In an intriguing exploration of canine behavior, a recent study published in Scientific Reports has unveiled compelling evidence that certain domestic dogs exhibit addictive-like tendencies toward their toys that closely parallel behavioral addictions observed in humans. This groundbreaking research, conducted by Stefanie Riemer, Alja Mazzini, and their team, delves into the complex psychological landscape of our canine companions, revealing that the seemingly playful fixation on toys in some dogs might bear striking resemblance to compulsive human behaviors such as gambling and internet gaming.
Behavioral addictions in humans are characterized by an uncontrollable urge to engage in rewarding activities despite facing adverse consequences. These conditions involve persistent cravings, impaired control over the behavior, and continued involvement even when the activity harms the individual’s health or social functioning. Previous anecdotal reports hinted that dogs might similarly obsess over their toys, exhibiting distress when separated from these objects and demonstrating relentless engagement that could lead to exhaustion or injury. However, until now, a systematic scientific investigation validating these parallels was absent from the literature.
The study sampled 105 pet dogs, including 56 males and 49 females, all described by owners as highly motivated to play with toys. These dogs ranged in age from one to ten years and represented a variety of breeds, with Malinois, Border Collies, and Labrador Retrievers being the most prevalent. At the onset, each dog was presented with a toy personally selected by their owner, establishing a baseline for evaluating individual attachment levels and behavioral patterns.
Researchers identified hallmark symptoms of addiction from human psychological models—such as craving and an inability to regulate engagement—and meticulously compared these with observed behaviors in the participating dogs. This comparative analysis involved both structured behavioral assessments during controlled testing scenarios and owner-reported observations of everyday interactions with toys. The goal was to discern whether certain dogs display a compulsive enthusiasm toward toy play that transcends normal playful behavior.
Remarkably, data indicated that approximately one-third of the sampled dogs, precisely 33 individuals, demonstrated behaviors indicative of addictive-like traits. These dogs exhibited excessive preoccupation with their toys, often prioritizing toy interaction over food consumption or social engagement with their owners. When their toys were deliberately made unavailable, these animals endeavored persistently to access the objects, showing intense focus and signs of distress that lingered for extended periods.
One striking observation was the protracted difficulty these dogs had in calming down once their toys were removed, with some remaining agitated for over 15 minutes following toy withdrawal. This inability to disengage contrasts sharply with typical play behavior, which generally concludes with a natural or owner-facilitated cessation and redirection of attention. Furthermore, some dogs continued attempts to play despite signs of physical overexertion, potentially risking injury — behaviors reminiscent of problem gambling or compulsive internet gaming in humans.
The implications of these findings extend beyond mere curiosity about canine quirks; they raise critical questions about the welfare and mental health of pet dogs exhibiting such addictive-like behaviors. While playful engagement with toys is an essential component of enrichment and overall canine well-being, excessive fixation might impair quality of life, induce stress, and complicate the human-animal bond. The researchers emphasize the necessity of further interdisciplinary investigations to uncover the neurobiological mechanisms underpinning these behaviors and to develop informed interventions.
From a methodological perspective, the novel approach to characterizing addictive traits in dogs bridges the gap between veterinary behavioral science and human psychology. By employing owner surveys alongside behavioral testing, the study offers a comprehensive profile of each dog’s relationship with their toy, encompassing emotional, cognitive, and motivational dimensions. This dual strategy enhances the robustness of interpretations and paves the way for nuanced strategies addressing compulsive behaviors in companion animals.
In discussing potential causal factors, the authors speculate that genetic predispositions related to breed-specific traits might influence susceptibility to addictive-like behaviors, given the overrepresentation of certain breeds among affected dogs. Environmental and owner-related variables—such as the frequency of toy exposure, reinforcement patterns, and the dynamics of owner-dog interaction—also warrant meticulous scrutiny, as these factors could modulate the intensity and manifestation of compulsive toy play.
The study’s pioneering nature opens a fresh avenue for recognizing and diagnosing behavioral disorders in pets that parallel human psychiatric conditions. Integrating principles from addiction science into veterinary behavioral medicine could revolutionize wellness assessments and therapeutic protocols for dogs exhibiting problematic fixations, moving beyond traditional categories like anxiety or hyperactivity.
Moreover, these insights carry practical ramifications for dog owners and professionals in animal care. Awareness of potential addictive tendencies toward toys may encourage vigilance in monitoring play behaviors and timely interventions to prevent escalation. Manufacturers and pet product designers might also take interest, exploring toy attributes that minimize compulsive engagement while maximizing enrichment and satisfaction.
Ultimately, this research invites a profound reevaluation of how we interpret and manage canine behavior. It challenges the simplistic view of toy play as uniformly benign, highlighting the complex spectrum that ranges from healthy recreation to maladaptive compulsion. In doing so, it underscores the shared emotional and motivational substrates between dogs and humans—a testament to the intricate social and psychological bonds forged across species.
While the study acknowledges that further multifaceted research is essential to unravel the full extent and impact of addictive-like behaviors in dogs, it establishes a vital foundation. Future endeavors could explore neurochemical correlates, long-term welfare outcomes, and effective therapeutic interventions, thereby enhancing our capacity to promote psychological well-being in companion animals living alongside us.
As we deepen our understanding of these parallels, the convergence of veterinary science, psychology, and addiction studies promises to enrich not only animal care but also the broader discourse on behavioral health, resilience, and coexistence across species lines.
Subject of Research: Addictive-like behavioural traits in pet dogs with extreme motivation for toy play
Article Title: Addictive-like behavioural traits in pet dogs with extreme motivation for toy play
News Publication Date: 9-Oct-2025
Web References: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-18636-0
Keywords: canine behavior, behavioral addiction, compulsive behavior, pet dogs, toy play, psychological addiction, animal welfare, canine enrichment, behavioral science
Tags: animal psychology studiesbehavioral addiction parallelscanine behavior researchcanine compulsive disorderscompulsive dog behaviorsdog motivation and playdog play fixationdog toy addictionimpact of toys on dog healthpet owner observationspsychological effects of dog toysscientific studies on pets
