Whenever visitors come to the door, when a dog is happy, whenever he thinks something is going to happen, out comes his toy or – really – anything that fits in his mouth! Why?
Why Dogs Put Things in Their Mouths When They're Excited
If your dog also grabs things to hold in her mouth when she's excited, according to veterinary behaviorist Dr. Wailani Sung in an interview with Vetstreet, she may be:
Offering a gift
Looking for attention
Showing she's happy“I think some dogs are so excited to see a visitor because it may represent a new person who will play with him/her, so the dog grabs a toy to try to entice the person to play, whether it is tug or throwing the object,” says Dr. Sung.
Pet parents also sometimes teach the behavior to dogs as a replacement activity for barking or jumping up on people.
According to Sung, ” … [these] owners have recognized that their dogs may appear anxious or worried, but if they get the dog engaged with their toys, they appear less concerned about new visitors in the house.”
Sometimes a dog is just picking up on the excitement of his owner and responding in kind. Sung says it seems retrievers are especially fond of the behavior, which makes sense since they are, after all, “retrieving” something with their mouths.
What If the Thing Your Dog Has in His Mouth Makes You Blush?
Occasionally, the “something” an excited dog grabs and parades around with is an item the owner would really prefer no one else see (use your imagination!). Obviously, it's best to make sure those things are inaccessible to your pet at all times.
However, stuff happens, so if you welcome a guest into your home and turn to see Buddy circling happily with your granny panties or your husband's Jockey shorts dangling from his mouth, head immediately for your dog treat stash. Keep your cool and quickly exchange the unmentionable for a yummy snack.
If for some reason darling Buddy is reluctant to make the trade, whatever you do, don't chase after him, as you could easily turn this into a really fun game for him, thereby dragging out the agony of your embarrassment indefinitely as he dashes through the house still holding your drawers in his mouth!
Embarrassing moments aside, most pups who grab things in their mouths when they're excited are just being their happy, adorable selves, so this isn't a behavior you need to worry about or extinguish. Just be sure not to leave anything priceless in your pet's path, and join in the fun!
Oh yes, we will never forget the time that Max, wanting to share a new find, brought out the bra I had sitting at the end of my bed. You can just imagine the great humor and embarrassment, at my expense, from my visiting friends! Still, it was pretty funny!
We always felt this behavior, within reason, should never be discouraged. Your dog really is trying to share, have fun, and he wants you and your friends to be a part of it!
For more information go to Healthy Pets.
