Pets’ antics sometimes make their owners angry but can’t help but smile.
Humans’ four-legged friends often appear innocent and pure on the face, but when they reveal their gluttonous and mischievous nature, they can cause a lot of trouble.
And if there’s one mischievous behavior that attracts the attention of their owners, it’s when pets turn into ‘professional thieves’, stealing delicious food right in front of everyone’s eyes.
This is the cutest guilty face ever of the ‘avocado thief’ |
Kate Mornement, animal behaviourist and founder of Pets Behaving Badly, who lives in Melbourne, explains why some pets are notorious ‘food thieves’.
“In psychology, food is classified as a reinforcer, necessary for the survival of all animals,” she said. “Pets instinctively seek out food, even if it’s not meant for them. Some pets eat more than others, making them more likely to engage in stealing behavior.”
Five years ago, Cooper the dog quickly stole a sandwich from the dining table. Five years later, he inspired his owner to create a bakery named after Cooper. |
Normally, pet owners would be easily angered when they see their hard-earned meal being blatantly destroyed by their pets. But that feeling will be soothed in a moment when they see the guilty and amused faces of the culprits.
According to Kate Mornement, there are a number of reasons why many people find pet food stealing cute and funny.
“First of all, I think it’s funny to think of dogs choosing to eat human food,” she said. “Secondly, it’s not something they would do when people are around, they’re usually sneaky when they steal food. Third, it’s definitely a shock when owners find out their pet has eaten a whole bag of food or a roast chicken in the kitchen. So rather than being angry, I think some people will laugh it off.”
Wanting lipstick but it was too expensive and difficult, the cat chose to bury its face in the owner’s freshly cut watermelon. |
Oh, there’s no one here, it’s okay to take one fish from this whole tray full, right? |
However, it is important to note that stealing inappropriate food can be dangerous for your pet. It is best to contact your veterinarian if you suspect your pet has eaten something inappropriate.
According to Kate Mornement, pet owners can train their pets not to steal food. “To do this, first make sure you are providing a quality, nutritious diet that is appropriate for your pet.
Try to avoid leaving food where your pet can access it without supervision. When it’s time to eat, train your pet to stay in a specific place and have food in a bowl. Repetition will help your pet get used to being cared for and fed properly, and will prevent it from stealing food.
Let’s follow a series of funny photos when pets become food ‘thieves’ but are unfortunately discovered by their owners:
Professional bread thief |
Go to the neighbor’s house and get this loot |
These two dogs both like to steal bread and think that no one will find out. This dog stole an egg from the mother hen’s nest. |
The family’s little pig successfully raided the fridge full of delicious food. |
Guilty face when caught stealing bread |
Laugh it off when caught stealing food |
Hoang Dung (brief translation)