Ever use the laser as a toy?

[GSDkid]

Abby and her laser - YouTube

Sorry, I don't know how to use the code for videos.

I always thought it only worked on cats but apparently it works on kids as well. If I was to lay an open back of her most favorite treats and have the laser on the other side, she would pick the laser.

[gsdraven]

laser pen and OCD studies

[Courtney]

Please do NOT NOT use a laser at all with your dog. Dogs can become so fixated on the light that it creates OCD, where the dog is constantly looking for the light....it's really bad.

[iBaman]

My pit is ocd for them...if he sees the glare off of a watch or phone, he goes INSANE. =[ Every once in a while, sheldon will see one and pounce on it, but he's not crazy about light.

[Anthony8858]

I recently watched an episode of Dog Whisperer, where two GSD were obsessed with the laser light. The obsession spilled into any shadow figure or reflection that remotely resembles a laser light.

After watching the episode, I would suggest against it.

[GSDkid]

Wow! Never knew. That's a scary thought. Thanks for the link Raven.

*EDIT*

After reading all those, I'm disappointed in myself. *throws laser away* I should've known better. Thanks again.

[Lucy Dog]

Try making a flirt pole. It's the same type of prey drive activity, but they can actually catch something.

[Courtney]

Originally Posted by Lucy Dog

Try making a flirt pole. It's the same type of prey drive activity, but they can actually catch something.

A flirt pole is an excellent idea and it gives the dog the chance to win.

Abby is a pretty girl

[PaddyD]

Originally Posted by GSDkid

Wow! Never knew. That's a scary thought. Thanks for the link Raven.

*EDIT*

After reading all those, I'm disappointed in myself. *throws laser away* I should've known better. Thanks again.

Don't beat yourself up about it. A couple of brief sessions with the laser (as long as they aren't frequent) won't hurt her anymore than chasing a moth or bee outside would. They don't always catch what they chase.

[Castlemaid]

Originally Posted by PaddyD

Don't beat yourself up about it. A couple of brief sessions with the laser (as long as they aren't frequent) won't hurt her anymore than chasing a moth or bee outside would. They don't always catch what they chase.

There have been people that have posted that even one session with the laser had their dog showing OCD behaviours to lights and shadows - chewing on the wood floor where they last saw the laser light until their mouth bled, for example. Their is just something about how the brain percieves the moving light that is different from moving objects, and can cause the onset of OCD behaviour.

And then there are people that have used it regularly for years and their dogs are completely fine with it - so go figure! I know for me, I wouldn't want to chance it, not even once. There are plenty of other completely safe ways to exercise and play with our dogs.