Dog loves laser pointer

[Bluey]

[QUOTE=GraceLikeRain;8417871]
I completely recognize that there is a risk involved but I also think it is important to know your breed and the individual dog.

I’ll freely admit my mini gets to enjoy a laser pointer a few times a month. If it’s been raining for a few days straight we work on down stay, sprint after the laser point, pointer clicks off, catch and retrieve a toy. We’ve been doing this casually for going on 4 years and he’s never once looked twice at a shadow, light, etc. He’s trainable but not a super drivey dog. He knows that excessive barking or breaking the order of operation means that the game is over.

I’m not advocating for the unregulated use of laser pointers but I think it is a bit extremists when people say that they always lead to OCD behavior or will always ruin a dog.[/QUOTE]

No one is saying “always”, just that why take those chances?

Al least be aware that such can and does happen.

[cloudy18]

It won’t always happen, but it’s not worth the risk. As someone else stated, one you notice the negative effects, it is probably too late. There are much healthier and safer ways to exercise and entertain dogs. Why risk making a neurotic mess of your dog? Sure it seems fun at the time, I get that, but it won’t be fun when the dog is obsessing over watch reflections.

[S1969]

[QUOTE=cloudy18;8418117]
It won’t always happen, but it’s not worth the risk. As someone else stated, one you notice the negative effects, it is probably too late. There are much healthier and safer ways to exercise and entertain dogs. Why risk making a neurotic mess of your dog? Sure it seems fun at the time, I get that, but it won’t be fun when the dog is obsessing over watch reflections.[/QUOTE]

I agree; and if you’ve never seen a dog that is completely insane for one of these, it might not really seem all that likely. I only needed the one experience at the dog show to convince me never to try.

[scierra]

The OP stated that she is going to continue with laser play despite the risk of OCD behavior. I’ve seen the results of this kind of play too and no way would take the risk. But nowI’m just going to watch for the next topics, “please help, my dog is obsessed with lights and shadows”.

[Countrywood]

you missed my more recent post ( bottom of page 1) where I decided that it is not worth the risk, therefore I said there would be no more laser pointer, already substituted throwing ball games…my dog can blame you guys for taking away his toy!

[Satin_Filly]

Just as several others have pointed out…Obsessive compulsive behaviors in dogs are a real thing. Some breeds are more prone than others, especially those with a high prey drive. Obsessions can become so severe that it effects the quality of life so much that the animal has to put to sleep. This is especially true in cases of OCD tail chasing. The dog becomes so obsessed with spinning and chasing that they no longer eat and spin to the point that their feet become bloody and infected.

[Countrywood]

I knew a dog that chased its tail years ago ( a border collie). The owner used to laugh and thought it was funny, it was sad. I agree certain breeds or high strung types might be more prone to it.

[mvp]

I don’t think that a story of a border collie turning OCD is suggestive of what will happen to every breed.

[Bluey]

[QUOTE=mvp;8418386]
I don’t think that a story of a border collie turning OCD is suggestive of what will happen to every breed.[/QUOTE]

I know of dogs of several breeds that happened to, one a springer, another one a mini poodle.

I think this is a PSA type warning, for those that don’t know about this.

People need to realize there could be a problem with dogs chasing lights, if from a plain flashlight or laser or any other such.

[S1969]

[QUOTE=mvp;8418386]
I don’t think that a story of a border collie turning OCD is suggestive of what will happen to every breed.[/QUOTE]

Of course not. But laser pointers have been identified as something that brings out (or encourages) OCD behavior in dogs, so they are not recommended as toys.

OCD behavior may occur, even if you do nothing to encourage it. But no reason to encourage something that could turn into an unhealthy behavior. It’s not really good exercise, anyway - it’s not mentally stimulating (in the right way) and in the house it’s unlikely to provide active exercise for anything but the tiniest breeds.