How do dogs think of toys?

[@Yanikiful]

This is really interesting, thanks !!

[@justmikescott]

Tried to watch this but the background music is too loud to understand what is being said.

[@borbilla6254]

What if two toys would be made from the same material & treated in the same way thus probably have similar odour? Also, how come that the odour on a plastic toy doesn't change that much that it can actually create a stable representation in the doggo's mind?

[@infinitemonkey917]

Do they think of toys as play prey ?

[@infinitemonkey917]

@@roseychicka2298 I guess it depends on the dog and the toy. I had a shepherd mix that would shake a toy squirrel hard as if it was prey. She would also bring all of her toys to 1 area. I think fetching a ball is like honing in on small prey.

[@infinitemonkey917]

@@roseychicka2298 I'm sure they know it's not real but the fun is derived from their hunting instincts. Humans playing / watching sports is likewise tapping into hunting and fighting instincts.

[@Joel-bh5xd]

@@roseychicka2298 my Yorkie only likes rags and similar things (socks, blankets, tshirts, etc.) he never destroys them though.

[@moxow]

My God, this sort of "science" makes me feel dumber after having read about it. I wonder how much their grant was? All to conclude that dogs form a "multi-modal mental image" of their toys. Get outa 'ere...

[@trolltracker]

Okay, Troll