stealing things

[DenverShiloh]

My Miniature Schnauzer, Denver, who will be 1 year old on January 12 has begun stealing things around the house: toilet paper rolls, socks, kitchen towels to name a few. If I tell him to "bring it" he does. I used to have to take it out of his mouth, but now he drops it at my feet. He knows several commands and is doing great on learning things in general. I used to give him a treat when he returned the item but I have stopped doing that and just praise him. Am I reinforcing his stealing by rewarding him with treats or praise? I try only to scold him when I catch him in the act, but he seems to wait until I go downstairs to do laundry. I have even waited on the steps and jumped back out to surprise him as he was doing it. Is this just simply puppy behavior that he will grow out of, or is there something else I can do. I have him crated when I am not able to watch him, but would like to see him work on being out of the crate when I leave for short periods of time. Is he too young to be left out of his crate yet? He is well socialized and gets plenty of exercise as I am a pet sitter and almost always have doggie guests in my home for him to run and play with. We also take walks and work on his "healing" command. Any suggestions?

[Dogwise]

#1.You are right, regardess of what a dog does, one must NEVER correct a dog that comes to us. That being said, if a dog brings you something it's not suppose to have, you can say *no* take it from him, but instead of giving him a *treat* give him one of his toys he *can* play with.
#2. If he can't be trusted out of your sight, his freedom must be limited. Freedom must be earned.
#3. How often do you play with him with his toys? Do you have tug toys and balls that you play with with him that after your done playing, you put away? Which you should be doing. It's more important than most realize.
#4. Play is good for a dog, but it is organized chaos and will usually wind up dogs even more without Structured exercise.
#5. And very important. How often do you walk and how far?*****

[DenverShiloh]

Thanks for replying. I play with him often with his toys and other dogs that I pet sit for also play with him. I do NOT put his toys away when we are done playing, but I will now as per your suggestion. I agree that he has to earn "trust". I just do not want to be feeding any behavior problems by my own actions. I must admit that our walking schedule varies according to how busy my day is and that I should probably be making it more of a priority. In other areas, he is a very good dog, learns commands well, is well socialized with people and other dogs, and is affectionate and sweet natured.

[Dogwise]

Many of the things dogs do that frustrate their owner, are done out of mental or physical boredom. Walking is a good constructive way of helping them to deal with their energy. As far as toys go, there are the ones I call self play toys, those are the ones the dog plays with by themselves. Then there are the together toys, those are the ones we play with together. And the dogs know those...are...MINE. Why? Because I am pack leader. Also, the dogs know which toys (things) around the house they can play with, AND their always excited to see their leaders toys.

[DenverShiloh]

Thank you, I will change our schedule around right away. Denver loves to play and I can see how he would look forward to "special" together toys rather than to keep them all in a basket in easy reach as they are at present.