How to Teach Your Dog Not to Steal - Canine Campus Dog Daycare & Boarding

Puppies and adolescent dogs love to play, explore and chew, so it should be no surprise when they steal household objects. When you try to get these items back from your dog, a rousing game of chase ensues because playing chase is fun! And plus, your dog loves the attention you’re giving him or her and of course, doesn’t want to give up the newfound treasure, whatever it may be.

Dogs may raid garbage cans, steal food off the table and countertops, get into cupboards or refrigerators where they can help themselves to snacks. One dog I know loves to nab plastic coat hangers and zoom through the house with them like she’s found the mother lode of chew toys. Despite my – and other dog parents’ – best attempts to deter their dogs from “stealing” things, these behaviors continue.

Why Do Dogs Persist in Stealing?

When dealing with any unwanted behavior in animals, look for the motivation behind the action. What is the motivation behind stealing food? Dogs love food items, especially human food. Stealing garbage? It has many strange and funky smells. Plus, you never know what you’ll find in there! Shoes, socks and underwear? They strongly smell like you, the dog parent. Some young dogs will steal things just to get attention and continue to steal because the game of chase is so much fun.

How to Set Your Pup Up for Success

If left to their own devices, most puppies will get into trouble. For this reason, you should first focus on ensuring your dog has a sufficiently enriched and predictable daily routine that includes:

This will help eliminate stealing as a way to get basic needs met.

Puppies need to be supervised at all times to ensure they are safe and not engaging in unacceptable behaviors. If you can’t be home to watch your dog, consider enrolling your dog in daycare. If your puppy is too young (check out our admissions requirements here), try to find a family member or friend who can stay with him or her until your puppy is old enough and properly vaccinated. If you can’t find anyone you know and trust, you may need to confine your pup to a safe, puppy-proofed area or crate for a short periods of time to keep him or her safe.

Games to Play to Teach Your Dog Not to Steal

These games will help your pup learn new behaviors and create new ways of interacting so you don’t constantly have to deal with caper after caper.

Game #1. Trade Up

Start by figuring out high value treats or toys to be used to “trade up” whenever your pup steals something inappropriate. Look for items your dog will want more than the item he or she has stolen.

Trading up is simple. When your dog has captured something of value, be prepared to offer a high-value toy or treat in exchange. The exact moment your dog drops the stolen item, mark it with the verbal cue “drop it” and reinforce it with the item you’re trading.

The benefit of always trading up is a predictable outcome. Many dogs will run away when they grab something they know is valuable. However, most dogs will not run away once they understand how the game “trading up” works. And some of them will get smart and run toward you once they’ve stolen something because they know you will play “trade up” with them. And that’s a victory!

Game #2. Take it/drop it

The idea with “take it/drop it” is to trade identical or similar items for another. An example of this is to trade a ball for another ball.

The way the game works is to present your dog with the second item once your dog has taken the first item. As your dog lets go of the first item, say “drop it” and then hand your dog the second item. When your dog takes the second item, say “take it”.

Repeat this “game” as long as your dog is having fun as you narrate the actions. It’s important your dog has fun playing this game and is not experiencing frustration. This game serves to build a reinforcement history.

Sometimes, the second item isn’t high value enough for your dog to drop the first item. If that happens, you need to find something high value enough for your dog want to drop the first item. Try different meats, cheeses, and especially smelly foods. Professional trainers often recommend liver treats, duck treats, and salmon treats, but there are many options out there for you to test with your dog.

You can also play a modified version of this game by giving the verbal cue “drop it” when your dog drops the ball after you’ve thrown it. However, you won’t use the “take it” cue because you will throw the ball since you’re playing fetch.

Game #3. Leave It

“Leave it” is a game to teach your dog not to grab something. “Leave it” should not be used as a threat, but as a teaching tool. “Leave it” is a promise your dog will be rewarded if he or she doesn’t touch the item. It’s a good way to teach your dog about disengagement and reinforcement.

When a dog disengages from the target item, he or she is rewarded with a high value treat. Start by keeping the object of desire in your hand, and then progress to setting the item on the floor and then slowly step away from the item so your dog learns this command applies to items at a distance.

The Importance of Reinforcement

Reinforcement is used as a training tool for dogs who steal. Remember, you get what you reinforce. If your puppy enjoys being chased, then chasing him or her reinforces that behavior. If your dog enjoys trading up, that reinforces the trading up behavior. Reinforcement both drives and builds behavior.

Why You Shouldn’t Snatch Things Away from Your Dog Who Steals

When dealing with a dog who steals, don’t chase him or her and snatch things away. If you snatch things away from your dog, your dog will try to avoid you, exacerbating the behavior.

Once you build a history of “trade up”, “drop it/take it” and “leave it” games, your dog will learn to associate these behaviors with you instead of trying to escape after their next big heist, and your dog won’t feel the need to steal things as often. Eventually, stealing will disappear.

Final Thoughts

Dogs don’t have it in them to steal. They are naturally curious, playful and friendly. To them, anything with your scent is a glorious treat to cherish. Anything fluffy is a toy. Anything hard is a chew toy. You can’t punish your dog for something they don’t understand is wrong. They only want to chew, play, and be close to you.

Playing “trade up”, “drop it/take it” and “leave it” teaches your dog positive behaviors as a replacement for stealing. Playing games with your dog strengthens your trust bond with your dog and leads to a deeper understanding and happier life together.

Does your dog steal? How have you coped with stealing behaviors? Please share your experience in the comments below…