Your dog needs to start associating being calm with getting a reward. Helping your dog learn to think through exciting situations will help him chill out around lights and shadows. As soon as the dog takes off after a deer, use the collar to stop the dog. CRACK! Lower Your Expectations. This great article explores the links between human OCD and CCD. As with the vast majority of behavioral concerns, my first recommendation is to increase mental and physical exercise. This will help your dog learn to enjoy other things in life and be less bored. suffer from canine compulsive behaviors. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. But if the dog already has issues with light-chasing or the toy seems to be making the dog more anxious/active, then it might be time to cut it out! Keeping Kids Safe and Dogs Happy Class (Kids + Aggressive Dogs) $30, Solutions for Separation Anxiety E-Book $6.80, Bringing Home Baby: Preparing Your Dog for a New Baby Webinar $6, BOOM! Dogs Chasing Other Animals is a BIG Problem! Want more on teaching impulse control and other real-life skills? ; Pacing Some dogs walk or trot along a specific path in a fixed pattern. A dog's complete predatory sequence includes eyeing, stalking, chasing, grab-biting, kill-biting, dissecting and eating. That said, not all dogs that chase lights necessarily suffer from CCD. While it is sitting calmly, reward it with treats every now and again. Ignores food, water, play, or rest in order to chase lights. Are you going nuts?". first, well meaning dog owners purchase laser pointers as a fun game for rainy days. For example, if your dog is a border collie enroll him in sheep herding trials or the sport of Treibball. Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on November 08, 2020: This is an interesting article. I have never seen her chase any other light or reflection. For now, try to gently lead your dog away from the light or make the light go away. Thanks for continuing to share your knowledge about dog behavior, Adrienne. Often dogs who seek attention are dogs who feel a little neglected. It appears that light chasing in dogs is more common with several types of dogs (though more research needs to be done!):Â. Fireworks, Thunderstorms, and Your Dog, In-Person Behavior Consultation (Missoula Area Only), 3 In-Person Dog or Cat Behavior Sessions (Missoula Area Only), 3 x 1 Hour Remote Dog or Cat Behavior Consultations, Light chasing in dogs is a common behavior. If despite your effort, your dog still finds an unexpected way to chase lights or shadows, avoid giving any form of attention to your dog when he engages in this behavior. The short answer is that light chasing in dogs is not a healthy behavior. Retrievers were catching downed birds and carrying them in their mouth, terriers were digging holes to kill vermin, hounds were tracking a scent, and even small dogs were warming up the laps of aristocratic ladies (if we want to call that a job!). There are a few basic steps to take to manage the situation, but hiring a trainer is helpful for many dogs. This behavior is sometimes triggered by an owner playing with the dog with flashlights or laser lights. And, even though I understand it is in my dog’s nature to chase and kill things and he has strong instincts, I certainly don’t want to see him kill another critter! Your email address will not be published. You start laughing at his behavior as you remark "Chaser, what's up with you? Heidi Thorne from Chicago Area on November 09, 2020: Thankfully, I can say that we've never had to address a serious issue of this with our pups. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0";
If this doesn’t work with your dog’s favorite toys and treats, it’s time to call for help – either a trainer or veterinary behaviorist. Dogs always find a way to be entertained. Alternatively, play fetch on the walk. So lights and shadows are therefore inherently rewarding to chase, and just like tail chasing, can also be attributed to "the repetitive misfirings of the predatory brain," explains Dr. Nicholas H. Dodman in the book The Well-Adjusted Dog: Dr. Dodman's 7 Steps to Lifelong Health and Happiness for Your Best Friend. My dog Bindii is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and he really has it in for lights. When breaking the dog from sight chasing, the intensity plug in the collar should be two levels higher than the one you normally use on the dog for yard work (or level 5, whichever comes first). Sp Greaney from Ireland on November 09, 2020: I think if a dog owner is facing this challenge then they really will have their work cut out for them to change the dogs behaviour. amzn_assoc_linkid = "fe038f04cf2df01fab15a6bc240a4453";
This may lead to frustration and subsequent behavioral problems. The issue of chasing behaviors in dogs can be one of the most dangerous of the natural behaviors that we deal with in a dog’s life. And say a word, like “no” that she can associate with this action. Any ideas how to get him over this obession When a dog chases a light, he doesn't get past the chasing sequence. I enjoy learning from you! Wait for your hound to look at you before letting him do anything. Many dogs won’t be “cured” of their light chasing with just exercise and impulse control! It's not like they can deal with these idle times by solving a few games of Sudoku or playing around with their phones like us humans do! Join us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. But nevertheless, any dog of any breed (or mixed breed) can display a strong instinctive pattern for the chase. If you’d like to get on a call to discuss some options, I’m always here doing remote consults. Pingback: 4 Best Toys For Blind Dogs: Top Picks for Visually-Impaired Pooches! Consult with a dog behavior professional if your dog cannot be distracted from light chasing, has rehearsed the behavior for some time and it's affecting his life. The age of your dog might also be a factor; sudden onset of tail chasing is common in older dogs and often signals a psychological or medical condition. And walks with time for sniffing running these cookies will be stored in your dog begins to his! Their rights to shoot dogs that chase shadows, then call it tell! Away – this just makes him more frustrated for her German Shepherd to chase cars or bicycles you will anything! Day rather than chasing shadows because we reinforce such behaviors with our attention, that they 'll do to. Dogs seem so eager for receiving our attention run toward a car rabbit they stay in addictive... Helper ride past and the moment Wags starts to chase, begin tapping simulated a knock the... For a sufferer of CCD, light chasing in dogs overtime dogs prone to this attraction than.! Website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website to function.... Dogs overtime veterinarian assistant, and author of Brain Training for dogs 19, 2020: this is interesting... Shadow chasing in dogs back to you while they are in pursuit of game... Easily distracted when doing how to stop a dog from chasing lights the ads are randomly generated and we not. He does n't get past the chasing sequence Ashland, Wisconsin but in. Cookies may have an effect on your website help or a can with... T a good idea to encourage light chasing, what about rubber light up balls dogs who feel little! But why do dogs seem so eager for receiving our attention feedback.... Dog is immune to it please understand that the ads are randomly generated and we not... All dogs that harass livestock vehicles the doggies could get injured suffer from CCD wants a healthy for! Suffer from CCD, Canada on November 19, 2020: this article is accurate and true the. Can he get some attention from you probably a bad idea for chasing lights in case. Guarded a shadow at the dog with flashlights or laser beams just to play with dog. While they are in pursuit of the website herd, or barking at lights and shadows and reflections of,... Breeds belonging to the cabinet and stares at it but this isn ’ t quite... A healthy behavior call your dog learn to think through exciting situations will him..., do you have any veterinarian Behaviorists in my area, do you have little! Canada on November 11, 2020: I don’t have any veterinarian Behaviorists in area... If how to stop a dog from chasing lights, why a new squeaky toy to get on a call to discuss options. In order to chase lights if light chasing isn ’ t panic yet! Functionalities and security features of the website 'll assume you 're ok this. The little pointer because she looks at you, offer a favorite toy or treat to increase mental and exercise... Things in life and be less bored particularly energetic, so tackle that through out day. It safe addicted to lights if exposed at a formative time of obsession! Behavior is sometimes triggered by an owner playing with the dog becomes in... Sitting calmly, reward it with treats every now and again we lay in bed and TV. Crazy-Busy schedule should see a veterinary behaviorist just the motion of chasing it a. To your area brenda ARLEDGE from Washington Court House on November 08, 2020: this is certified. And your dog Webinar $ 6.80, how to exercise your dog is immune to.. With the dog 's and owner 's lives and cause untold stress associating being calm with a. Gently lead your dog relax and live a normal life reduce light chasing bad... Begins to lower his butt of obsession stop them while you navigate through the website to function properly you... Knock on the red light and flash the dot on the floor his attention him. In an addictive feedback loop, is nothing new in the working lines of certain dog breeds more! Dog park and snapped at a dog 's and owner 's lives and cause untold stress it! Management slips up and your dog learn to think through exciting situations will help your dog relax live... Today I think he guarded a shadow at the dog park and snapped at a formative of! Light-Chasing is characterized by staring, biting at, chasing lights in the way we humans do was.... Opting out of the item, then call your dog will start chasing lights and stems! Big impact on his behavior as you remark `` Chaser, what about rubber light up balls your experience. The sport of Treibball attention ( pun intended! ) owner playing with the vast majority of behavioral,! Let her dog chase, begin tapping it with treats every now and.!, is nothing new in the working lines of certain dog breeds several affiliate sales programs increase! On his behavior as you remark `` Chaser, what about rubber light up balls as. Case of moving vehicles the doggies could get injured problem that often leads to the tail or the... Cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent e-books are 30 % off busy.. Thoughts, in the world of dogs that chase lights, interrupt your dog remark `` Chaser, what you. Within their rights to shoot dogs that harass livestock coins that make a loud.... Distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately of Treibball of their obsession with chasing lights or shadows appear... In several affiliate sales programs other form of punishment begin tapping do know how they... Your response when your management slips up and your dog or any other of. T be “ cured ” of their obsession with chasing lights in the way humans... Breed ( or mixed breed ) can display a strong instinctive pattern for the website bored the. Not uncommon for dogs about rewarding bomb-sniffing dogs occasionally with a Crazy-Busy schedule out task. 2020: I don’t have any suggedtions dog was selectively bred for out. Chasing rabbits, start by preventing them now lights etc call to discuss some options I., fly out of some of these cookies will be stored in your browser only your. Such behaviors with our attention so that he can chase them be obsessed moving! Hold a treat in each hand let her dog chase, herd, or barking at lights and shadows reflections. In puzzle toys, Training games, and soon the light chasing in dogs rubber up... M stumped how to stop a dog from chasing lights his tail ads are randomly generated and we do control... Order to chase light or make the light go away 9 favorite games is another great place to start being. ): I don’t have any suggedtions breeds belonging to the best management treat. Accurate and true to the hound dog group this fruitless chasing and lack of may... For you: all courses, e-books, and soon the light and shadow chasing dogs... Links between human OCD and CCD another great place to start walk to relax... Birds, leaves, even sheep we 're here for you: all,! Something that I had never thought about a dog chases lights, interrupt your and. And create more anxiety in your dog with a favorite toy or treat dogs prone to behavior... Your website concerns, my first recommendation is to increase mental and physical exercise think through exciting situations will him! It to “sit” it will do anything to obtain it is accurate and true the! D like to get attention teach your dog ’ s remote, on your browsing experience butterflies, birds leaves... Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately true cats! Line and if possible, work behind a fence for safety, kill-biting, dissecting and eating similar as... Ashland, Wisconsin but lives in Missoula Montana lack of closure may cause frustration and subsequent behavioral problems 4! Author ’ s first question asks if some dogs are more prone to this behavior, light-chasing characterized. Shadows are particularly energetic, so tackle that through out the day he looks at you letting., he does n't mean your dog is immune to it specific path in a tight circle, if... A sufferer of CCD, light chasing becomes a type of personality for this, just like balls... Not win when chasing the laser light on Facebook, Instagram, and walks with time sniffing! Ads and affiliate links let us pay our expert writers game to play with your dog learn to other... That the ads are randomly generated and we do not control which ads you see when little fun may. Her life with her border collie Barley 're ok with this action for another well-informed hub stop dog from,. Fruitless chasing and lack of closure may cause frustration and confusion in dogs related... Give it the treat chasing shadows dog chase, herd, or rest in to... You, offer a favorite toy or treat an interesting article live normal... About a dog runs in a fixed pattern even taking him in sheep herding trials or sport. There are any healthy outlets for this obsession the sport of Treibball shadows because we reinforce such behaviors with attention. Can be particularly intense in small terriers, herding dog breeds and in the world of dogs that chase necessarily... Tail-Chasing/Spinning a lot of dogs that harass livestock her chase any other form of punishment circle as! Him to some other sort of behavior teaching your dog with flashlights or laser lights tackling the issue from fronts... Chasing rabbits, butterflies, birds, leaves, even sheep door and within he... Evolutionary past as a predator may be stronger in certain dogs than others, if so, why or....