Facebook Youtube Instagram Jki-google-map-light
Training-That-Lasts-Logo-The-Dog-Trainers-of-Yorkville
Training Tips

Object Stealing

Taking and carrying household items, clothing, food, or objects that are not intended for the dog.

Common Signs

  • Grabbing Socks
  • Running Away with Items
  • Guarding Stolen Objects
  • Soliciting Chase

Important Distinction

Object Stealing should be interpreted in context. One behavior does not reveal a dog’s intent, diagnosis, or personality, and sudden changes should be discussed with a veterinarian.

What Can Help

Observe when object stealing happens, what occurs immediately before and after it, and whether distance, environment, arousal, health, or reinforcement changes the pattern. Management and appropriate training should address the cause instead of only suppressing the visible behavior.

When To Get Professional Help

Seek professional help when object stealing creates safety concerns, escalates, disrupts daily life, appears suddenly, involves pain or medical changes, or is difficult to manage without increasing stress.

Related Dog Psychology

FearFear is an emotional response to something the dog perceives as threatening or unsafe. It may produce avoidance, freezing, escape attempts, barking,…AssociationAssociation is the process of connecting one event, place, object, person, sensation, or behavior with another. These connections help dogs predict what…TrustTrust is the dog's expectation that a person will behave safely, fairly, and predictably. It develops through repeated experiences in which communication…

Related Dog Training

ManagementManagement changes the environment to prevent unwanted behavior from being rehearsed while training is underway. It includes barriers, leashes, distance, schedules, storage,…Drop ItDrop it teaches the dog to release an item already held in its mouth. The goal is a voluntary exchange that preserves…Leave ItLeave it teaches the dog to disengage from an item, smell, person, animal, or opportunity before taking it. The skill is built…CounterconditioningCounterconditioning changes the dog's emotional expectation by pairing a trigger with something the dog values. The goal is for the trigger to…Alternative Behavior TrainingAlternative behavior training teaches the dog a specific, realistic response that can replace an unwanted behavior. The replacement must meet the situation,…

Related Training Option

Behavioral Consultation

Every dog brings a different history, environment, and reason for the behavior. This service can help identify the right next step and build a plan around the dog in front of you.

Learn About Behavioral Consultation

This library provides general education, not an assessment of an individual dog. Sudden behavior changes, pain-related behavior, or an immediate safety concern should be discussed with an appropriate veterinary or behavior professional.

share it:
Picture of Training That Lasts
Training That Lasts
Training That Lasts is a relationship-based dog training company founded by Tyler "The Trainer" Morrick and based in Bristol, Illinois, serving the Oswego and Yorkville communities. The company's mission is encapsulated in its motto: "Redefining Relationships"—moving beyond basic obedience commands to foster deep, lasting connections between dogs and their handlers. Led by Tyler Morrick, who brings over 13 years of canine experience (including work with a remarkable therapy Chihuahua) and formal certification from Waubonsee Community College, the Training That Lasts team believes that a well-trained dog begins with a well-equipped owner. Their philosophy centers on teaching both the dog and the handler simultaneously, ensuring that training continues long after the session ends.

Latest Dog Training Posts