There may be many reasons why dogs like to pick up shoes and socks. Here are some common reasons:
Chewing and Exploration: Dogs love exploring their surroundings with their mouths, especially when they are puppies. They may chew and pick up shoes and socks to explore their texture, smell, and shape.
Looking for the owner: Some dogs will take the owner's shoes and socks near their bedroom or bed because they want to bring the owner's belongings into their territory and show their territory.
Anxiety and Separation Anxiety: Some dogs become anxious, fearful, or upset when their owners leave the home. This anxiety can cause them to chew and pick up their owner's shoes and socks to relieve their own nervousness.
In short, picking up shoes and socks may be a chewing and exploratory behavior for dogs, or it may be a way to connect with their owners and feel safe. Of course, if this behavior becomes too frequent or destructive, the owner may need to take steps to prevent it from occurring.