Have you ever just sat down on the sofa to watch some TV and here comes your Shih Tzu with a toy? Or maybe you’ve just walked in the door from a hard day’s work and here comes your pup bounding in with a toy in hand. Why do dogs bring you toys? There are a few reasons this happens.
Why Do Dogs Bring You Toys?
There are a whole host of reasons your dog may be bringing you their toys.
Let’s take a look at the top eight.
1. They Are Ready to Play
One of the most obvious reasons why your dog brings you their toys is that they want to play.
It’s not a subtle action.
They are saying loud and clear, “I want to play!”
Chances are this happens when you are sitting down and not doing anything or not playing your Shih Tzu much attention.
This is a common behavior in dogs.
My Shih Tzu, Truman would do this all the time when he was younger.
He loved playing with toys and he certainly had a special toy, a toy with a capital T.
2. They Like to Show Off Their Special Toys
Dogs tend to see their toys as little trophies.
They are really proud of them.
You can see that in their body language.
Because of that, they like to show them off.
It’s as if they went on a big hunt and came back with the grand prize.
It’s really cute behavior that had more serious undertones in the wild.
3. They Are Bored
Sometimes, your Shih Tzu is just bored.
They are like, “Here’s my toy, entertain me.”
They have extra energy and need a way to burn it off.
Chasing their toys around for a few minutes can get the job done.
So, if you have the extra time, be sure to take some time to help them out.
It will be a good time for all involved.
4. They Are Showing Their Love
Shih Tzus and all dogs are affectionate creatures.
Bringing you their prized possession is a sign of affection.
They are saying, “Here is something I love almost as much as I love you.”
Your furry friend can’t get enough of you and wants you to be happy.
They know that toys make them happy, especially their favorite toy, so it stands to reason, in their minds, that their favorite toy will make you happy too.
5. It’s a Way to Say Hi!
If you notice your Shih Tzu with toy in mouth running to the door and dropping it at your feet as soon as you walk in, this can just be their way to give you a happy greeting.
They are thrilled to see you and want you to know it.
Beyond the barking and tail wagging, they are presenting you a toy, a treat of sorts, just for coming home.
There are certainly worst ways of being greeted.
6. They Are Looking for Attention
If your dog could get your undivided attention all day every day they would be in doggy heaven.
But, life gets busy and you have other responsibilities to deal with, so that’s simply not possible.
Even so, if you can, take a few months to give your Shih Tzu a little extra attention.
It will make them feel good, and most likely it will make you feel good as well.
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7. They Are Showing Their Loyalty
Dogs are pack animals and chances are they see you as the pack leader.
That’s why they are offering up their toy to you.
In the wild, a dog would let the pack and the leader of the pack know about the food they may have found or some other goodie.
They still do that but now it is in the form of toys.
8. They Are Showing Their Trust
Your dog’s toys are very important to them.
By bringing their toys to you, they are showing you how much they trust you.
Maybe you have more than one Shih Tzu in your home.
Your dog doesn’t want the other dogs to get their toy, so they want to give it to you for safe keeping.
It is high praise indeed.
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Why Does My Shih Tzu Act Like a Cat?
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To Sum it All Up:
Bringing their toys to you is typical behavior for dogs. Your canine friends can show their love for you, their need for attention, or just show off their prized possessions just by bringing their toys for you to inspect. Who knew that a simple toy could have so many meanings.
Please Note:
This article is informational only and does not substitute for veterinary advice. Always check with your veterinarian if you are concerned about your Shih Tzu. This article should not be considered in any way as veterinarian advice.
