Does your dog have a favorite stuffed animal that they love to cuddle and play with? If so, you may have wondered why dogs tend to bond so closely with these plush toys. As it turns out, there are several psychological and behavioral reasons behind this endearing canine habit.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Dogs like stuffed animals because they tap into their natural instincts to play with small prey items. Stuffed toys allow dogs to play out hunting behaviors like chasing, pouncing, biting, and shaking.
They also provide comfort through texture and scent.
Instinct to Hunt Prey
Reminds Them of Small Animals They Would Hunt
Stuffed animals often resemble the small prey that dogs’ ancestors would have hunted in the wild to survive (1). The plush exterior reminds them of the fur and soft texture of live animals like rabbits, rodents, birds, and other little creatures.
Acting on their natural hunting instincts, many dogs will shake, toss, or even “kill” stuffed animals as if they were real prey. This allows them to release their energy and satisfy innate behaviors passed down over thousands of years.
According to the American Kennel Club, breeds like terriers that were historically used for hunting may be especially prone to treating stuffed toys as pretend prey (2).
Allows Them to Act Out Stalking Behaviors
In addition to killing instincts, stalking behaviors are also commonly seen when dogs play with stuffed animals. They may carefully approach the toy, cautiously watching it, or even pounce suddenly as if launching an ambush.
By personifying the stuffed animal, dogs can imagine it is alive and act out natural hunting sequences step-by-step. This provides both physical and mental enrichment. As the popular blog K9 of Mine notes, acting on their instincts in this safe, controlled way can satisfy dogs’ needs and prevent undesirable behaviors like destructiveness stemming from boredom or frustration (3).
| Breed Group | Likelihood of “Hunting” Stuffed Toys |
|---|---|
| Sporting group (like Labrador Retrievers) | Very high – 91% |
| Hound group (like Beagles) | High – 84% |
| Herding group (like Australian Shepherds) | Moderate – 71% |
| Other groups | Lower but still common |
So in many ways, pouncing on a harmless stuffed playmate allows dogs to be dogs! As pack animals descended from wolves, hunting instincts are deeply ingrained even in today’s domestic companions. By acting out their inborn nature with stuffed animals, dogs receive joy, excitement, and fulfillment while preserving your home furnishings!
Desire for Comfort and Security
Replaces Littermates or Parents
Puppies naturally seek warmth, comfort, and security from their littermates and mother. When adopted alone into a human home, a stuffed animal can recreate some of those reassuring sensations. The soft, cuddly texture and familiar shape provide a sense of closeness for pups missing that early bonding and physical contact.
This allows them to transition more smoothly into their new environment.
Soothes Anxiety
Stuffed critters can have a profoundly calming effect for many anxious or high-strung dogs. The association with comfort and maternal care taps into neurological pathways that signal safety and trigger relaxation.
This helps relieve stress and nervous behavior like barking, chewing destructively, or aggressive actions aimed at establishing control of their surroundings.
In a 2015 study by Hungarian researchers, shelter dogs provided with a soft toy exhibited fewer signs of stress and fear. They adapted faster in their enclosures and interacted more gently with human caretakers.
These findings suggest stabilizing benefits when dogs have an attachment object during chaotic or changing life events.
Familiar Scent is Calming
Dogs have an incredible sense of smell, so scents often play an outsized role in their emotional lives. Snuggling with a stuffed animal that retains the smells of home and family can have a profoundly soothing motivation for pups. The familiar odors act like an anti-anxiety med, signaling safety.
| When a child goes off to sleepaway camp or college, parents will often provide a worn, unlaundered shirt or blanket with home scents. This evokes feelings of closeness and security in the midst of big life changes.
Dogs can experience similar comfort from a cherished stuffed animal imbued with the aromas of their people or surroundings. |
With some dogs naturally prone to higher anxiety levels, the right stuffed animal at the right time can be a life-saver for them. The security of possessing their own lovey or
Drive for Play and Mental Stimulation
Outlet for Energy and Boredom
Dogs, especially puppies and younger dogs, have a strong drive to play and a lot of pent up energy. Stuffed toys provide an excellent outlet for burning off excess energy when they can’t go for a walk or play outside.
According to the American Kennel Club, the average adult dog should get 30-60 minutes of exercise per day. Without sufficient physical and mental stimulation, dogs can become restless or even destructive out of boredom.
Allows Interactive Play
While treats, balls, and rope toys engage a dog’s natural food drive or prey drive, stuffed toys allow for interactive play that mimics the actions of a real animal. Dogs will shake, toss, and “kill” stuffed toys in a way that engages their primal instincts to hunt.
This gives them an outlet to act out innate behaviors in a human home where they don’t need to hunt for food. According to dog behaviorist Dr. Mary Burch, rotation of toys is important to keep dogs interested and mentally stimulated.
Engages Natural Chewing Instinct
Dogs, especially those under 1 year old, have a strong natural urge to chew as they teethe and explore the world orally. Stuffed toys appeal to this instinct in a safer way than chewing household items. The squishy texture also massages sore gums for teething puppies.
Veterinarians recommend supervising dogs with plush toys to prevent swallowed pieces from causing intestinal blockages. Tough chewers may be better suited for durable rubber toys instead.
Conclusion
In the end, stuffed animals appeal to several of dogs’ natural drives and instincts. The opportunity to play hunt, bond, find comfort, and engage in enriching play makes plush toys a beloved companion for many dogs.
So the next time you see your pooch snuggled up with their favorite stuffed friend, you’ll know why they treasure it so much.
