Are Laser Pointers Safe for Your Dog?

[oksanakazan]

Hi, Guys!
If any of you try to play with your dog, using Laser pointers?
I starting to Race my sigh hound and heard from other people
That Laser pointers game can help to increase chasing instinct, keep the dog active, slim him down esc.
But researching on Internet I find this article, where they not suggesting to use the Laser pointers. What are you guys thinking about? Start slow and watch for behavior problems.
Is any of you play Laser Pointer s Chase game with your dogs?
http://ezinearticles.com/?Are-Laser-...Dog?&id=292320
If your dog displays any of the above signs then it is time to stop using the laser pointer as your dog is at risk of developing a serious behavioral problem:

pawing or scratching at the area/s where the dot was last seen for more than 1 minute after the dot has gone
- patrolling the area/s where the dot was last seen more than 1 minute earlier
- repeatedly returning to the area/s where the dot has been seen for no apparent reason other than to chase the dot again
- developing strong chasing behaviors for other light or shadow sources
If your dog displays any of the above signs then it is time to stop using the laser pointer as your dog is at risk of developing a serious behavioral problem. You should consult an experienced animal behaviorist if using a laser pointer is important to any of your training goals.



It is strongly recommended that you do not use the laser pointer to play games with your dog. Nearly every dog will enjoy chasing the laser dot, but it is not worth the risk. There are safer games to play, and dogs that enjoy chasing laser dots will probably be just as happy to chase a ball or play tug.

[rutylr]

No it is not a fun game to play with your dog,because the game never ends.They don't catch it and get all worked up.
Elwood cahses light and I hate it.I work hard all the time to get him off the light.
Don't start...

[Bclover92]

I agree it may be fun but dogs get so compulsive about it. Someone on the dog whisperer had a dog that couldnt go five minutes without running around looking for the light to catch.

[Dauxside]

Besides creating anxiety as the dog searches for the light if the beam accidently hitting the eye can cause damage to the eye itself. I'll stick with balls, toys and chasing them through the house after they've been in the laundry...they do like DH's boxers...oh he'd kill me if he knew I posted that LOL

[fairlight]

I saw something like this very similar on TV. In the beginning the dog and owner were having fun but then the dog turned neurotic. Even a flash of light he had to get. I would ot start anything like this. JMO

[weezyNollie]

Umm.. Ollie is a prime example. I got the laser more for the cat, but realized Ollie loved it. He exhibits these same behaviors, which is why I don't do it on a regular basis.

He scratches at shadows, will catch light reflections or shadows and chase them. He also will scratch at the spot after playing.

But -- my question is how is this REALLY that detrimental? I mean, I guess if Ollie was REALLY neurotic or compulsive it would be a problem.

I like to play with Ollie with the laser pointer because it burns off energy! I do it probably every 3-4 weeks for one night for a little bit. He likes it, and will run around and what not.

I just don't see much harm in it.. the reason I do it is because he is high-energy and neurotic to begin with! But, a ball can do the same thing or a toy. He brings the toy to me every minute, if I toss the ball does that make him neurotic?

Just questioning the theory here.

[Dauxside]

Originally Posted by weezyNollie

Umm.. Ollie is a prime example. I got the laser more for the cat, but realized Ollie loved it. He exhibits these same behaviors, which is why I don't do it on a regular basis.

He scratches at shadows, will catch light reflections or shadows and chase them. He also will scratch at the spot after playing.

But -- my question is how is this REALLY that detrimental? I mean, I guess if Ollie was REALLY neurotic or compulsive it would be a problem.

I like to play with Ollie with the laser pointer because it burns off energy! I do it probably every 3-4 weeks for one night for a little bit. He likes it, and will run around and what not.

I just don't see much harm in it.. the reason I do it is because he is high-energy and neurotic to begin with! But, a ball can do the same thing or a toy. He brings the toy to me every minute, if I toss the ball does that make him neurotic?

Just questioning the theory here.

The problem is light is something we can't control, toys are. I don't like the pointers because they can blind, they also can make the animal have issues with bouncing light, etc where a toy can be taken away and a NO works bouncing light isn't something we can control. I'd hate one of mine to go off a boat or a wharf after a light stream.