Researchers to study dogs’ emotional attachment to toys

[Sly Saint]

A study will examine whether dogs form an emotional attachment to toys in a similar way to young children with blankets and teddies.

Researchers from the University of Bristol Vet School and School of Psychological Science will examine the behaviours of a wide range of dogs for the work.

It is thought that some breeds of dog may be more likely than others to form attachments with objects such as toys and bedding.

Professor Bruce Hood, of the University of Bristol’s School of Psychological Science, said he was “fascinated” by the subject...........
We have a hypothesis that some breeds will have stronger attachments than others

https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/nat...s-to-study-dogs-emotional-attachment-to-toys/

so it's on to dogs now; groan

 

[Barry]

so it's on to dogs now; groan

We have a lovely dog, who is very attached to her toys, the same as our previous dog was. So it's interesting to me. The vets might do better than the psychs though!

 

[chrisb]

This is important stuff. Take away the toy and it might be a traumatic event leading to a CFS type illness.

 

[NelliePledge]

A vast potential field. How do dogs feel when asked to hold a bag of shopping springs to mind?

The health benefits for dogs of standing on a circle of paper and someone shouting STOP at them

 

[lansbergen]

This is important stuff. Take away the toy and it might be a traumatic event leading to a CFS type illness.

This is important stuff. Take away the toy and it might be a traumatic event leading to a CFS type illness.

Are you jocking??

 

[chrisb]

Me? Joking? Surely not.

All right then, I admit it. I was joking.

 

[TiredSam]

Good to see this neglected subject finally receiving the attention it deserves.

 

[Forbin]

I'm pretty sure that this is a "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" sort of thing and that the dogs are actually studying the psychologists - possibly in an attempt to understand the psychologists' emotional attachment to CBT.

 

[DokaGirl]

Bow WOW! This is an extremely useful study!

 

[TiredSam]

At least the dogs can't go online and claim the psychs have got it all wrong. The results will be whatever the researchers say they are, and pet owners everywhere will lap it up. There's be a range of "scientifically proven" dogtoys to ensure the emotional stability of your dog in this for someone.

 

[Amw66]

At least the dogs can't go online and claim the psychs have got it all wrong. The results will be whatever the researchers say they are, and pet owners everywhere will lap it up. There's be a range of "scientifically proven" dogtoys to ensure the emotional stability of your dog in this for someone.

Wow. Spin off companies are not what they used to be ....