Dogs Exhibit Toy Obsession Similar to Human Gambling Addiction, Study Finds

Parallels Between Dogs’ Toy Obsession and Human Gambling Addiction

Recent research has revealed intriguing similarities between the way dogs become intensely attached to their toys and how humans develop gambling addictions. The study titled “Addictive-like behavioral traits in pet dogs with extreme motivation for toy play” delves into this connection.

Insights from a Collaborative Study on Canine Behavior

Published in the journal Nature Scientific Reports, this study was conducted through a partnership between the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna and the University of Bern. Their findings suggest that the obsessive behaviors observed in both dogs towards toys and humans towards gambling may stem from comparable neurological mechanisms.

Observations of Dogs’ Reactions to Toy Deprivation

The research involved 105 dogs known for their strong attachment to stuffed toys. When these toys were taken away or hidden inside boxes, at least a third of the dogs exhibited behaviors that resembled addiction. Some even went as far as tearing apart boxes to retrieve their beloved toys.

Strong Toy Focus Over Food Rewards

To understand the strength of this compulsion, scientists attempted to divert the dogs’ attention using food treats. Remarkably, the 33 dogs demonstrating addiction-like behavior ignored both their owners and the food, remaining fixated on their toys.

Implications of Compulsive Toy Play in Dogs

The study highlights that, much like human behavioral addictions, dogs can develop a compulsive drive to continue their activities despite potential negative consequences. This compulsive toy playing may even have a hereditary component, although environmental influences such as training also appear to play a significant role.