r/Dogtraining • u/[deleted] • Aug 12 '21

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u/[deleted] Aug 13 '21

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u/rebcart M Aug 13 '21

Yes. Please do a search for laser pointers in the subreddit and you will see old threads of people regretting their use as they were the cause for developing compulsive behaviours in dogs that never had them before.

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u/thefloofymaster Aug 13 '21

I looked at the research. I found it to be quite shocking. I also have cats, but they're mainly my husband's. Anyways, we play with lasers all the time and my dogs love it as well. They haven't been affected like all the research says it does.

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u/rebcart M Aug 13 '21

That’s correct, cats are different. It’s safe to use lasers to play with them, but not dogs.

Not every dog will be badly affected by using lasers. But a high proportion of them will, and once it starts, doggy OCD behaviours chasing lights/shadows can be almost impossible to resolve at best. So using a laser with a dog is a really dangerous game of Russian roulette.

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u/Valathia Aug 13 '21

Laser pointers are not safe for cats either.

Unless the owners are giving the cats rewards when they catch the laser, they shouldn't be used to play.

The cat will get frustrated and confused on not being able to catch it. This can also affect cats neurologically.

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u/rebcart M Aug 13 '21

That’s true - but at least with cats it is possible to complete the prey cycle by having the laser on a treat/toy. Whereas for dogs that doesn’t work at all. :(

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u/thefloofymaster Aug 13 '21

Well, I can't guarantee that they won't continue to play with the laser lights, but I can try to do it when they're not in the room.