Scientists have discovered "toy addiction" in dogs

If it seems to you that your dog is as attached to his favorite toy as a child is to a blanket or a soft toy, perhaps this is not just imagination. Research shows that some dogs do have behaviors similar to human addiction. This was reported in the journal Popular Science.

Stephanie Riemer, a neuroscientist at the Messerli Research Institute in Austria, explained that dogs with a high propensity for addictive behavior attach special importance to toys. They are attracted to them even at the expense of other rewards or interaction with the host.

In a new study published in Scientific Reports, 105 dogs of different breeds and ages were studied. Scientists observed their reactions to their favorite toy and interviewed the owners about the daily habits of the animals.

It is specified that 33 dogs showed signs of "toy addiction": excessive attention to the toy, ignoring food or communication with the owner, persistent attempts to get a toy, even when it is unavailable.

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"They [dogs] show a craving for them even at the expense of other rewards or interaction with the owner. Even when the toy was clearly unavailable, they still tried to access it, refusing to eat or communicate with the owner. Two dogs even managed to break the box and get their toy," added Rimer.

The study also showed that the habits of puppies (2-6 months old) are associated with a higher tendency to addictive behavior in adulthood. Among the breeds, the leaders in motivation were Malinois, border Collie and Labrador Retriever.

Toys can be a great reward, but variety is important. Riemer advises focusing on cooperative play, such as tug-of-war or search games, in order to minimize the risk of addiction and reduce the strain on the animal's joints when repeatedly throwing the ball.

On October 3, Vladimir Golubev, President of the Russian Cynological Federation, explained what an orthopedic dog bed should be. A good memory model is expensive, but it will last a long time. It is better to take the size with a margin of at least 15 cm more than the length of the pet. You can do without an ordinary pillow or a house, the main thing is to provide the dog with a comfortable and protected place.

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