Cuz they have feet that don't work like hands. It's the best way they have to see how things feel & taste, carry around. They need their feet to walk with. Even skinbabies go through a period of babyhood where everything goes into their mouth. Some of it has to do w/teething, but dogs still don't have hands at any age where they can feel things like we use our hands.
The 'leave it', 'drop it' & substitute toy for object they have works the best for me. I started with that day one & stayed right on it until she understood it without fail. Teaching her that was hard work, but certainly worth it now. Of course, when she's outside, all bets are off. Anything out there is fair game for picking up, chewing, carrying around & bring inside if she can get away with it. Inside the house she is real good now, except for an occasional grab a forbidden object & run just for game of chase. Found if we don't chase her, she brings it right back & drops it. lol |