Are Laser Pointer Good or Bad for Dogs???
I have seen so many people lately that have been using laser pointers to "play" with their dogs. What they don't see, is the ill effect that using a laser with a dog can have. I have seen dogs with severe behavioral problems due to someone using a laser or some other sort of light for amusement. When it comes down to any sort of play or exercise with dogs, they have to ultimately have some sort of fulfillment by "catching" whatever they may be chasing. A dog can not catch a laser so the lack of closure your dog gets from endlessly chasing and trying to catch the light is actually just screwing with their head, and you will hate how your dog acts once it becomes a set behavior to chase shadows and lights.
Continuous use of lasers with dogs will begin to make the dog OCD about any sort of light, reflections, and shadows. I have personally seen too many dogs with these behaviors and it takes a lot to manage the behaviors after the damage is done. People think it is cute and fun to watch the dog chase the light. I have seen some dogs chase the light until they are physically spent and drop. Owners don't realize the damage they are causing until the behaviors are extreme and they can no longer have a normal day because their dog is obsessed with anything that moves.
I have seen dogs that will go crazy if they see any sort of shadow or reflection and they will spin and bark and try to chase it. I have also seen dogs that were so obsessed that when the owner tried to physically stop the dog, the result was the owner getting bit by their own lovable pet. It is possible to manage the behaviors that appear in result of laser pointers but it is a long journey and is a life commitment to the dog to make sure the behaviors stay manged.
So before you pick up that laser and start to torment you dog's brain with it, DON'T. You will regret it in the future when you have to seek out the help of a professional for your dog. To see a dog have behavioral issues due to the result of a laser pointer is heartbreaking.
The reality is, the laser you have been using to "play" and "exercise" your dog was never for your dog.. it was for your amusement and the dog is going to suffer from it.
Continuous use of lasers with dogs will begin to make the dog OCD about any sort of light, reflections, and shadows. I have personally seen too many dogs with these behaviors and it takes a lot to manage the behaviors after the damage is done. People think it is cute and fun to watch the dog chase the light. I have seen some dogs chase the light until they are physically spent and drop. Owners don't realize the damage they are causing until the behaviors are extreme and they can no longer have a normal day because their dog is obsessed with anything that moves.
I have seen dogs that will go crazy if they see any sort of shadow or reflection and they will spin and bark and try to chase it. I have also seen dogs that were so obsessed that when the owner tried to physically stop the dog, the result was the owner getting bit by their own lovable pet. It is possible to manage the behaviors that appear in result of laser pointers but it is a long journey and is a life commitment to the dog to make sure the behaviors stay manged.
So before you pick up that laser and start to torment you dog's brain with it, DON'T. You will regret it in the future when you have to seek out the help of a professional for your dog. To see a dog have behavioral issues due to the result of a laser pointer is heartbreaking.
The reality is, the laser you have been using to "play" and "exercise" your dog was never for your dog.. it was for your amusement and the dog is going to suffer from it.
