Why does she always greet us with a toy?

Lily888

14/07/2018, 23:13

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Hi everyone!

I’m back again... basically whenever something’s been bugging me for too long!

My 18-month-old girl has had the same habit since forever.

When we get home, she wiggles her bum like mad while bringing us one of her toys – every single time. It doesn’t matter which one; just whatever is closest to her at the time. She circles around us, "twerking" away with the toy in her mouth.

But... why?

Is it to channel her excitement? To show us she’s happy? Without getting too carried away with the whole anthropomorphism thing...

PS: I’ve had a look on Google, and the older answers mention "dominance": suggesting she brings it to initiate play, take the lead and get the upper hand. Apparently, we should be ignoring her. It all seems a bit old-fashioned, doesn’t it?

Translated from French

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Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French

15/07/2018, 07:22

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It’s the same with Sirius. A few months after he first arrived, he got into the habit of picking up one of the toys lying about and bringing it to me, running all over the place...

It’s just a burst of excitement when we get back home, at least that’s how I see it. Since he knows he isn’t allowed to jump up, he compensates by grabbing a toy in his mouth and prancing around!

As long as the behaviour isn’t a nuisance in your home... don’t overthink it and just enjoy it!

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Mel1

15/07/2018, 01:34

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Why? Well, why not?

It’s just a habit – she’s happy and excited, so she grabs a toy. Simple as that.

There isn’t necessarily a deeper meaning behind everything; if anything, trying to find a reason for every little behaviour is just anthropomorphism.

My dog doesn’t even come to greet me when I get home – he barely lifts his head. Even so, I don't start worrying, "Oh my god, he doesn't love me!" It’s just the way he is, and that’s perfectly fine. He isn't bothered by me being away; it’s just normal for him.

And you have to take what you find on Google with a pinch of salt. Plenty of "dog trainers" out there are only trainers because they’ve given themselves the title...

Most of them make generalisations about the entire canine species based on one dog or one breed... Every breed has its own traits and every individual dog has its own personality. Plus, you’ve got to factor in the owner’s training. So, as for all these people selling "methods" and whatnot... I’m not convinced.

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Kikaah

14/07/2018, 23:59

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Those websites you've come across are total rubbish. Everything is about "dominance" with them – if the dog wants to play, he’s being dominant; if he pulls on the lead, he’s being dominant... You’d think dogs were constantly trying to rule the roost. It makes you wonder why they’re the UK’s favourite pet; maybe we’re just masochists for wanting an animal that’s apparently hell-bent on taking over! :D Anyway, back to the point – my girl does this too, but she isn’t necessarily trying to give us the toy, she’s just showing it off ^^ sometimes it’s a bit like a gift; she’ll bring us a leaf or a scrap of plastic... Often it’s down to training that they keep doing this. A puppy who’s over the moon to see their owner get home from work will start nipping at feet and hands... and to stop them, the owner will quickly grab a toy for them to mouth instead of their hands.

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