Why Does My Dog Bring Me Rocks? 6 Reasons And Solutions!
When you walk through the door after a long day, nothing beats the sight of that wagging tail and those excited doggy eyes that say, ‘You’re home! I’ve missed you!’.
However, being a good dog owner also means understanding your pet’s quirks and oddities.
Sometimes, she might chase her tail endlessly, or perhaps she has an inexplicable fascination with your dirty clothes.
While these behaviors can be amusing, you need to know whether these weird behaviors are just her unique personality shining through or if they signify a potential health or behavioral issue.
By being observant and proactive you can help make sure that your beloved canine companion leads a happy and healthy life.
So what about dogs that bring you rocks? Why does my dog bring me rocks? The quick and easy answer is that your dog brings you rocks because she wants to show you a ‘prized possession’, is trying to get you to play, loves you, is being submissive, learned it from watching other dogs, or you trained her to do it.
Contents
Check Out My Awesome Find! – Showing You Her Treasured Toy
Sometimes, your dog may bring you a rock simply because she’s proud of her discovery.
Just as humans like showing off their new purchases or latest achievements, dogs also enjoy sharing their treasures with those that they care about.
Let’s Play A Game! – Enticing You To Play
If your dog keeps bringing you rocks, it could very well be her playful way of engaging you in a game of fetch, keep away or chase.
She probably associates you with fun and playtime and is eager to include you in her activities using whatever she has found, even if it’s a rock.
A Special Present Just For You, Because I Love You
Dogs are known for their loyalty and affection, so it’s no surprise your pup might want to express her love by gifting you something…even a rock!
This seemingly unconventional gift shows that your pooch appreciates you and wants to share a small token of her adoration.
Submitting To Your Authority: Acknowledging You As The Leader Of The Pack
Another possible reason your dog brings you rocks is to express her submission and acknowledge your status.
In the wild, dogs function within a hierarchical pack structure, and showing submission to a higher-ranking member is an important part of maintaining social harmony.
Your dog might be communicating her respect for you by offering a rock as a sign of submission.
Monkey See, Monkey Do – Learned It From Other Dogs
If you have multiple dogs, your good girl might have observed her furry siblings delivering rocks to you and has decided to join in on the fun.
Since dogs learn from each other’s behaviors, one dog’s rock-gifting habit can quickly spread throughout your canine brood.
Your Good Dog Was Rewarded (You Trained Her to Do It!)
Finally, though you might be scratching your head, don’t discount that idea that you might have inadvertently encouraged your dog’s rock-bringing behavior.
By rewarding her when she first started bringing you rocks, your dog might think it’s something you want her to do.
If she received attention, praise, or treats after presenting a rock, she’s likely learned to repeat the gesture in hopes of receiving the same rewards again.
Is It Normal For Your Dog To Bring You Rocks?
Rocks might seem like an unconventional gift, but it’s not as uncommon as you might think for dogs to bring these to their human pals.
Some dogs love to present their favorite humans with various items, and there are many perfectly normal and valid reasons behind this behavior.
Is It Okay For My Dog To Bring Me Rocks?
While your dog might not be hurting anything (or herself) you probably want your dog to stop picking up rocks in general.
Whether she brings them to you or not!
There are too many possible problems (chipped teeth, accidentally swallowing the rock, etc.) that could arise from your dog carrying rocks around.
How Can I Help My Dog Stop Bringing Me Rocks?
If your dog insists on bringing you rocks, you probably want her to stop.
Fortunately, it’s not a difficult thing to teach your good girl.
Follow these useful strategies to help discourage this rock-bringing behavior:
- Teach Basic Commands: Before anything else, make sure your dog knows basic commands like ‘no’ and ‘leave it’. This foundation will make it easier for you to communicate your intentions when she brings you rocks.
- Don’t Accidentally Reward Her: If your dog brings you a rock and you give her attention and love, she might think you are praising her. Instead, gently remove the rock without making a fuss. Or even ignore your dog.
- Create Daily Playtime: Set aside dedicated playtime each day, and be sure your dog gets both physical and mental stimulation. This will help her burn off excess energy and reduce the chances of her looking for entertainment elsewhere – like with rocks!
- Redirect Her Behavior: When your dog tries to bring a rock, encourage her to bring something more appropriate, like a chew toy or bone. Be sure to praise her when she makes the right choice.
- Ignore The Behavior: If you’ve tried the strategies above and your dog still brings you rocks, simply ignore her. She might eventually realize that her rock deliveries are not getting the desired reaction and stop.
- Use Positive Reinforcement: Whenever your dog chooses a more appropriate object to bring you, praise her or give her a treat. This will encourage her to repeat the positive behavior, increasing the likelihood of her choosing a toy over a rock.
- Consult A Professional: If all else fails, it might be necessary to consult a professional dog trainer for personalized advice and guidance on how to effectively address your dog’s rock-bringing habits.
Final Thoughts: Why Do Dogs Bring You Rocks?
Dogs bringing rocks to their owners can be attributed to several factors. These can range from their instincts, such as being submissive, to learned behaviors from watching their canine siblings or even being praised by their human owners.
While it might seem endearing or amusing, this behavior does pose potential risks to your dog, including dental damage or accidental ingestion of the rock.
Although it’s not entirely abnormal for dogs to present rocks as gifts to their owners, it’s a behavior that should be discouraged due to the potential health risks associated with it.
If you need to get your dog to stop bringing you rocks, the best course of action is to use obedience commands, distract and redirect her with appropriate toys, provide positive reinforcement for the desired behaviors, and ignore the negative behavior.
If these strategies do not work, consulting a professional trainer may be necessary.
Remember to be patient with your dog as she learns new behaviors and expectations.
It may take some time for her to fully understand that bringing rocks is not a welcomed activity, but with dedication and consistency, you can guide her toward more acceptable behaviors.