Member

Posts: 169
From:New York, USA
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 11-22-2003 03:34 PM         

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I thought I saw someone post that they go the park and use a laser pointer with their dog. Was it you Maisey? My friend had one that he uses for his cats, and I asked him to bring it over to try it out on Max. HE LOVED IT! He had so much fun running around searching for it, and of course let him belive that he caught it a few times. My only concern is do they get frustrated if they don't actually "catch" anything? Plus it was hard to get him to come inside because he didn't want to believe it was gone, but suppose I just end every play session with It's Gone or All done or something and he'll learn that's it it's done? Thanks for any input. If I feel comfortable about him not getting frustrated for not getting a reward, I'm going to go get my one tomorrow

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Moderator

Posts: 1591
From:NY, USA
Registered: Oct 2002

posted 11-22-2003 03:45 PM         

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My dog likes to chase the laser pointer too when I playing with my cats.
The WDJ issue this month had a few games listed that were "Not Recommended" and chasing laser pointers was one of them because they claim that *some* dogs may turn this game into an obsessive/compulsive behavior known as shadow chasing. Just thought I'd share.

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Member

Posts: 1387
From:Portland, Oregon US
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 11-22-2003 04:29 PM         

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Yes it was me...and I also included a disclaimer , LOL, remember I said there were currently no 12 step programs for dogs with laser pen addictions. My dogs go nuts for the laser or a flashlight..or anything causing a flash of light on the floor or wall. They have learned that when i say "enough" we are done. They do look for it,they on occasion bring me pencils or pens...anything that just might be the laser. Dooley is the one with the longer memory, we can put the laser away for a month or more and he will see something that sparks his memory and start asking for his laser. I have heard people say their dogs became obsessive compulsive using it. Although my dogs do get nutty for it, I think we use it in a constructive way and have placed limits to it's use. We don't use it all the time, or on a schedule, they never know when it may be laser time. It has been extremely useful in excersising them, especially Witt since Dooley has been injured. The other thig I find as a benefit is that I can use it to work a certain side of the dog. For instance..Witt hyperextended his elbow as a pup, this took quite a long time to heal, it's like tennis elbow in humans so my vet said. We had to keep him off it for so long to let it heal that when it was healed I noticed he was weaker on that side. He favors running in one direction because that is his strong side. This is som,ething most dogs do anyhow, they all have a "better side". I learned with my horse that people riding a horse or working one in an arena often work one direction more or longer than the other causing their horse to gain muscle mass unevenly. This can actually cause balance problems, back problems etc...so you learn to work your horse equally, or if you notice they are more developed on one side you may adjust by working one direction a little longer until they have equalled out. I assume it's the same with dogs so I have used the laser to get Witt to run and exsersise in the direction he dislikes. It has it's benefits and drawbacks, if you think your dog is getting way out of hand or developing bad habits because of it, get rid of it. If you can use it with your dog and keep it under control...I think it's a great way to play and train. It's amazing how well Dooley will perform his routine of tricks without hesitation if the laser is the reward.
I would be interested to know how many people with Border Collies use or refuse to use the laser...BC's can be quite neurotic and I would imagine the laser would be a powerful either tool or problem.
My dogs don't get overly frustrated, I do let them "catch" the red dot...thats usually when Witt will start baying or let out little frustrated barks..but he seems fine about it. Shawn bought me a Little Tykes (kids) flashlight at Halloween, it's Mummy and when you squeeze the handle it makes a kinda dopey sounding "scary" moan laugh thing. It's mouth opens and reveals the light. I saw this and thoguth it was too funny. I keep it in the laundry room on a shelf. Everytime I use it Witt has a fit...everytime he see's it on the shelf he begs for it. Witt likes ANYTHING with a talking mechanism, and if it lights up as well....heck thats just too good to be true. I let him chase the light a little each time and then say "enough" "all done" and I put it away. Thats it. It's all individual. The lady I buy food from says she won't carry them in her store or use them with her dogs, she has a Jack Russel terrier, she says he became totally compulsive and obsessed with it. I believe it..he is a JRT!

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