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Hello hello, Pet Parents! Carlos here. If you’ve ever had your dog grab a sock, shoe, or even a remote control and dash away like it’s a high-stakes game of tag, you’re not alone. Many pet parents experience the “catch me if you can” behavior, where their dog gleefully snatches an item and sprints off, turning it into a fun game—at least for them.
This frustrating (but common) behavior often leads to pet parents chasing their dog around the house, unintentionally reinforcing the very behavior they want to stop. Let’s break down why dogs do this and how you can turn it into a learning opportunity instead of a chase.
1. Why Do Dogs Steal Items and Run Away? Catch Me If You Can—Why Dogs Steal and Run Away with Items (and How to Fix It!)
Dogs don’t steal things just to be mischievous (even though it may feel like it). There are a few key reasons why your dog might be playing catch me if you can:
Attention-Seeking: If grabbing an item gets a big reaction from you (chasing, yelling, laughing), your dog learns that it’s a surefire way to get your attention.
Boredom and Playfulness: Dogs often grab things when they’re bored and looking for entertainment. If they don’t have an outlet for mental and physical stimulation, they’ll create their own fun.
Reinforced Behavior: If your dog steals something and you chase them, they learn that running away is a great way to start a game.
Natural Instincts: Some breeds, especially retrievers, naturally enjoy carrying things in their mouths. Running off with items is part of their prey drive and retrieval instincts.
Resource Guarding: In some cases, stealing and running away may be a sign of guarding behavior, where your dog wants to keep the item to themselves.
The good news? With a shift in approach, you can stop the chase game and teach your dog more appropriate behaviors.
2. What NOT to Do When Your Dog Steals Something Catch Me If You Can—Why Dogs Steal and Run Away with Items (and How to Fix It!)
🚫 Don’t chase them. Chasing reinforces the behavior and turns it into an exciting game.
🚫 Don’t scold or punish them. This can make them anxious and less likely to bring things back in the future.
🚫 Don’t try to pry items out of their mouth. This can lead to resource guarding and cause them to hold onto items even tighter.
Instead, let’s focus on teaching your dog what to do instead.
3. How to Stop the “Catch Me If You Can” Game
1. Teach the “Trade” Cue
The best way to stop this behavior is by teaching your dog that giving up an item is rewarding.
✅ Step 1: Start with an item your dog doesn’t highly value (e.g., a toy instead of a sock).
✅ Step 2: Offer a high-value treat while saying “Trade!” or “Drop it!”
✅ Step 3: The moment they drop the item, praise them and give them the treat.
✅ Step 4: Give the item back sometimes so they don’t always lose what they trade (this prevents guarding).
Pro Tip: Practice this often, even when your dog isn’t stealing something, so they get used to the cue.
2. Reinforce Calm Behavior with “Find It”
If your dog loves to grab things when they’re bored, redirect that energy into a game of “Find It”—where they search for treats or toys.
✅ Hide small treats around the house and cue “Find it!”
✅ This keeps your dog mentally stimulated and teaches them a better way to entertain themselves.
3. Reward Voluntary Check-Ins
Many dogs run away because they think you’re going to take something from them. Instead, teach them that coming to you is always a good thing.
✅ Keep treats on hand and reward your dog whenever they come to you voluntarily.
✅ Occasionally give the item back after they release it so they don’t always feel like they’re losing out.
This builds trust and makes them more likely to bring items to you rather than run away.
4. Manage the Environment
Dogs repeat behaviors that work. If your pup constantly grabs shoes, socks, or food off the counter, prevent access to these tempting items:
✅ Keep laundry, shoes, and small objects out of reach.
✅ Use baby gates to limit access to off-limits areas.
✅ Provide plenty of appropriate toys and enrichment activities to reduce boredom. Catch Me If You Can—Why Dogs Steal and Run Away with Items (and How to Fix It!)
4. What If My Dog Guards Items Instead of Running Away?
If your dog growls, stiffens, or tries to hide when you approach, they may be displaying resource guarding behaviors. This requires a different approach:
✔ Don’t punish them. Punishment increases anxiety and makes guarding worse.
✔ Work on positive reinforcement training. Use the “Trade” game often, so they learn that giving up an item isn’t a loss.
✔ If the behavior is severe, seek professional help. A certified behavior consultant can guide you through a safe and effective desensitization plan.
5. Turning the Chase Game into a Recall Opportunity
If your dog steals something and starts running away, don’t panic—use it as a chance to reinforce their recall!
✅ Grab a handful of high-value treats.
✅ Run away from your dog while calling their name excitedly (yes, run in the opposite direction!).
✅ When they chase you, reward them with a treat and praise.
✅ Swap the stolen item with something better (“Trade!”).
With time, your dog will learn that running to you is way more rewarding than running away.
6. Final Thoughts: Redirect, Don’t Chase!
Pet parents, if your dog loves playing “Catch Me If You Can,” the key is to stop engaging in the chase and teach them that giving up items is more rewarding than keeping them. By using the Trade cue, providing enrichment, and reinforcing good behavior, you’ll help your dog develop better habits—and save yourself from endless games of tag!
Need help training your dog to bring things back instead of running away? Reach out—I’m here to help you and your pup learn, grow, and play the right way!
Carlos F. Morales - CDBC | CPDT-KA
Carlos is head trainer at Canine High School in Long Beach CA, a force-free Puppy School and Dog School. He is responsible for creating the School's Dog Training System, Curriculum and Philosophy. In addition to educating his canine students and their human parents, he runs a teaching school that offers apprenticeship and internship programs for aspiring professional dog trainers. He is a Certified Mentor Trainer for several dog training schools and holds certifications with the IAABC and the CCPDT. He lives in Long Beach CA in a little house by the beach with his human, his three dogs GoGo, Kiba, Choji and a sassy cat, Habibti.
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