Newbie again..second thread...lasers-yes or no?
 

We have a yorkie, and 2 mixed chihuahuas. They are insane for laser play..maybe a little too insane. About a year ago, John read somewhere that vets don't recommend laser play as it can cause behavioral changes. I'd hate to curtail it, as they get great exercise crazily chasing the red dot. Any consensus?:)

I don't know what kind of behavior change they're referring to, but I took Princess's away permanently. She was completely obsessed, would bark/whine/cry for it for HOURS after I put it away, even days later. She would not eat, potty, play, sit or anything when it was on her mind. I loved it because it was an easy way to get her to exercise in my apt. but never again.

Well here is what I think; that kind of play if it is the only kind of play, is not the best for dogs.

First you need to be very careful that those lazer lights don't hit their eyes. Eye damage can result.

Now in terms of the overall mental health of the pups; let me relate to you a true story.

We went to our trainer, who also does rescue work for mainly the working breed type of dog. There was a Rottweiler there, totally insecure, shy, not wanting any doggy or human contact, he was a rescue. Well the story goes, his first owners never walked or socialized him, just exercised him inside with you guessed it a laser pointer!

This dog only ever focused on the laser pointer, when it the laser pointer came out, he was active and engaged, otherwise withdrawn, scared, insecure. It was a crying shame to see this dog reduced to only being able to interact with a bloody laser pointer.

I truly don't have the words to describe how this dog "behaved"; but it was so far off what a Rottweiler should be it literally tore my heart, twice a week when we came for training. Eventually three years later, after much training and love this dog was able to interact with ppl and dogs. He no longer shied at shadows, or tried to chase a pointer.

Listen to your vet. Substitute toys for laser pointers. Better still get your dogs out to exercise, play chase in the great outdoors.

I have never heard anything bad about it and I think that it can be a good way to play with them a exercise them but that it shouldnt be the only play and exercise they get. I bought one to try with Callie and she loved it the first time but then she found out I was holding the thing that made the dot no joke would not play with it anymore so we stick to toys :)

:eek:Isn't it enough that I had to buy WII for my kids? Maybe they can make a program for dogs! Bet it would be a best seller!! :thumbup:
I exercise my dogs the old fashioned way, taking them for a walk (get my own exercise at the same time!) But when I really want to drive them crazy my daughter plays the recorder and they sit and howl! what a laugh.:p
all the best to you.

Yorkies can easily become obsessed with anything they enjoy. I would suggest using the laser pointer play for an extra special reward - but only for a few minutes. There are so many ways to interact with our little guys, that it's sad to focus all of their attention on one.

My girl likes it, and its cute to see her chase it- but she gets bored of it in a few minutes. The other dogs around dont seem to even see it. Her obsession is holding sticks on walks. Cute but annoying. I think yorkies tend to get obsessed with anything that they truly love doing. My poor sister has issues with her Gemma's neurotic behavior with balls and kongs --and she cant just put them out of reach or out of site. She has to hide them in the freezer! I think as long as you watch for the signs and play with things in moderation (and dont give it to the barking and whining) that you would be fine. I think its more how your yorkie reacts to it.