Allowing your dog to perform natural behaviors will give your dog a chance to be a dog!
Chasing is fun for your dog as long as they are safe to do.
Using laser pointers in engaging your dog is an unhealthy and unsafe way to play with your dog.
When laser pointers are used, the dog can become frustrated with the experience of chasing, but never catching the laser.
This can lead to changes to a dog’s brain chemistry and contribute to a dog developing obsessive compulsive related disorders.
A dog can then become overly aroused by seeing flickers of light from headlights on the wall of a passing car and seeing shadows out on a walk and then begin chasing these too.
This is a severe behavioral pattern that is very difficult to change.
Instead of using a laser pointer, try out some of these ways you can do with your dog.
Use a lure toy. This is a squeaky toy at the end of a lanyard or rope that is tied to a thing pole. You can wave this around so your dog can chase and eventually catch the toy. You can also bond with your dog by practicing some life skills like drop and wait.
Attach a toy to a remote control car and drive the car around. This can give your dog an opportunity to chase the car which can be quite fun and natural for your dog to do, plus your dog will be able to catch what he’s chasing!
You can also play fetch with your dog. This will give your dog a chance to run after the ball is thrown as well as give your dog a chance to catch it too.
Keep in mind, make sure to give your dog breaks during play sessions. This can help your dog learn to take breaks, but it also helps your dog not experience repetitive motion on the same joints which can lead to injuries.
Jack loves ripping open boxes and paper while that isn’t Bernie’s preferred play style. Rather, Bernie’s eyes light up when he sees a ball. He goes a couple of rounds of chasing it, but he much prefers chomping on it and running around with it.
If you’re looking for ways of engaging your dog in your dog’s play preference, but you’re not sure, schedule your Discovery Call with me:
Four Paws & You Dog Training 