Dogs have a passion for toys, but is it possible for them to become overly attached? A recent study suggests that their playful nature can take a darker turn, leading to an obsession with their toys.

This study was published in Nature Scientific Reports. Researchers found that certain dogs exhibited behaviors similar to those seen in behavioral addictions, akin to gambling and gaming.

The term “ball junkie” is often used in dog training circles, implying addiction. However, the study participants pointed out that it hasn’t been established whether the criteria for addiction apply to dogs, as Professor Stefanie Reimer from Vetmeduni Vienna noted in BBC Science Focus, “Being highly motivated or overly focused on toys doesn’t necessarily equate to addiction.”

The research team conducted a series of tests involving 105 toy-obsessed dogs to observe their interactions with toys.

Ultimately, 33 dogs displayed behaviors indicative of addiction. They fixated on the toys and sought to access them when they were placed in boxes or on high shelves, even when food was offered or when their owners engaged them in social activities like tug-of-war.

“Two dogs managed to destroy boxes containing toys, highlighting their intense motivation,” said the study’s lead, Alija Mazzini from the University of Bern, in BBC Science Focus. “This reaction exceeded our expectations and clearly demonstrated the lengths some dogs would go to reach their desired objects.”

Some dogs struggled to relax after their toys were removed, pacing the room in search for them, and their heart rate remained elevated even after 15 minutes.

An important finding was that when allowed to play with toys, there was no notable difference in mood between dogs displaying addiction-like behavior and other dogs.

“While most dogs enjoy playing with toys, only a few show excessive fixation,” Mazzini explained. “This behavioral pattern resembles that of people engaged in potentially addictive activities like gaming and gambling without experiencing negative consequences, yet developing a genuine addiction.”

However, this doesn’t mean you should rush to eliminate all of your dog’s toys.

“While many dog owners use balls and other toys during playtime, only a small percentage of dogs develop addictive behaviors,” Reimer noted. “From a practical perspective, toy play serves as a great reinforcement for dogs. For one of my dogs, the ball represents the ultimate reward, though I didn’t encourage this behavior.

“Still, I strongly recommend emphasizing collaborative play. So, while I’m not suggesting you should avoid playing ball with your dog, do so judiciously.”

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