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Watch those lasers!

2K views 13 replies 8 participants last post by  Luciledodd 
#1 ·
Just a heads up for anyone who has a laser pointer. I never realized how problematic these things can be for people who try to play with their dogs with them . It seems like innocent fun ,and apparently some people try to "exercise" their dogs with them. No less than six different trainers reported on the IAABC forum today that they have had clients whose dogs developed OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) because of their use. Although it is more likely in high prey drive dogs like Border Collies ,it can happen with any dog. One of the vet behaviorists said it is becoming fairly common. Who'd a thought. ?
 
#2 · (Edited)
I saw something like this on Dog Whisperer once, but instead of the laser it was the glistening sun reflection on any surface in the house, but I think it all started with grampa coming over for a visit and doing the laser thing. The poor dog was totally certifiable even putting holes in walls trying to get at the 'light' as I recall, but Cesar managed to 'cure' him of his obsession.
Another thing to be cautious of with lasers is, of course, to not let them shine into any eyes as they can do serious retinal damage.
 
#3 · (Edited)
Exactly Trish. Starts with a laser and then glimmering or reflecting light triggers the reaction. Steve Dale, (radio host) commented too ,how frustrating it can be for cats . Athough they're not prone to OCD like dogs in this way.
 
#6 ·
My boys tried a laser with Kodi just ONCE when he was a puppy. He got SO overstimulated that we decided, "never again"!!! Also, if you want to do performance sports with your dog, we're already at a disadvantage with little dogs having their noses naturally so close to the ground. You sure don't want to encourage nose (or eyes) to the ground behavior!
 
#7 ·
oblivious to laser pointers

I came looking into the forum to see if other Havanese are blind to the red light. I can shine the pointer on a white wall right if front of our dogs, and they don't even track it. I'm convinced they can't see it, but show no signs of vision issues.
 
#11 ·
Could it be that your dogs are just not interested in following moving light? Do they play otherwise - with toys or with each other?

I cannot remember the latest article that I read about dogs and their color perceptions. It used to be thought that dogs could only see in grey scale, but now I think they can see some colors to some extent, but I cannot remember the specifics off the top of my head.
 
#13 ·
oh yeah, they are very playful dogs, and their vision seems to be fine otherwise. They can spot squirrel from 100' away. I assumed they were just not interested. But, after trying a half-dozen times and watching them closely, they act like they simply don't see it. Last time, they were sniffing around the lawn (neighbors cat) and put the pointer on the ground about 6 inches in front of them, didn't even glance at it.
 
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