Imagine settling down with a nice cuppa only to have your gundog prance over proudly with your slipper (again) clutched in his mouth. Sound familiar? If you’re nodding along, you’re not alone – many of us gundog owners have been there. Gundogs (like Labradors, Spaniels, Retrievers, and their kin) seem born to carry stuff, from toys and training dummies to the random shoe they swear you left out just for them. It’s a quirky, often endearing habit that can leave us scratching our heads. Why on earth do they love this so much?

Well, retrieve that slobbery toy from your pup (or at least pause the game of keep-away) and let’s chat. There are a few key reasons behind this mouthy obsession and it’s not just to redecorate your living room with drool. From hardwired instincts to a flair for the dramatic, here are four big reasons your gundog lives to carry things around.

1. It’s in Their DNA

The simplest answer? They were bred for this! Gundog breeds have retrieving in their blood. Historically, these dogs were developed to fetch game for hunters, meaning picking things up and carrying them gently is second nature. In fact, many gundogs genuinely enjoy holding things in their mouth (and our experts say we shouldn’t discourage it). That drive to retrieve runs deep. Even if your pup’s “prey” these days is a plush duck or the TV remote, the instinct is similar.

If you have a Retriever or Spaniel, you’ve probably witnessed this instinct in full force. They parade around with toys like it’s their job (more on that in a moment). Don’t be surprised it’s literally in their genes. Generations of selective breeding have hard-wired them to carry items with a soft mouth and bring them back to their humans. So next time you see your Lab proudly holding your sock, remember: he can’t help it – he’s practically born to fetch!

2. It Gives Them a Job

Ever notice how proud your dog looks when he’s carrying that gigantic stick on your walk? Chest out, tail wagging, he’s clearly thinking, “Look mum, I’m helping!” Carrying objects often makes gundogs feel like they have an important job to do. And boy, do these working breeds love having a job. In the field, their role was to retrieve birds or game; in the living room, retrieving the morning newspaper (or yes, your slippers) scratches that same itch.

Gundogs thrive on purpose and mental stimulation. Holding onto something – whether it’s a training dummy or a random toy, can give them a satisfying sense of duty. Dogs, especially working breeds, are happiest when they have a task. Even herding breeds, not traditional retrievers, will carry objects simply to fulfill an innate duty – bringing you an object becomes their “job,” and jobs make them happy. Your gundog is no different. If there’s no duck to fetch, carrying the nearest available item is the next best thing!

On the flip side, if you don’t channel that work ethic, a bored gundog might invent their own job (like “professional sock thief” or “cushion re-arranger”). So it’s actually a great idea to harness this trait in positive ways – let them fetch on walks, do retrieve games, or carry a toy when guests arrive. It makes them feel useful and keeps them out of mischief (mostly!).

3. It’s Soothing

Believe it or not, that raggedy toy your dog lugs around everywhere might be the canine equivalent of a security blanket. Carrying objects can have a calming, soothing effect on gundogs. When they’re excited, anxious, or feeling a tad insecure, holding something in their mouth helps them settle. It’s like us clutching a stress ball or a cup of tea when we need to calm our nerves.

For example, many dogs grab a toy the minute you walk in the door from work – not only are they thrilled to see you, but holding that toy helps channel their excitement and take the edge off. Rather than jumping up or barking their head off, they’ve learned that greeting you with a “gift” (be it their favorite teddy or the nearest shoe) is a calmer way to say “welcome home!”. Similarly, if loud noises or sudden changes at home make your gundog nervous, you might see them instinctively pick up a chew or toy. Experts note that having something in their mouth can boost a dog’s confidence and help them self-soothe during stressful moments. It’s pretty sweet when you think about it – your tough little hunting dog carries his teddy when he’s unsure, like a kid with a comfort blanket.

So next time you catch your dog doing zoomies with a toy in her mouth only to flop down contentedly gnawing on it, you’re witnessing a self-calming strategy in action. Gundogs often manage their big feelings by mouthing an object. It’s one of the reasons we encourage positive outlets like chew toys or supervised retrieving games – it gives them a healthy way to unwind and feel secure.

4. It’s Attention-Getting (and They Know It)

Ah, the classic attention-seeker! Gundogs are clever clogs, and they quickly learn that nothing gets a human’s attention faster than a dog trotting by with something they “shouldn’t” have. From puppyhood, many dogs figure out that if they grab a forbidden item (sock, TV remote, the odd underwear from the laundry basket), suddenly all eyes are on them. You laugh, you chase them around, you drop what you’re doing – mission accomplished!

Even innocent object-carrying can be a bid for interaction. Your dog bringing you his squeaky toy and poking you with it is basically saying, “Hey, look at me! Wanna play?” And let’s be honest, it’s hard to ignore those hopeful eyes and tail wags. In the case of “forbidden treasures,” dogs often think any reaction is better than none. If you jump up and chase them, in your pup’s mind that’s a fantastic game. If you scold them, well, you’re still talking to them! As trainers like to joke, attention is attention, whether you meant it as praise or not

So yes, sometimes that victory lap with your slipper is pure theatre. Your gundog knows you’re going to engage and they’re loving every second. It doesn’t make them naughty; it makes them smart and social. They crave your interaction and have figured out a surefire way to get it. (Note: If it’s something dangerous or precious they’ve swiped, you’ll want to work on a solid “leave” cue. But if it’s just an old sock, maybe have a little chuckle before calmly retrieving it.)

Tip: Try to give your dog plenty of legitimate attention and play throughout the day, so they don’t feel the need to resort to sock-stealing dramas. And when they do bring you toys appropriately, reward that with a fun tug or a bit of fetch. They’ll soon learn that is an even better way to get your focus.

Embrace the Quirk!

At the end of the day, a gundog with something in his mouth is a happy, fulfilled dog. That quirky habit of parading around with toys (or random “found” objects) is part of what makes our dogs who they are. It’s rooted in their history and instincts, it gives them purpose, it soothes them, and yes – it often makes us smile and pay attention. All wins in your dog’s book!

Rather than fighting this natural behavior, it’s usually best to channel it. Play structured retrieve games to satisfy their urges, teach them what’s okay to carry (the toy or dummy) versus what’s not (your brand-new shoes), and enjoy the goofy, loving way they express themselves. After all, life with a gundog is never boring and who couldn’t use a little extra surprise gift (or slobbery sock) now and then?

Before we wrap up, if you’re looking at your dog right now,  toy in mouth, eyes shining – and wondering how to make the most of those instincts, we’ve got your back. Check out our online training library for fun retrieving games and tips. Or come join us in the LWDG community, where we swap stories (and solutions) about all these lovable quirks. We’re a friendly bunch and love helping you turn natural behaviors into positive outlets.

Next time your gundog brings you the TV remote with that proud gait, give them a grin and a pat. They’re not being “naughty” – they’re speaking their love language! Embrace it, work with it, and you’ll both be happier. And hey, you’ll never lose your slippers again with your four-legged butler on duty.

Happy training and happy carrying!