Does your dog have an obsession with shoes? You’re not alone. Many dog owners wonder why their pooch is so fascinated by footwear. Shoe-stealing and chewing is a common habit dogs develop. But what makes shoes so irresistible to dogs? Keep reading to understand the psychology behind this peculiar canine fixation.
Shoes Carry Your Scent
One major reason dogs love shoes is because of the strong human scent they carry. Dogs have an incredible sense of smell that is 10,000 to 100,000 times more acute than humans. When they pick up a shoe covered in your scent, it provides comfort and feelings of closeness. Chewing and playing with the shoe saturates your pup with those calming pheromones.
The Texture Feels Good
Between the materials shoes are made from and their unique shape, dogs find chewing on them simply feels satisfying. Rubber soles seem to be especially appealing textures for a dog’s teeth. And slipping their snout into the toasty, enclosed space of a shoe likely mimics the cozy comfort of a den. This makes shoes ideal sensory chew toys.
Separation Stress
Dogs suffering from separation anxiety frequently target shoes because they smell like you. Chewing or stealing this scent-covered item brings stressed dogs a sense of relief and distraction in your absence. Separation behaviors like destructive chewing often accompany dogs with abandonment issues.
Attention-Seeking Behavior
Some mischievous pups steal shoes merely to get a reaction out of their owners. Negative or positive, any attention reinforces the shoe-targeting behavior. Dogs may also see you putting on shoes as a signal you’re leaving and try to stop you by running off with them.
Boredom
Lack of stimulation leaves some dogs seeking adventure wherever they can find it. That adventure just might be raiding the shoe rack for new chew toys. Without proper physical and mental exercise, bored dogs get creative in expending pent-up energy. Stealing shoes provides an outlet.
If your dog obsessively takes or ruins shoes, you can curb the behavior through distraction, exercise, anxiety reduction tactics, and removing access to temptation. But most importantly, make sure their needs for play, bonding, and your attention get met.
What to Do If Your Dog Keeps Taking Your Shoes
While instinct drives most dogs’ obsession with shoes, you can implement some training strategies to deter the undesirable behavior:
- Provide a designated dog toy that carries your scent for chewing instead of shoes. Rotate toys to keep novelty.
- Restrict access to places shoes get stored when you’re away. Close closet doors or use baby gates.
- Give your dog plenty of physical and mental stimulation through walks, play time, puzzles and training sessions.
- Practice basic “drop it” and “leave it” commands using positive reinforcement training methods.
- Consider crate training anxious dogs so they can’t access shoes in your absence. Make it a calm, positive space.
- Reward calm behavior and other desirable habits through treats, praise or affection.
Stopping a dedicated shoe chewer takes diligence. But through meeting their needs better and developing impulse control, you can curb cravings for footwear. Consult a certified dog trainer for help if issues persist.
Why Do Puppies Like to Chew on Shoes?
Puppies have a strong instinct to chew during teething and development. Trying out different textures with their incoming adult teeth feels soothing against their sore gums. And because shoes spend so much time on human feet, they carry an ultra-enticing scent that draws curious puppies in.
Between 3 and 6 months of age, puppies teethe aggressively and explore new things constantly with their mouths. This unfortunately makes your shoes a prime target. While it’s extremely common, it’s important to redirect puppies to appropriate chew toys instead to avoid ingesting shoe materials and ruining new kicks.
With positive reinforcement training and removing access to shoes early on, you can curb this typical puppy shoe chewing phase. Make sure tempting shoes get stored safely out of reach behind closed doors and inside closets during the teething stretch.
What Types of Shoes Do Dogs Like Best?
Every dog has unique shoe preferences when it comes to their stealing or chewing cravings. But here are some trends among breeds and characteristics that make certain shoes extra enticing.
Stinky shoes – The smellier the better to a dog. Sweaty workout shoes or well-worn boots capture extra scent to provide comfort.
Slippers and sandals – Fuzzy slippers resemble toys while flip flops move unpredictably, sparking instinct to chase.
Shoes that remind them of walks – Grabbing leash-attached shoes or obeying the sight of car keys signals adventure.
Chewy rubber soles – Tough materials feel best on sore teething gums. Puppies especially target rubber.
Shoes left out overnight – Unfettered access gives ample opportunity for curious pups.
No matter the specifics though, practically any shoe to a dog beats no shoe at all. Keeping them put away removes the temptation so don’t blame yourself or your dog’s shoe preferences when they go missing!
Questions and Answers About Dogs and Shoes
Q: Are shoes bad for dogs to chew and eat?
A: Yes, eating shoe pieces can cause intestinal blockages or choking hazards. The materials are not digestible. Monitor your dog anytime they’ve snatched a shoe and call your vet if symptoms of blockage show up.
Q: How do I stop my dog from running out the door with my shoes?
A: Practice the “drop it” command using high-value treats as a reward. Only reward releasing the shoe. Also keep a handy toy bin by the door to replace shoes with when leaving. Maintaining a predictable routine also helps eager dogs relax rather than react excitedly when you grab shoes to leave.
Q: Why does my dog always take just one shoe?
A: Dogs don’t understand shoes come in pairs! Grabbing one transports your scent to their crate or bed which provides security. It also guarantees your return when forced to find the missing half of your pair so you can’t leave. Smart dogs!
Q: Are shoe-chewers just bored or stressed?
A: While boredom and stress often do propel dogs to destructive chewing, shoe-loving likely stems from the scent, texture, possession, and play value itself. Make sure your dog’s needs are met but don’t blame yourself for their shoe obsession specifically. It’s innate!
Redirect and reward positive behaviors, provide plenty of exercise, and restrict shoe access to curb shoe snatching while making sure your dog feels secure. With diligence, even dedicated shoe lovers can reform their ways.
