13 Reasons Your Dog Is Weirdly Obsessed With Your Shoes

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Dogs do many weird things, but their obsession with shoes is one of the greatest mysteries of canine behavior. Dogs seem to have an unexplainable attraction to footwear. It doesn’t matter if the shoes are brand new or years old, fancy dress shoes or stinky gym sneakers—if they belong to you, your dog wants them. Some dogs collect them like trophies, others guard them like prized possessions, and a few even take them on unauthorized adventures around the house. What is it about your shoes that makes them so irresistible?

They Smell Like You (And That’s a Good Thing)

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Your dog’s sense of smell is their superpower, and your shoes are packed with one of their favorite scents—you. Shoes absorb the smell of your feet, which may not appeal to humans but is incredibly comforting to dogs. Since your scent is strongest in things you wear regularly, your shoes become a prized possession. Whether they’re sniffing, cuddling, or even chewing, it’s their way of feeling close to you, even when you’re not around.

They’re the Perfect Chew Toy

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Shoes have all the elements of a great chew toy—firm yet slightly squishy, textured, and full of interesting materials like leather, rubber, and fabric. Puppies especially love to chew on things as they teethe, and unfortunately, your shoes offer just the right combination of toughness and chewability. Even adult dogs may find the texture of shoes irresistible, especially if they’re feeling bored or teething later in life.

They’re Full of Interesting Smells

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Beyond just smelling like you, shoes pick up all sorts of fascinating scents from the places you’ve been. Whether it’s the grass from your morning walk, the food court at the mall, or a mystery smell from the office, your shoes are like a scent-filled diary of your day. Dogs love investigating new smells, so your shoes become an ever-changing source of curiosity that they must explore.

Love the Chase

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If your dog has ever stolen a shoe and made you chase them around the house, you already know the game is half the fun. Many dogs love a good round of “keep-away,” and shoes make the perfect stolen treasure. Once they realize taking your shoe gets your attention and starts a hilarious game of chase, they’ll be more than happy to do it repeatedly.

Want Your Attention

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Dogs will do almost anything to get their owner’s attention, and stealing a shoe is a surefire way to make you react. Even if you’re not in the mood to play, they’ve won the moment you notice your dog running off with your favorite sneaker. Some dogs quickly learn that grabbing a shoe means you’ll come running, and they use it as a clever trick to make sure you’re paying attention to them.

Think It’s a Treasure

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It’s just a regular old shoe to you, but it’s a valuable possession to your dog. Dogs are natural hoarders, and some breeds—like Dachshunds and Retrievers—love collecting objects they find interesting. Shoes make perfect “treasures” because they’re easy to carry, smell like their favorite person, and often elicit an entertaining reaction from their owner.

They’re Stressed or Anxious

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Chewing is a common coping mechanism for dogs dealing with anxiety or stress. If your dog chews your shoes when you’re away, it could be their way of self-soothing. Since shoes carry your scent, they provide comfort and security in your absence. This behavior is especially common in dogs with separation anxiety, who turn to your belongings to feel closer to you.

They’re Bored and Need Something to Do

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A bored dog is a mischievous dog, and shoes often become an easy target for entertainment. If your dog doesn’t have enough mental stimulation or toys to keep them busy, they may turn to your footwear for fun. Shoes are conveniently left out, easy to grab, and full of interesting textures—making them the perfect boredom buster for a dog looking for something to do.

They Like the Taste (Which Is Kind of Gross)

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Dogs are weird, and sometimes they just like the taste of things humans would never consider edible. The combination of sweat, dirt, and whatever mystery substances you’ve stepped in can be strangely appealing to some dogs. Leather shoes, in particular, may have a texture or flavor that makes them extra tempting, especially for dogs who love gnawing on rawhide or other chewy treats.

They’re Playing Keep-Away from Other Pets

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If you have multiple pets, your dog may not be stealing your shoe just for their own enjoyment—they might be trying to keep it away from a furry sibling. Dogs can be surprisingly competitive, and “owning” a high-value object (like your shoe) is a way of asserting dominance. If another dog or pet in the house seems interested in your footwear, expect your dog to claim it first.

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Dogs are always hopeful, even regarding things that clearly aren’t food. If your dog has ever seen you pick up a shoe and put it on, they may assume it’s something important to you—so naturally, they want in on it too. Dogs often mimic human behavior, and if they see you handling something frequently, they’ll want to investigate it, just in case they’re missing out on something good.

They’re Marking Their Territory

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Dogs use scent to mark their belongings, and sometimes, that includes your shoes. If your dog is constantly rubbing, licking, or even lightly chewing on your footwear, it may be trying to leave its own scent behind. This behavior is especially common in multi-dog households, where dogs feel the need to claim certain objects as their own.

They Just Love You (and Everything You Touch)

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At the end of the day, your dog’s obsession with your shoes boils down to one simple fact: they love you. Anything that carries your scent, feels familiar, or reminds them of you will naturally be of great interest. Your shoes are one of the strongest-scented things they can access, making them a prime target for their affection, curiosity, and occasional destruction.

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Your dog isn’t obsessed with your shoes just to drive you crazy (even though it sometimes feels that way). Whether they’re sniffing, stealing, chewing, or just carrying them around like prized possessions, it all comes back to their deep connection with you. Your shoes are more than just footwear to them—they’re comfort, entertainment, and a way to stay close to their favorite person. Just remember: if you love your shoes, put them somewhere safe… because to your dog, they’re way more than just something you wear on your feet!