30/07/2026
Dogs differ in how strongly they are motivated by toys such as balls or tug objects. In some individuals, this motivation can become so intense that it shows similarities to addictive-like behaviour, including persistent focus, difficulty disengaging, and high arousal. In a new study, researchers analysed data from over 1,600 dogs using a behavioural questionnaire. They found that very high toy motivation was associated with traits such as being easy to motivate, over-motivation, difficulty calming down, and reduced daytime sleep. These tendencies were more common in certain breed groups and in dogs used for sport or work, and were often already visible in puppyhood. While strong motivation can be beneficial, extreme levels may affect behavioural regulation and welfare.
Read the research article in Royal Society Open Science:
Abstract. Toy-directed play motivation varies significantly among domestic dogs. In some individuals, it reaches such exceptional levels that it exhibits p
