Frequent Why is my dog so obsessed with his toy? Expert Advice

The Toy Is A Substitute Puppy

Mothering is a strong instinct in many female dogs regardless if they have been spayed or not. Some dogs, especially females (but males will also exhibit the behavior from time-to-time), play-act mothering with their toys. The toy satisfies a deep instinct to nurture and protect.

Regardless of the reason, watching your dog dote on their favorite toy is always adorable. Let them play favorites for as long as they like, but be aware of the potential dangers of old toys. Watch out for loose parts that could be swallowed or sharp edges that could cut their gums. When it becomes a health hazard, it’s time to throw it away – even if it is their favorite. And as always, it’s safest to supervise your dog during playtime.

If you have a female dog that’s obsessed with a stuffed animal, it could be her maternal instincts shining through. The toy could remind her of a puppy, and she could feel an emotional connection to her surrogate baby. Females who are separated from their puppies too soon often do this, but even dogs that were spayed young and never have puppies choose to become mothers to their favorite toys.

Terriers, Australian Cattle Dogs, American Foxhounds, and Beagles are only a few breeds known for having high prey drives. They typically pick their favorite toys based on what feels and sounds best when they bite down. Toys that squeak are reminiscent of catching a small animal. Don’t be surprised if your dog continues to love the toy even when it resembles nothing more than a dirty, ripped-up rag.

Not every dog has a specific toy they love the most, but those that do become as attached to their toys as a toddler is to a favorite teddy bear. These one-toy pets cherish their chosen toys for months and years while all their other playthings are lost, destroyed, or ignored. So what’s the deal with your dog’s favorite toy? What makes it so special?

On the other side of the age spectrum, senior dogs like toys that are soft and comforting. It’s common for older dogs to have missing or sensitive teeth, and they like the toys they can easily grab on to.

Does your dog have a favorite toy?  Does your dog mother her toy?  Carry it around everywhere?  Destroy it? Here’s a look at what’s going on with your toy obsessed dog and some guidelines on selecting a toy for your pet.

Over the years, Animal Medical of New City clients have told us about dogs that carry their toys wherever they go, guard their toys, grab their toys as soon as they see their owner, hide their toys, bury their toys, destroy their toys, and mother their toys. Depending on the behavior, there could be a number of things going on. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_blurb url=”https://animalmedicalnc.com/free-veterinary-phone-consult/” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”%%264%%” icon_color=”#ffffff” use_circle=”on” use_circle_border=”on” circle_border_color=”#000000″ icon_placement=”left” _builder_version=”3.14″ header_text_color=”#ffffff” background_=”https://animalmedicalnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/amnc-phone-consult.jpg” text_orientation=”center” background_layout=”dark” header_text_shadow_style=”preset5″ body_text_shadow_style=”preset5″ border_radii=”on|4px|4px|4px|4px” border_width_all=”4px” border_width_all_=”4px” saved_tabs=”all”]

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TOO excited? or OBSESSED with TOYS? – Dog training by Kikopup

Does your dog have his favorite toy or stuffed animal that he never leaves behind? Your dog will sleep with it, carry it around, and may even protect the stuffed animal toy from you. Here are some common reasons for dogs that are attached to their stuffed animals.