VIENNA—With results that may come as no big surprise to dog owners everywhere, a recent study has shown that some dogs can become obsessed—not unlike their human colleagues.

Researchers from the Messerli Research Institute for Human-Animal Interaction at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna recently published the first scientific study on addictive-type behavior in dogs, according to study authors.

The study involved 105 dogs, all identified as “toy-motivated” by their owners. During the study, “the owner was asked to select three toys (one ball, one tug toy and one plush toy from an assortment offered by researchers) which they thought the dog would like the most. If the owner had brought a dog’s favorite toy from home, that toy was used in the subsequent preference test along with two other toys,” the study said.

The group was tested under standards including whether the dogs remained focused on their favorite toys when placed within sight but out of reach; if the dog refused to play unless with the toy; if the dog rejected a treat in favor of a toy (that’s a tough one!) and, finally, by removing the toys entirely from the room for 15 minutes, to see the dog’s reaction and if they became anxious.

Out of the study group, which was made up of mostly Malinois, Labrador Retrievers and Border Collies, 33 of the dogs showed signs of “addictive” behavior, according to the study parameters. This was especially highlighted when the toy was removed from the room for 15 minutes and the reactive dogs showed inability to calm down and elevated heart rates.

Researchers noted their findings could not definitively show “addiction” in dogs, but the data indicated some dogs are highly motivated to focus on toys and crave toys (or a specific toy) obsessively.

Commonly referred to by owners and trainers as “ball dogs” — the dogs are often a familiar sight at parks everywhere and the envy of many owners whose own dogs couldn’t be bothered to fetch a ball and just stare when one is thrown in their direction.

Those familiar with odd dog behavior look forward to future dog addiction studies that might focus on the obsession for “pup cups” (aka “dog crack”) and the effects of whipped cream on coffee-shop-addicted canines.

“To conclude, there appear to be parallels between excessive toy motivation in dogs and behavioral addictions in humans,” the report said. “Interestingly, also in humans, the first officially recognized behavioral addictions (gambling and internet gaming) originate in play. Generally, play is an activity that induces a pleasurable emotional state.”

The full report can be viewed at Nature.com.

Photo by Elisa Kennemer on Unsplash.