I had 3 dogs, 2 well behaved Beardies and a very naughty but loveable pug. The eldest Beardie, Bella, died at 11 yrs. during Christmas week. She was a stick carrier and would keep it with her on all walks then bringing it back home, dropping it at the door - ready for her next walk.
Tilly, 6 yrs., was a 'take it or leave it ' type of stick carrier. She may decide to carry one and then leave it when she got fed up of carrying it. That is until Bella died.
Tilly now carries a stick in the same way that Bella did. Picking it up at home and dropping it at the door when we return. It is not the same stick that Bella had and so it is not Bella's scent on the stick.
Is carrying a stick a status thing with dogs? Or is there another explanation
Before someone tells me that it is dangerous for dogs to carry sticks, I think it is a characteristic of some breeds and Bella used to drop it if she was 'free running' and come back for it to continue her walk.
Good Morning Tuesday 23rd April St Georges Day