Kleptomania

[Bonnie and Kona]

Owen went through a bad stage of kleptomania a few months ago and he is back at it! It's driving me crazy. Every time I turn around he has a shoe or a sweater or a napkin or glasses in his mouth. Help me stop this!!! I can't Bitter Apple everything in the house.

[Laura Deutsch]

Molly is 15 months and still gets everything she can. She's the first dog we've ever had this issue with and it's very irritating. Unfortunately for us, we are not the type of people that have nothing on our tables and counters, so we are praying that she will grow out of this and SOON!!!!!

[Adina P]

Does he attempt to destroy it?

Will he give it to you?

 

[Bonnie and Kona]

Oh yes, he'll drop it if we find it in time. Otherwise he destroys it. 15 months, Laura??? Oh no! Owen is 11 months and I was hoping this would be long gone by 15 months!!!

[Donna K & Quincy]

Quincy is over 2 and he is still a thief, he doesn't hide and chew things, he brings them to where we are and will give them up and drop whatever it is on command. He doesn't do this all day long but only seems to do it when he is bored.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Yes! The link that Amy posted is a great answer to this. I am going to have to give Owen specific activities to occupy him in the evenings.

[Amy and Truman]

Saw this on Cesar's website today.  Same topic might be helpful

http://www.cesarsway.com/askcesar/obsession/Sneaky-Golden-Retriever...

[Bonnie and Kona]

Amy! Thank you so so much! Owen gets plenty of exercise but this is probably a big part of his problem. He is an active boy and needs more "to do". He is not content to just be still yet. I will have to get him some of those toys that are mind activities. I had a big kong to feed him dinner (since he runs in the morning with my husband, I thought it would be a good evening activity) but he chewed it up. grrr. I need to try again. We have guests and he is trying especially hard to get their attention this week.

[Amy and Truman]

Glad it was helpful.  Funny that the topic was the same as your question!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Cesar's response makes sense to me.  Murphy only steals one object....my face cloth.  He is obsessed with it, but only after it has been used.  He won't take "clean" ones.  He gets it out of the bathroom, brings it to his bed, and lays on top of it.  It would make sense that it has my scent on it, plus it is cool and damp.  I guess I should consider myself lucky that this is the only "object of his desire".  Good luck.  I do think there are some dogs who "need a job" and if we don't give them one, they'll find their own.

[Kathy, Harley & Roxie]

Harley does this all the time!  It seems to be his way of inviting us to play with him.  He is getting better with the give command.