Do Not Use Laser Pointers With Dogs. Part 10

Part 10.  Trials and Trying.   What I’ve Done That Helps Gracie.

Redirecting to scent appears to be a key.

The laser pointer has no taste, no smell, no sound.  The dog relies solely on its vision.   Professional trainer Victoria Stillwell of “It’s Me Or The Dog” was called upon to help a dog with laser pointer syndrome.  By that video I learned an important lesson; i.e, get the dog to use its sense of scent. 

I am not a professional trainer.  Before I begin sharing what I’ve done to help Gracie, I would like to point-out that I never shined the laser anywhere other than things on the floor or on the floor itself, and only on the first floor of my house that has an open floor plan.  I generalize that I used the laser pointer for about 4 hours over a period of 2 weeks, but it may have been fewer hours. 

Since beginning this series, I’ve also learned that Gracie has genetic anxiety.  She has not outgrown the slimming when she is afraid.  The anxiety she inherited causes her to be hyperactive and afraid.  When I first spoke with the breeder, she dismissed it by saying that German Shepherds are high-energy.  High-energy does not mean that a puppy should play for 4 hours nonstop and doesn’t rest unless placed in her crate. 

Gracie’s behavior from the genetic anxiety is totally different from her behavior due to laser pointer syndrome.  Laser pointer syndrome IS NOT inherited anxiety.   However, veterinarians treat genetic anxiety and OCD with the same meds.  

Helping your dog lessen the obsessive, compulsive disorder (OCD) episodes might depend on how long you used the laser pointer.  So, the results that I’m getting might not be the same results you get or it might take longer to see positive results.  It’s still worth a try.