Source: The Guardian
A study published in Scientific Reports suggests that some dogs may display addictive-like behavior toward toys, similar in pattern (though not severity) to human behavioral addictions. Researchers from Vetmeduni Vienna, led by Dr. Stefanie Riemer, studied 105 dogs of various breeds and ages, observing how they interacted with their favorite toys during structured play and separation tasks. Dogs showing excessive motivation—such as barking, whining, or ignoring food when toys were unavailable—were rated for intensity of these actions.
About 33 dogs scored high, especially among terrier and shepherd breeds, suggesting a strong genetic component. These dogs exhibited traits resembling craving, loss of control, and high emotional attachment to toys. However, researchers cautioned that not every toy-obsessed dog is “addicted,” as addiction implies negative consequences, which were not clearly observed. Experts, including Dr. Serge Ahmed, emphasized that more research is needed to determine whether such behaviors truly parallel human addiction or are simply intense play preferences.
Read the full story HERE: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/oct/09/some-dogs-may-be-addicted-toys-study