Dog Steals Items-Could It Be Boredom?   

 Thieving Terrier: We have a 1 year old terrier mix who is very active and fun loving. She also has a bad habit of stealing. She is constantly trying to get up on the table etc., just to get bits of paper or anything she can get her mouth on. She has plenty of toys available but seems to prefer stuff that does not belong to her. How can we teach her to stop thieving? Stealing things is a good way to get your attention and puppies LOVE attention! If she steals an item and you chase her to take it from her, she soon learns that this is the perfect way to train you to play with her. Try this, the next time she steals an item, unless she is destroying something you would rather keep, turn and walk in the opposite direction into another room. Most often she will be curious as to what you are doing and follow. If not, call her and be sure to have one of her play toys in hand. Spend a few minutes giving her you undivided attention. Once she realizes that you will not play with her while she is at the table, her thieving should diminish in a matter of days. Also, try to discover which is her favourite toy (ALL dogs have a favourite) and keep it handy to play with her. In our home it was a stuffed red heart. Whenever any of the dogs came inside, they made a mad dash to be the first to find and carry around that heart. With the multitude of toys available, that seemed to be the all-time favourite for ours and any visiting dogs.

Also, always be aware of your dog's genetic makeup. What is the breed and what is characteristic of that breed? For example, one individual had a problem with his dog stealing clothes off the line. It turns out, this dog was a cross between a Kelpie and a Staffy. Kelpies were bred in their native country of Australia, to work all day even in intense heat, covering 1,000 to 4,000-plus acres. This workaholic will work until it drops. Kelpies are devoted one-man dogs but far too work-oriented and energetic for a house or apartment existence. Boredom is the breed's doom and the owner's as well. Now for the Staffy temperament: The Staffordshire Bull Terrier does everything full throttle: play, work and love. It is extremely courageous and obedient, affectionate with a sense of humor. The breeds reputation with children is second to none. They are intelligent and stubborn at times so need firm and consistent training. Take into consideration the dog's age as well as it's pack mentality. If he is left tied to a tree or post where he cannot access humans or other animals, this will be detrimental to him in the long run and often makes for a vicious dog. Not good, considering in his frustration, he could turn on his handler.

Socialization of dogs is VERY important and cannot be stressed enough. If a dog has a playmate, and a large enough area in which to play unrestricted, he will get the needed exercise and will calm down on his own thus eliminating most of the "thieving" activity.