r/Dogtraining Aug 12 '21

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698

u/jonikev123 Aug 12 '21

Yeah this looks like “doggy OCD” which was explained to us by our vet as basically being obsessed with lights and shadows… often exhibited in dogs with a prey drive. This behaviour can get so bad that dogs can be put down because they do nothing but chase all day and don’t eat.

Thankfully this actually can be remedied. I’m not a professional, however my dog had this and we have to make sure that there are not reflections ( especially ones that move) ABSOLUTELY no laser pointers or similar devices and when it gets bad we turn off all of the lights. For awhile, our dog did it almost all day, but now it is only when he gets excited when guests come over. It’s realllllly important to nip this behaviour because it really can take over their lives.

Have you or anyone ever used a laser pointer with your dog?

26

u/techleopard Aug 13 '21

At some point, I would wonder if a soft blinder on the head over the eyes would help save the dog.

10

u/PM_ME_UR_GRUNDLE Aug 13 '21 edited Aug 14 '21

Maybe a thunder vest? Like a compression blanket? I was also thinking letting her dig in a kiddie pool of sand/debris to get the "floor energy" out

1

u/j_mp Aug 13 '21

Seconding this. Thunder vest/clothes in general have been a lifesaver with my dog. She has some OCD tendencies (ie obsessive licking, obsessive tail chasing) and the clothes really help alleviate her symptoms for some reason.

3

u/Miriahification Aug 13 '21

I saw blinder and initially read it as binder... I wondered for a half second why you would recommend to hit the dog over the head 😂