After spending some time with your golden retriever, you may be wondering why do golden retrievers always have something in their mouth.
Golden retrievers carry things in their mouth as they were bred to do so. Other reasons include teething, anxiety, possessiveness, attention, exploration, and curiosity. However, you can overcome this behavior using training commands and deterrents, providing alternatives, securing items, and physical and mental exercise.
In this article, we will explore why golden retrievers carry things in their mouths, how we can stop this behavior, and more.
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Why Does My Golden Retriever Bring Me Things?
Wondering why do golden retrievers bring you things?
Golden retrievers were originally bred for hunting. As the breed was naturally developed to have a soft mouth, they have an instinct to carry waterfowl without damaging them.
RELATED: Do Golden Retrievers Hunt?
But as the house environment does not offer them opportunities to satisfy their natural hunting instincts, they look for alternate things to bring you.
So, your golden retriever may bring you different things to display their instinctual behavior, along with the desire to please you.
It’s their way of telling you they are happy to see you and trust you.
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Why Do Golden Retrievers Steal Things?
There are various reasons why golden retrievers would engage in stealing behavior.
The most common reason is boredom, which means a lack of attention and entertainment their owners provide.
So, they may steal things to do something or to gain interaction with you.
They need both mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom. But when owners fail to fulfill this need, they steal things to utilize their unused energy.
They may learn that by stealing things, you will give them attention, so they are not technically stealing but continue to do so when they see you going after them.
This game of chase is so much fun to them.
Most puppies and many adolescent dogs love to explore and chew things, so it’s no surprise to see them stealing different things.
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When you try to get these items back from them, they like getting your attention and are reluctant to give up their newfound ‘treasure’.
Some puppies steal things because they are left unsupervised and have not been trained to an acceptable activity.
Why Does My Dog Greet Me With Something In Her Mouth?
Dogs have an instinct to greet their owners with something in their mouth, which is a harmless way to communicate and express their emotions.
Let’s look at the following few reasons for this behavior.
- Welcome Home Gift: Dogs celebrate your arrival by greeting you with a gift in their mouth.
- Natural Instinct: Golden retrievers have soft mouths and were bred to retrieve things. So, it’s normal behavior.
- Initiating Playtime: While you were away, they probably missed you and were bored, so as they see you returning, they can’t wait to have fun.
- Showing Submission and Respect: As in dog packs, lower-ranking dogs give up valuable items to the alpha to show their respect and submissiveness. So, your dog may see you as the leader of the pack.
- A Way of Displaying Happiness: Dogs can’t hug you or clap their paws to express their emotions. So, they grab something in their mouth to express their happiness upon seeing you. (Isn’t that adorable!)
Reasons Why Golden Retrievers Carry Things in Their Mouth
Although carrying things in their mouth is a common behavior in golden retrievers, let’s explore all the other reasons in detail, too.
1. Hunting Instincts
Golden retrievers were originally bred as hunting dogs. This instinct is deeply rooted in their genetic makeup.
You may notice this behavior when they pick up random objects at home or during walks.
Carrying objects in their mouths is a display of their natural retrieving behavior.
Part of this behavior is due to their “soft-mouthed” trait, meaning they can gently pick up and carry objects without causing any damage to them.
2. Teething
You may wonder what relation golden retriever teething has with carrying things around in their mouth.
Golden retriever puppies go through the same process of teething as human babies.
The process of teething causes them a lot of pain and discomfort as they have sore and swollen gums.
Therefore, having something in their mouths and chewing relieves pain and discomfort.
3. Anxiety
Carrying objects in their mouths could be a self-soothing behavior that provides them comfort and security, especially if the object carries their owners’ scent.
If you notice this behavior increasing while you are gone or about to leave, it could be a sign that your golden retriever may be suffering from separation anxiety.
RECOMMENDED READING: Anxiety in Golden Retrievers: Symptoms, Causes, & Solutions
This behavior can also be compared to a “security blanket,” which humans use when in a situation that worries them or makes them anxious.
4. Possessiveness
Possessiveness is a behavior that happens when your golden retriever claims a specific object, like a toy or bed, and seeks to protect it.
Some possessive behaviors, like minor forms of possessiveness, may not seem like a big deal.
Although golden retrievers are generally a non-aggressive breed, you should take the right steps if they show possessive aggression by getting anxious, snarling, growling, or snapping at other animals.
Recommended Reading: Why Is My Golden Retriever Puppy Being Aggressive?
Also Read: Golden Retriever Snarling: Here’s Why and What to Do!
5. Attention
Bringing different things in their mouth shows that they crave your attention. It’s their way of telling you they want to play or interact with you.
But there are some negative attention-seeking behaviors, such as when your golden retriever carries shoes and other items they shouldn’t mess with.
By displaying such behavior, they reach their ultimate goal: getting your attention.
6. Exploration and Curiosity
Golden retrievers are naturally curious and always eager to explore new places and discover new things.
Carrying different things in their mouths allows them to interact with the world around them. It’s a form of sensory exploration.
How Do I Stop My Golden Retriever From Stealing or Carrying Things?
If you are worried about your golden retriever stealing and carrying things around, here are some tips to help you manage this behavior.
1. Training Commands
As a desire to carry things is built in their DNA, this behavior can’t be entirely changed. But you can modify it into more acceptable behavior.
Ensure your golden retriever has basic obedience training, including commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “leave it” to discourage unwanted carrying or stealing behaviors.
Do lots of “retrieves” with them and be excited when they bring them things to you.
2. Positive Reinforcement
Reward your golden retriever using positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats, pets, and praise, when they follow commands and refrain from stealing or carrying items.
This will encourage them to follow good behavior.
3. Provide Alternatives
Provide attractive alternatives, such as chew toys or interactive puzzles, for your golden retriever to carry or interact with.
Make sure you have plenty of options with different textures so you can see what your dog loves most.
4. Use Deterrents
Several commercial deterrent sprays can be applied to different objects to discourage your dog from mouthing or carrying them.
Employ pet-safe deterrents, like bitter sprays, on items you want your dog to avoid carrying or stealing.
The bitter sprays are usually made from bitter apple extract, which is harmless to dogs but typically unpleasant for them to taste.
Additionally, some deterrents release a smell that dogs find unappealing.
It’s important to ensure that any spray used is non-toxic and safe, particularly for dogs that are sensitive or have allergies.
5. Secure Items
Designate certain areas of your home as dog-proof by removing items that could be tempting or harmful to your golden retriever.
This might include keeping trash cans secured, using baby gates, etc.
Store valuable or potentially harmful items out of reach to prevent your dog from accessing them.
Consider using containers with secure lids or childproof locks.
6. Consistent Rules
Establish and enforce consistent rules for your golden retriever to avoid confusion.
If certain items or places are off-limits, enforce this consistently so your dog understands the boundaries.
It is also important to stay consistent with the cues or commands you are teaching your dog.
If you are not living alone, ensure your entire family uses the same cues.
Using more than one word for a cue can confuse your golden retriever.
For example, if you sometimes tell them to “come” and at other times tell them to “get over here!”, this will confuse them.
7. Provide Physical and Mental Exercise
Your golden retriever might steal or carry things because they want something to do or interact with you.
Ensure your dog gets enough physical and mental stimulation to prevent boredom, which can contribute to unwanted behaviors like digging, barking, and jumping.
Recommended Reading: Do Golden Retrievers Dig?
Also Read: Do Golden Retrievers Jump Fences?
Giving them a suitable outlet to release their energy, like long walks, interactive games, and chewing toys, may prevent them from having their way of fun.
8. Address Underlying Issues
Identify and address any underlying issues, such as anxiety or stress, that might contribute to stealing or carrying behaviors.
Stealing may be a symptom of separation anxiety.
Dogs with separation anxiety repeatedly steal things with their owner’s scent, like socks or shoes, which can be comforting to them and is an attempt to cope with the absence of their owner.
Recommended Reading: Why Do Golden Retrievers Love Socks?
If your golden retriever suffers from anxiety, seek guidance from a vet or a dog behaviorist.
9. Rotate Toys
Just like us, our dogs also get bored of the same old stuff.
After playing a few times, that toy is no longer interesting or entertaining to them.
But the solution isn’t buying new toys every now and then. Instead, try putting your dog’s toys on a rotation!
To keep the excitement alive, you can divide toys into different categories like squeaky, chewy, and interactive toys.
It will ensure your golden retriever will not get bored playing with the same toys daily.
10. Social Interaction
Golden Retrievers are inherently social animals and thrive on interacting with humans and other dogs.
Lack of social interaction can lead to behaviors like carrying or stealing items to seek attention or self-entertainment.
- Arrange playdates with other dogs to keep them active and socially engaged.
- Take them to dog parks for interaction with other dogs.
- Spend quality time with your dog through activities like grooming or playing.
- Consider obedience classes for social and training benefits.
- Maintain a consistent routine that includes daily social activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why does my golden retriever carry a toy?
Golden retrievers carry toys due to their instinctual retrieving traits, inherited from their history as hunting dogs. This breed has a gentle ‘soft mouth’, ideal for carrying without damage. When they carry toys, it’s often a display of affection, a call for attention or play, or a comforting behavior for security and anxiety relief.
2. Why do golden retrievers pick up shoes?
Golden retrievers may pick up shoes due to their natural retrieving instinct, similar to why they carry toys. Shoes, with their distinct scent, especially attract dogs as they carry the strong personal scent of their owners. This behavior can also signify affection or a desire for attention. It’s also possible that younger golden retrievers do this as part of exploratory play or teething.
3. Why does my dog bring me a toy but not let me take it?
When your dog brings you a toy but doesn’t let you take it, it’s often an invitation to play. This behavior is a playful tease, encouraging you to engage in a game of chase or tug-of-war. It’s a sign of excitement and affection from your dog.
Conclusion
Golden Retrievers carry things in their mouth due to their innate retrieving instincts and desire for interaction. This behavior is often a blend of affection, playfulness, and comfort-seeking.
Understanding and addressing the underlying causes, such as boredom or anxiety, through proper training, socialization, and mental stimulation, can help manage this adorable yet sometimes problematic behavior.
If you’re wondering about other typical behaviors related to your golden retriever, we recommend checking these articles next:
Why Does My Golden Retriever Eat Grass?
Why Is My Golden Retriever Always Hungry?
Do Golden Retrievers Pant A Lot?
Why Do Golden Retrievers Paw at You?