bed. This is advisable for dogs unlikely to chew the clothing to avoid safety risks.
For dogs desiring a soft, comforting object that smells like you, providing them with your clothing can deter them from stealing. However, consult your vet if your dog exhibits signs of anxiety.
Conclusion
Dogs will be dogs, displaying their adeptness at snagging our belongings, such as clothes. As long as your dog isn’t destroying your possessions, it’s typically a behavior that corresponds to having a unique canine companion.
However, if there are concerns about your dog chewing or ingesting clothing, intervention is necessary. If your dog demonstrates signs of anxiety, seeking advice from your vet is advisable.
Dedicate additional time to exercising and interacting with your dog to instill a sense of safety and contentment, potentially dissuading them from resorting to stealing your undergarments!
- See also: My Dog Swallowed Socks: What to Do? (Vet Answer)
Featured Image Credit: k_o_n_d, Shutterstock
