This dog is a reminder…mistakes can happen. If you have left your things out, where a bored puppy has access to, don’t be surprised if you find something of yours in your puppy’s possession. Your puppy had a need to play, burn off energy and have something in his mouth. Without you giving him choices that are acceptable to you, he will have no problem coming up with his own choices.
And, if, after getting that something special, you chase him to get it back – you will either be teaching him to stay away from you when he has something he values….or that grabbing something of value is a sure way of getting you to play with him.
More than likely you do not intend to teach your puppy either of those outcomes. But you will if you respond that way.
Instead, I’d choose to ignore that valued item the puppy has and get him interested in something else in a different area. Once he has forgotten about what he had, then go back and pick it up.
AND, in the meanwhile, come up with a strategy to prevent your puppy from having access to your very tempting things.
