Overview

• The research team tested 105 owner-referred dogs aged 1–10 and classified 33 as displaying problematic, compulsive-like play behaviors.
• A separate survey of 1,600 owners led to an estimated prevalence of roughly 3% in the broader dog population.
• Affected dogs fixated on a chosen toy, ignored food or owners, persisted in accessing the toy when blocked, and maintained elevated heart rates minutes later.
• Working and working-line breeds such as Malinois, shepherds and Border Collies scored highest for play motivation in the experiments.
• Researchers released video showing extreme retrieval behavior and called for larger, representative studies to clarify causes, health effects and management options.