Can Dogs Get Obsessed with A Toy?

Pet owners love giving their beloved dogs toys to play with, especially when they see how much fun their dogs have. However, you may have also noticed that dogs have preferences for certain toys. In some cases, your dog may even have a favorite toy that they are very attached to.

There is nothing wrong if your dog has a favorite toy, but you need to be prepared for when this favorite toy needs to be replaced. Toys that have begun to tear or break can become a choking hazard and must be taken away from your pet for their own safety. When this happens, it would be good to have a plan in place to reduce your dog's stress.

Understanding why your dog prefers a certain toy over others can make it easier for you to purchase items that your pet will enjoy. To that end, here are some practical reasons why your dog may have a favorite toy or item in your home:

1) Toys Remind Them of Your Presence and Give Them Comfort

Similar to kids and their stuffed animals, some dogs prefer toys that are pleasing to the touch and soft enough to snuggle with. Now, remember that dogs have a keen sense of smell.

Your dog's favorite toy may carry the scent of you or a family member. Your dog may feel a connection to you whenever they are near the toy. This could be one of the reasons your dog is so attached to that custom dog toy you bought on a whim, because it makes them feel safer in stressful situations. Holding onto the toy could be your dog’s way of overcoming pain or reinforcing positive emotions.

2) The toy feels good in their mouth

In some cases, you’ll see dogs love to carry their toys around with them. They may do so because the toy has a particular texture that feels good in the pet’s mouth.

It’s worth noting that dogs can also be rough with their chew toys. Therefore, be sure to buy chew toys that are made of sturdy materials, such as silicone, rubber, or nylon. This way, they are less likely to break and become a choking hazard for your pet.

3) The toy is a source of stimulation

Many dogs find their toys to be a source of physical and mental stimulation. In addition to this, your dog may see the presence of the toy as a signal that they are about to play, explore, and exercise. This gives them a chance to act on their natural instincts in a way that they enjoy and that you approve of. Dogs have different ways of playing, which may be influenced by their breed.

4) Dogs consider toys their territory

Dogs can be territorial animals, and their attachment to a favorite toy may be a manifestation of this territorial instinct. Your dog may consider the toy their property, and their fondness for the toy may be their way of asserting ownership and control over something they consider theirs. This is common in households with multiple dogs, as other resources are shared.

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