It is well known that many dogs are fascinated by balls. But why so much love for such a small object?
A passion that runs in their veins
Dogs have A natural instinct hunting and predation inherited from their ancestors, wolves. The bullets, through their unpredictable and rapid movement, stimulate this instinct to pursue and catch. In addition, dogs are social animals that love to interact with their owners. Playing ball strengthens the bond between the dog and its owner, while providing them with stimulating physical and mental activity.
Several studies have been conducted to better understand dog infatuation with balls. In particular, a study carried out in 2014 by the University of Bristol revealed that Do dogs prefer moving objectsand to static objects. The researchers also found that dogs were more interested in objects that moved unpredictably, stimulating their hunting instincts.
Many dog owners can attest to the fascination, or even the obsession, of their companion with balls. A famous example is Chaser, a Border Collie who has been called “the smartest dog in the world.” Chaser knew the names of over 1,000 different objects, including a wide variety of bullets. Its owner, psychologist John W. Pilley, spent years teaching Chaser the names of different objects and playing with her to strengthen her cognitive skills.
Dangers of being obsessed with bullets
While playing ball can be a healthy and fun activity for dogs, it's important to make sure it doesn't turn into an obsession. Excessive obsession with bullets can lead to anxious, destructive, or aggressive behaviors. Additionally, dogs that compulsively pursue bullets may be at risk of injury, such as sprains, dislocations, or fractures.
To avoid these dangers, it is important to monitor your dog's behavior and provide a variety of activities and toys to prevent your dog from becoming too attached to a single object. It is also essential to ensure that balls and other dog toys are the right size and type to avoid the risk of suffocation or accidental ingestion.
