From Glitter to Garlic Bread: Dog Parents Share The Weirdest Things Their Dogs Have Ever Stolen

If you’ve ever watched your dog trot triumphantly past you with a sock, remote control or a mysterious object they absolutely should not have, then you already know that immediate feeling of panic, followed (usually) by laughter when you realise that your pup isn’t in danger, just a master thief.

As a behaviourist, plenty of my clients – dog parents like you – have stories that start with, “You’ll never believe what my dog stole…” and the truth is, these little thefts are almost always rooted in something perfectly natural, even when they leave us scrambling across the room as quick as possible.

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Dogs don’t steal to be ‘naughty’. In fact, the behaviour often comes from instincts that are completely normal. Some dogs are natural retrievers which means that carrying something feels intrinsically good (it’s even in their DNA)! You might see them scanning their environment for interesting textures, scents or items that fulfil the job they were bred for.

Occasionally, your dog’s sticky-fingered behaviour can even be a form of canine self-selection – your dog choosing something their body needs, such as plants or herbs in your garden.

In some cases, they might be suffering from pica, an eating disorder where dogs eat or mouth things that aren’t typically considered food. Pica can point to nutritional or medical issues, or stem from boredom or anxiety. While consuming non-food items doesn’t automatically mean something is wrong, you should definitely consult your vet if your dog makes a habit out of this behaviour.

Then there’s the social side of stealing. Dogs are brilliant observers, and if swiping a slipper once earned them a burst of attention – whether you laughed, gasped or leapt off the sofa – they‘ve learnt that this behaviour is a fantastic way to get you to interact with them and before you know it, you and your dog are engaging in sport – that of chase! For your dog, it’s attention and enrichment of their day. To you, it’s a frustrating workout you didn’t ask for.

We do need to be mindful that if we repeatedly swoop in to grab things from our dogs, we can accidentally encourage guarding behaviours. A dog who worries that an item will be taken may start to hold onto things more tightly or even swallow them quickly – something they might never have done without that pressure. In those cases, the stealing itself isn’t the problem; the emotional pattern around it is. If you start to see your dog freezing when they see you notice them holding an item, or growling when you approach them, then it’s worth seeking out the support of an ethical behaviourist. 

We can be proactive with stealing behaviours – combining positive training and communication, alongside some careful management of your environment, especially when you have a young puppy around. It’s possible to turn the dog who would steal into a dog who feels safe and far less compelled to run off with your belongings - even one who wants to bring you everything they pick up instead of stealing it. Teaching a new puppy ‘drop’ and ‘leave it’ behaviour cues is very useful too. It’s also important to provide plenty of enrichment and ensure their natural needs are met by providing activities that work for their individual DNA. Approaching the whole situation with curiosity rather than conflict can turn these moments from chaotic to connection-building.

Before we dive into the incredible stories dog parents have shared, let’s take a moment to appreciate that behind each of these ‘thefts’ is a dog simply trying to meet a need, start a game or explore their world. And honestly? Sometimes, the strangest objects lead to the best laughs.

The serial offender

The cat napper

The meatball mugger

The constant gardener

Double trouble

The guilty gobbler

The shiny sneak

The bread bandit

The burying burglar