How to Stop Your Dog from Taking Kids' Toys

Why Dogs Take Children’s Toys

Dogs often take children’s toys because they resemble their own toys—especially soft, squeaky, or plush items. Some dogs may not distinguish between a child’s stuffed animal and their own chew toy. This can lead to conflict, especially if the dog feels the need to protect the item. In some cases, the dog may simply be bored or seeking attention. The behavior can escalate if the dog learns that taking a toy leads to play or interaction.

Use Scent to Distinguish Toys

To help your dog recognize which toys belong to them, rub a fragrant herb like mint or rosemary on dog toys, or spray a unique perfume (not one you use yourself) on them. Dogs have a much stronger sense of smell than humans, so a light scent is enough to signal ownership. If your dog goes for a child’s toy, use a command like “drop it,” reward them with a treat when they release it, and redirect them to their scented dog toy.

Rotate Toys to Maintain Interest

Just like children, dogs can get bored with the same toys every day. To keep your dog engaged, rotate their toys every few days. Leave only a few out at a time and store the rest out of reach. This keeps the toys novel and interesting. Choose toys your dog actually likes—such as soft plush, hard rubber, or squeaky ones—and make sure they’re safe. Avoid toys that can be easily destroyed or swallowed.

Train the “Drop It” Command

Teach your dog to release a toy on command. When they take a child’s toy, say “drop it” firmly. Reward them with a treat when they let go. Then offer one of their own scented toys as a replacement. This teaches them that giving up a toy leads to a better one. Practice this regularly so the command becomes reliable. Always supervise interactions between children and dogs to prevent accidents.

Keep Toys Secure and Separate

Store baby toys in a place your dog cannot access—like a high shelf or a closed toy box. This prevents unsupervised access and reduces the chance of your dog grabbing something they shouldn’t. If your dog has a favorite toy, keep it in a safe space when children are around. This also helps prevent accidental resource guarding, where the dog becomes protective of their toy when a child gets near.

Involve Children in the Solution

Teach children to never try to take a toy from the dog. Instead, they should come to an adult immediately. Say, “If the dog takes your toy, come and get me.” This protects both the child and the dog. It also builds a habit of seeking help rather than acting impulsively. When the adult steps in, they can use the “drop it” command and offer a replacement toy.