Hoarding???

Question
Ivy,

Hello.

My Black Lab hoards toys, clothes, etc. and puts them all in his crate...it is so funny to watch him do this.  But why does he do this?

Thanks...Matthew

Answer
Hi Matthew,

I agree this can be a funny thing to watch. There is usually two explanations for this behavior. One is that he is claiming these items to be his own whether you really own them or not.  This is why he takes them into his crate with all his own smells or if he is acting out this behavior while you or the family is away then it could mean that he misses his family and wants to have family smells to keep him company.  Is this behavior a bother to you?  If so, I can help you train him not to do it.  Hope to hear from you soon.