The post Why Some Dogs Bond Deeply With One Toy and Take It Everywhere appeared first on A-Z Animals.

Quick Take

• A golden retriever brings its stuffed animal dog everywhere, from snowy mountains to fields of tulips.

• Some dogs can even become addicted to toys.

• It shows that dogs need companionship as much as humans do.

Whether or not they are officially designated as your emotional support animal, there’s no denying the comfort and joy our pets bring us. But sometimes, even our pets crave animal companionship too! No, you don’t have to run out and get another pet for your pet, but you might consider giving them a plush animal toy to play with. One Instagram account shared the cutest photos of a dog with its own dog toy best friend that’ll melt your heart.

“Every adventure becomes a little sweeter with his teddy by his side,” Instagram account @pubity captioned a post, with pictures taken by @mycaninelife. “Whether it’s a long drive or a plane ride, this pup proves that the best travel companion is the one that’s been with you through every nap, cuddle, and journey.

”

In the first photo, a beautiful golden retriever holds a mini golden retriever plush toy in its mouth, which looks just like its owner. Both the real dog and the stuffed dog wear matching blue tie-dye bandanas around their necks. Another photo shows the golden resting its head on a pumpkin, with its toy right by its side. This time, both are wearing flower crowns on their heads and are just the cutest things ever!

The dog takes its stuffed animal to various places: the mountains, the snow, the desert surrounded by cacti, and a field of spring tulips. Each time, the golden is either holding the stuffed toy in its mouth or cuddled up to it, clearly loving it and not just being posed for a picture. Seeing the connection this golden has with its little stuffed animal toy is so sweet.

Other people thought so, too. “The cutest travel duo ever

” one person commented. Another wrote, “His comfort buddy…

”

“This is the healthiest attachment I’ve seen on the internet today,” another person quipped.

Are Dogs Typically Attached to Particular Toys?

It’s not uncommon to see dogs form an attachment to their favorite toy, dragging it with them from room to room even as it deteriorates. My dog still loves cuddling up with a tiny blanket that she had when she was a little pup. But sometimes, a preference for certain toys or items can develop into an addiction.

An October 2025 study found that some dogs can display addiction-like behaviors to toys, displaying an excessive fixation on their favorite toy and even becoming so enamored with a particular toy that they can’t focus on anything else, have trouble switching tasks, and repeatedly try to get the toy back if it is taken away. Some dogs showed such a strong fixation on their favorite toy that it could rival their interest in food or social interaction, though most dogs still prefer food over toys.

It could be that this golden retriever is addicted to its toy, or it could just be that the toy brings it comfort, especially if it smells like a happy memory or is associated with something positive.

Other Toys Dogs Like

If your dog doesn’t like plush toys, they might have another favorite that brings fun or enrichment. For example, some dogs love squeaky toys, as these help activate the dopamine reward from their hunting instincts. Some dogs love indestructible toys that they can chew on for a while, and others enjoy puzzle toys that they must solve for a treat. All of these are good options, though some are easier to bring on trips than others.

No matter what kind of toy your dog prefers, it’s always a good idea to provide them with plenty of options. Not only will your dog enjoy having a variety of toys, but it will also help prevent boredom and reduce the risk of them destroying the house. (Plus, you might capture some adorable photos of your pup with their favorite toy, just like the golden retriever above.) It’s a win-win!

Dogs Love Companionship

Just like humans, dogs crave companionship—whether from their favorite toy, their favorite human, or another pet. Jill A. Goldman, Ph.D., M.Sc, Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, previously told A-Z Animals that it doesn’t matter what breed your dog is; they will most likely be loyal.

“Dogs are social mammals with a communication system,” she told us. “They’re created to work within a dynamic or even a social system, like a family. I believe it has more to do with their environment and their experience. Some dogs are more protective than others, but when it comes to loyalty, most, if not all, will bond very closely to their primary caregiver.”

Still not sure if your dog loves you? There are some signs that show affection, including bringing you toys, wagging their tails, jumping on you when you get home, licking your face, and following you everywhere.

The post Why Some Dogs Bond Deeply With One Toy and Take It Everywhere appeared first on A-Z Animals.