Have you ever tried to ask yourself why dogs will take their toys to you, the very first thing you sit down after a long day? Most pet parents have seen it happen: your dog runs up and hands you his/her favorite ball, plushie, or squeaky toy. On the face of it, it may appear that they want you to toss it to them. However, the reality is that there is more behind this kind of behavior.
In this blog, we are going to discuss the actual causes of such adorable behavior, what it says about the feelings of your dog, and how to react to the behavior to enhance the bond between you and your dog.
Top Reasons Why Dogs Offer Their Toys To You?
Dogs have numerous reasons why they offer toys to their humans, such as love and bonding, communication, and play. Some of the most common reasons are mentioned below:
1. It's a Way of Communicating
Dogs do not speak our language, and have their own language to speak to us. When you pose a question to yourself, Why do dogs bring their toys to you? The simplest way to answer this is through communication. Your dog might be saying:
“Play with me” Dogs enjoy fetching, tugging, or racing. When they carry a toy for you, it is asking you to play along. You can use indestructible dog toys for such activities.
"I trust you" Trust is demonstrated by giving them something valuable to them (their favorite toy).
"Look what I have!" In some situations, dogs do not need any explanation to be excited and demonstrate their new possession.
The reason is that, this basic move is sometimes their effort to bond with you and catch your eye in the best manner that they can possibly do it.
2. It's a Sign of Affection
When you have ever gotten a hairy dog to give you a sloppy stuffed animal, you might not have thought that it was a present. One of the most delicious displays of affection for dogs is to bring toys. Dogs usually consider their playthings to be treasures, and that is why when they share them with someone, they are showing that they place enough value on him or her to allow him or her to become a member of the dog world.
As a matter of fact, most of the behaviorists feel that when your puppy gives you a toy, it is their way of saying they love you. Dogs use their toys to show love and care, just like human beings do through exchanging gifts. Offering best indestructible dog toys UK
is one way they show this affection.
3. They Want Interactive Play
Dogs are social animals. They do not necessarily like playing on their own, which is why they bring their toys to their owners. It is in this context that interactive play with the dogs takes place. Interactive play will keep them active, unlike just chewing on a toy, and will enable them to exercise their mental and physical energies.
By playing with the interactive dog toy or playing tug-of-war with the one they brought you, you are not only entertaining them but you are also providing them with mental stimulation for dogs. Such interactive play with dogs also prevents boredom and minimizes destructive activities such as chewing furniture and digging into the yard.
4. It's a Way to Relieve Boredom
By playing with the interactive dog toys for boredom or playing tug-of-war with the one they brought you, and when they are left without sufficient things to keep them occupied, they will devise their own means of seeking amusement.
That is where puppy toys for boredom come in. When your dog will always drop his toys at your feet, perhaps they are trying to say to you, I need something to do!
Having some time with your dog, even a few minutes, can make them satisfied and happy. Besides, it keeps their mind and body in shape.
5. Dogs Are Natural Retrievers
There are breeds where certain animals are born to keep an object in their mouth, such as retrievers and spaniels. To them, it is natural to carry and bring toys. Have you ever wondered why dogs bring their toys to you? The answer may be as simple as genes in these breeds.
They were traditionally trained to hunt down prey on behalf of hunters, and though current dogs can only be hunting squeaky plush ducks, the instinct is still strong. And thus, do not think your Labrador surprises you when they bring you toys all the time- it is written in their genes!
6. Seeking Attention and Engagement
There are times when dogs carry their toys to attract your attention. When you are scrolling on your phone, watching TV, or working on your laptop, they can drop a toy on your lap to make sure that you remember, Hey, I am here, too.
That is how they make sure that you do not forget them. Dogs are social creatures who can go to the extent of taking toys and utilizing them as a means of dragging you into their realm of amusement. The next time you are pressed for time and your dog offers you a toy, accept it as a reminder of how you have to connect very fast.
7. Improving the Human-Dogs Bond
Another bonding with your dog can be bringing toys. Having something that your dog loves helps strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Playing with dogs is a collaborative exercise, and by involving you in their play, they are reinforcing the trust and affection they have towards you.
Imagine that, if your best friend asked you to join him in doing something that he or she really enjoys, then you would feel closer to your friend. In like manner, when your dog asks you to play, your dog makes them feel part of him or her and not at risk.
8. It Could Be a Comforting Habit
Dogs will carry toys along to comfort them, particularly when they are young or in a nervous state. In the case of puppies, the toys can be viewed as a blanket to the child, which can be viewed as the security of a puppy. When your puppy takes its toy to you, it might be because they consider you a member of that safe zone.
This is particularly so when the toy possesses its odor, or they have had it since they were young. By making it available to you, they are marrying the comfort of their toy with the comfort of your company.
How to Respond When Your Dog Brings You a Toy?
With the reasons as to why dogs take their toys to you discussed, it is time to discuss how you should react. Here are some tips:
- Acknowledge the gesture. Although you may be rushed, smile at them, pat them, or even say something kind.
- Play if you can. Toss the toy, play tug, or interact with interactive dog toys for a few minutes.
- Switch things up. Switch dog toys; otherwise, they will become bored.
- Encourage, but don't overdo. In case your dog is a toy maniac, there must be limits to play.
A positive reaction not only leaves your dog happy but also strengthens the relationship between you and your dog.
Final Thoughts
Why do dogs bring their toys to you? It is not just playing, it is love, trust, and communication. In some instances, they desire communication, and other times it is a touching gift. Interactive dog toys or dog toys for boredom are fun, with the benefits of making the dogs active and offering mental stimulation to the dogs, which is important. All the toys you drop on your feet remind you that your furry friend is happy to see you, likes to spend time with you, and wants to cement the indestructible bond between you.