If you have ever had a dog trot over and drop a toy at your feet, it is tempting to assume it is a sweet little show and tell moment. I used to think it was a simple invitation to play or a proud presentation of a “prize.” But a dog trainer says the real reason is often less obvious and far more interesting. That toy can be your dog’s way of handling big emotions in the moment.
Kerry, a trainer from Howl School for Dogs, explained that many dogs carry objects not to impress us, but to regulate how they feel. When excitement spikes or stress creeps in, holding something in the mouth can help a dog stay grounded. It is a self soothing strategy that looks cute on the outside, yet has a practical purpose on the inside. Kerry says this is why you might see the behavior ramp up during doorbell moments, when guests arrive, or when a dog is anticipating something intense.
In a TikTok video that picked up more than 16,000 likes, she pointed out a pattern that many owners recognize instantly. A visitor enters, the dog grabs a toy, and suddenly everyone assumes it is a gift or a request for attention. Kerry argues it is often emotional management, with the toy acting like a built in coping tool. Instead of bouncing between jumping, barking, or spinning in place, the dog redirects that charge into carrying something.
@howlschoolfordogs Big feelings can be excitement, stress, worry etc etc #dogtraining #dogtrainer #labrador #goldenretriever #dogtok #dogsoftiktok #dogtoks #funnydog #cutedog #fyp #dogbehaviour #dogcommunication ♬ original sound – Howl School for Dogs
She used a dog named Lucy as an example. In the clip, Lucy repeatedly moved in and out of the bathroom while her owner was taking a bath, picking up whatever was available, from a juice bottle to an ice container. Kerry suggested that the bath situation may have stirred up a mix of frustration, worry, or uncertainty, and the constant object carrying was Lucy’s way of dealing with it. The behavior might look random, yet it can be an organized response to feelings the dog does not know how to express any other way.
The explanation struck a chord in the comments, where owners shared similar stories. One person said their adopted Labrador gets so excited that he has to grab something to cope, adding that the dog spent his first three years shut in a barn and is now living his best life. Another commenter described a dog who always snatches a stuffed rabbit when someone walks in, settles on the couch, and then barks, which they once mistook for play. A third said their female dog grabs her blanket before walks, sprints into the yard, and then starts tearing it, calling the routine both adorable and frustrating.
Have you noticed your dog doing this, and what situations seem to trigger it most for your pet? Share your thoughts in the comments.
