Why do dogs bring toys when they get home?

By SecretWuff 5 Min Read

It’s heartwarming to have your dog cheerfully greet you at the door. And each dog has a different way of greeting each other. Some dogs wag their tails and lick their owners, while others jump on their owners, whine, and bark.

One of the strangest greetings is when your dog greets you with his favorite toy in his mouth. If you have a dog that likes to provide dog toys When you get home, you may wonder, “Why do dogs bring toys when they get home?”

Different dogs have different motivations for bringing toys to the door. Here are three of the most common reasons why dogs bring toys when they come home.

3 Reasons Why Dogs Bring Toys When They Come Home

1. Your dog wants to play

Photo: Chewy Studio

While you were busy with work or errands, your dog was snoozing at home all day. Because there’s not much else to do while you’re gone. That’s why when you get home, it’s very likely to be the highlight of his day.

This excitement may last all night, or your puppy may become more energetic right after you get home.

For some dogs, this excitement may stem from a desire to play with you a little, especially if your dog often plays with you as soon as you get home.

It doesn’t take long for your dog to learn that it’s play time when you get home. When a dog brings you a toy, it’s the dog’s way of saying “play with me!”

Most owners give their dogs a variety of dog toys that engage them in different ways for physical and mental stimulation.

The toy your puppy chooses to present to you may be the toy you use most often to play with your puppy.

If you like this greeting behavior, continue playing with your dog even after you get home.

2. Your dog wants to show you his toys

Why do dogs bring toys when they get home: Dog shows off Frisco toy
Photo: Chewy Studio

Some dogs gift their parents their favorite dog toys, but they don’t necessarily want to play with them at that moment. They seem to be “showing off” the toy by bouncing in front of you, but back away every time you reach for it.

This may make you wonder, “If they don’t want to part with their precious toy, why would they bring it to me?” How should I react to this behavior? ”

These dogs may have learned that their owners will give them more attention if they have something in their mouth, and they like the undivided attention they get when they show off their favorite toy. is.

If you start talking to him and giving him special attention, he may enjoy such involvement.

Also, some dogs may think it’s an escape game. Regardless of the dog’s motives, he got what he wanted. It’s up to you to interact with him.

3. Excitable dogs need distractions.

Why do dogs bring toys when they get home: Dog playing with macaron toy
Photo: Chewy Studio

If your dog frequently exhibits excitable behavior, such as barking or biting, you may want to suggest that you go get a toy to redirect the excitable behavior. Alternatively, you can give your dog a toy as soon as you walk in the door to keep his mouth busy.

This is a good solution for dogs that are too excited and cannot control themselves. It’s difficult for your dog to bark or bite when he has something in his mouth.

After many repetitions, the dog can learn to grab the dog toy as soon as it hears its owner’s voice at the door. Instead of forcing your dog to sit still, you can give him another outlet for his energy. Therefore, you may have inadvertently started offering this ritual toy, and now your puppy has learned it.

Every dog ​​has a different greeting style, from a simple wag of the tail to offering a favorite toy. Some people just happen to bring toys.


author

Wailani Song, MSc, PhD, DVM, DACVB

veterinarian

Dr. Wailani Sohn is passionate about helping pet owners prevent or effectively manage behavioral problems in their companion animals.


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