If your dog steals shoes and runs off to hide them under the bed, couch, or in another room, this behavior can be funny at first—but frustrating over time. The good news? Shoe-stealing is very common, rarely malicious, and highly fixable once you understand what’s driving it.
Why Dogs Take and Hide Shoes
1. Shoes Smell Like You (Most Common)
Shoes carry:
-
Strong human scent
-
Sweat and oils
-
Comforting familiarity
For many dogs, taking shoes is a way to feel close to you, especially when you’re gone.
2. Attention-Seeking
If stealing shoes leads to:
-
Chasing
-
Laughing
-
Talking or scolding
Your dog may have learned:
“Shoes = instant interaction.”
Even negative attention can reinforce the behavior.
3. Play and Chase Instinct
Running away with shoes often turns into a game.
Dogs love:
-
Being chased
-
Keeping “valuable” objects
This is especially common in young dogs.
4. Comfort or Anxiety Relief
Dogs sometimes hide shoes:
-
When left alone
-
During routine changes
-
When mildly anxious
Shoes act as a self-soothing object.
5. Resource Guarding (Less Common but Important)
Red flags include:
-
Growling when you approach
-
Stiff body language
-
Freezing over the shoe
This needs careful handling (no grabbing!).
What NOT to Do
❌ Don’t chase your dog
❌ Don’t yell or punish
❌ Don’t grab items out of their mouth
❌ Don’t laugh and then get mad later
These either turn it into a game or increase guarding.
How to Stop Shoe Stealing (Step by Step)
1. Manage Access (Fastest Fix)
-
Keep shoes in closed closets
-
Use shoe racks with doors
-
Pick up shoes immediately
No access = no stealing practice.
2. Teach a Solid “Drop It”
Practice daily:
-
Offer a low-value item
-
Say “drop it”
-
Reward with a better treat
Dogs learn that giving things up pays well.
3. Replace Shoes With Legal Items
Give your dog:
-
Soft toys
-
Scented chew toys
-
Items similar in texture (but allowed)
Place them near shoe areas.
4. Don’t Chase—Trade
If your dog grabs a shoe:
-
Stay calm
-
Offer a treat or toy
-
Praise when they drop it
Calm trades build trust and stop the game.
5. Increase Mental & Physical Stimulation
A bored dog steals more:
-
Sniff walks
-
Puzzle feeders
-
Training games
A tired brain seeks less mischief.
If Your Dog Hides Shoes
This often means:
-
They want uninterrupted possession
-
They’re avoiding confrontation
Teach calm exchanges and ensure safe spaces for chewing allowed items.
When to Get Help
📞 Consult a trainer if:
-
Growling or snapping occurs
-
Your dog guards stolen items
-
The behavior escalates
Early help prevents resource guarding issues.
Final Takeaway
Dogs steal shoes because they’re comforting, rewarding, or fun—not because they’re spiteful. Remove access, stop the chase, and teach calm trades, and the habit fades quickly.
🐾 To your dog, shoes aren’t laundry—they’re love letters that smell like you.