Dogs' obsessions with toys are like gambling addictions in humans

"Scientists in Germany and Austria say that pet dogs can get addicted to toys - just like how humans can get hooked on gambling. In their experiments, about a third of pet dogs showed signs of addiction, such as ignoring people, being disinterested in food and lacking self-control. Dogs are 'pawsitively hooked on toys', claim the study authors at the University of Bern and the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna."

"In one trial, following a short period of play, the toy was put on a shelf so that the dog was unable to get it, followed by the owner attempting to engage with the dog. In another, the toy was secured in a box with an orange lid, making it inaccessible to the dog, while a food puzzle was offered to them as a potential distraction."

"For the study, the team performed experiments with 105 dogs - 56 males and 49 females, ranging in age from 12 months to 10 years. The most common breeds were Malinois (18 dogs), Border Collies (nine dogs), and Labrador Retrievers (nine dogs), but all dogs were described by their owners as motivated to play with toys. In a 17ft by 11ft experimental room, the dogs were allowed to play with their favourite toy, with and without the owner and an experimenter present."

Pet dogs can develop addiction-like responses to toys that parallel human behavioural addictions such as gambling. About one-third of tested pet dogs showed signs including ignoring people, being disinterested in food and lacking self-control. Experiments involved 105 dogs aged 12 months to 10 years, various breeds, all described by owners as toy-motivated. Dogs played with favourite toys in a controlled room with and without owners present. Trials removed or secured toys and sometimes offered food puzzles to assess distraction. Play sessions were filmed and owners completed surveys. The consequences of toy addiction for canine welfare remain unclear.

Read at Mail Online