"Ball Addicts": A Study Reveals That Some Dogs' Obsession Is Similar to Human Addiction

If you have a dog that ignores everything, even food, for a simple toy, science agrees: it's not just a whim. A new study published in Scientific Reports has found that some dogs' fixation on their favorite toys —like tennis balls or rubber duckies —shows patterns that resemble human behavioral addictions .

Research suggests that some dogs may be true "ball addicts" .

When Gaming Becomes a Compulsion

Led by behavioral biologist Stefanie Riemer, the study examined 105 dogs — mainly breeds such as the Belgian Malinois, Border Collies and Labrador Retrievers — motivated by their toys.

During the tests, the researchers observed what many owners already suspected:

• Obsessive Behavior: One third of the dogs (33 in the sample) showed signs of fixation similar to addiction .

• Ignoring Alternatives: These dogs ignored food or play with their owners, barked or whined when the toy was out of reach, and in some cases, could not calm down for up to fifteen minutes after the object was removed.

• Damage and Frustration: Some dogs in the study went so far as to destroy boxes to reach their toys.

"In humans, intense craving and loss of control are key characteristics of addiction. The study shows that toys have high salience for these dogs and that they crave access to them," Riemer explained.

Dopamine: The Neuroscience of Canine Obsession

Why does a dog's brain respond to a toy in a similar way to how a person's brain reacts to gambling or games of chance? The answer lies in neurochemistry:

Playing, like certain human addictions, floods the brain with dopamine , the neurotransmitter that drives reward-seeking behavior. For dogs with a strong focus drive (such as shepherds and terriers), this feedback loop can become a compulsion .

The researcher points out that the genetic component is strong and that this fixation is not encouraged by the owners.

When does a game stop being fun?

The purpose of the game is to be a source of joy, but addiction has negative consequences for the individual.

If your dog cannot tolerate the toy not being available, the behavior may be "excessive and maladaptive," leading to frustration, stress, and even injury.

The conclusion is not to ban the game. It's to recognize the line where enjoyment becomes a need. In those extreme cases, measures should be taken to reduce the child's fixation on the toy.

At Waggy's, we care about your dog's emotional well-being. If you notice signs of anxiety or excessive frustration during play, consult a canine behavior expert.