Toy-obsessed dogs give clues to addictive behaviors

Have you ever found yourself with a drool-covered ball at your feet, staring into a dog’s pleading eyes, eager for another toss? If so, you probably understand that some dogs truly adore playtime. Recent research supports this notion, revealing that certain canine behaviors are similar to those seen in human addictions.

Stefanie Riemer, a behavioral biologist, along with her team, investigated the attraction of toys by observing a group of 105 enthusiastic pet dogs. Each owner selected three toys—a ball, a plush toy, and a tug toy—that they believed their dog would love, but ultimately, it was the dog’s choice that mattered; the toy that captivated the most canine interest was utilized in their experiments. 

For these toy-crazy canines, the experiments proved challenging. In one scenario, researchers placed the toy on a shelf out of reach, noting the dog’s reactions, which included whining, leaping, and gazing upward. In another test, a closed box containing the toy was juxtaposed with a freely available puzzle filled with kibble. Some dogs showed more interest in the box, ignoring the food altogether. The team also tracked how long it took for the dogs to settle down after the toy was removed.

Using a scoring system based on the behavioral responses, Riemer’s team identified 33 dogs that displayed signs of what they categorize as addictive-like behaviors, as reported on October 9 in Scientific Reports.

Riemer theorizes that the motivation comes from the play experience rather than the toy itself. She notes that dogs engaged in play may be pursuing enjoyable sensations, stating, “I believe the reason dogs are so drawn to the toy is due to its connection with exciting play.” She emphasizes that it is the act of play, not the toy, that drives the behavior.

This strong desire for play was notably more common among terrier and shepherd breeds. Riemer, from Vetmeduni Vienna, explains, “These characteristics are desirable in working dogs, as they are easily motivated, highly focused, and persistent.”

It remains uncertain how many dogs fit this description, but it seems to be relatively uncommon. An informal survey of roughly 1,600 dogs indicated that only about 3 percent would show signs of addictive-like behavior towards toys, according to Riemer.

The complexities surrounding behavioral addictions in humans are not fully understood, and the intense behaviors observed in dogs are even less clear. Riemer warns against drawing direct parallels between the two. Her findings pose numerous questions but also highlight the significance of play. “Play is incredibly beneficial for the relationship between dogs and humans,” Riemer remarks. “It’s something we should encourage.” Interestingly, her own dog, a Russian Toy named Yari, has a specific fondness for tennis balls.