Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

My dog picks up things. How do I stop this unwanted behavior?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | neutered | 11 months and 9 days old | 140 lbs

My dog likes picking things or paper that are fallen on the ground or on a table or bed

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 6th, 2018

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If this is a behavior that you would like to stop, I find that using a spray bottle filled with water and spraying a dog lightly in the face helps to correct the behavior. Also, using an empty can filled with coins and shaking it loudly can help as well. I used both techniques on my dog and it worked quite well. The can trick was by far the most effective in my case. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any further questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further. Please remember to rate this answer as helpful or not. Thank you!

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Sponsored