There’s nothing quite like the feeling of coming home to your dog. You open the door, they come running up to you, and they often bring a “gift” with them—usually a slobbery sock or shoe that they’ve chewed up while you were away.

For my Labrador Retriever, Louie, its either a leaf or his favourite ball. You probably have questions: Why do they do this? Is this normal? What are they trying to say?

The first thing I should mention is that although there are some breeds that are known to be more likely to give gifts, this is not a universal trait. Many dog behaviourists say that it is a trait that is exhibited most commonly by Retrievers and Terriers.

So why do these breeds bring you gifts? Well, it turns out that many dog breeds were originally bred to retrieve things like fowl or small animals for their owners! It’s possible that your dog is simply doing what he was bred to do and giving you a gift from his mouth is an extension of retrieving. This theory makes sense when you consider breeds like Labradors and Golden Retrievers that are bred to retrieve fowl.

Another reason that your dog may be bringing you presents is because he truly wants to show his appreciation and make you happy! And who doesn’t want something when someone says they are grateful?

Dogs have been domesticated for a very long time, which means that genetic programming has played a large role in shaping their behaviour. Dogs are pack animals, and this instinct means that they often want to please their owner in any way possible including bringing gifts back from their daily adventures. Since dogs love being around people and feel happier when we’re around them too, it’s not surprising at all that our furry pals would try to bring us presents just because they know how much we enjoy receiving them!

Conclusion

There are many different theories about a dog’s instinct to bring a gift to its owner. Some experts believe it’s a sign of affection, while others think it may be an attempt at gaining more attention for the dog.

As for us? We know one thing for sure: dogs are special creatures who love us unconditionally and deserve all the love in the world. So, if your furry friend is constantly bringing you gifts, take it as just another sign that they care!