Cats aren’t the only animal that go crazy for laser pointers; many dogs are also obsessed with them. Letting your dog chase a laser pointer around for a few minutes is good for a laugh, but it can also be an effective tool for exercising your dog, and getting their attention.
Hyper dogs are typically active breeds that need a lot of daily exercise to release their pent-up energy. The problem is, many owners can’t realistically spend two hours a day exercising their dog. If that sounds like you, a laser pointer might be just what you need.
How to Exercise Your Dog with a Laser Pointer
If your dog likes chasing a laser pointer, you can wear them out in about 10 minutes following this simple exercise routine. This is like p90X for dogs, but in a fraction of the time. The best part? You barely have to move a muscle.
Step 1.
Find an open space where you dog can run back and forth at least 5 to 10 yards. The bigger the space the better, but most backyards will suffice.
Step 2.
Shine the laser on the ground, and wait for it to catch your dog’s attention. Then make them chase it to one direction, and then back tot he opposite direction, as if they’re running back and forth along a track.
Step 3.
Give your dog a short break every 5 minutes so they don’t overexert them self.
Step 4.
Put the laser away after 10 to 20 minutes, and reward your dog with a treat to take their mind off of the laser.
Warnings
- Never shine the laser at your dog’s eyes, or anything that could reflect it towards their eyes.
- Your dog may never get tired of chasing the laser no matter how tired they actually are. It’s your job to put the laser away and end the game no matter how much your dog wants to keep going. They may literally never stop if you keep going.
- Your dog may try to bite the laser dot, so do not shine it on anything that could damage their teeth. For example, if you shine it on a rock, your dog might bite the rock.
Using a Laser Pointer as a Distraction Tool
Sometimes dogs become fixated on something, and it’s impossible to get their attention. Once your dog has fallen in love with chasing the laser, you can use it as a distraction tool simply by showing it to your dog. My dog will literally stop anything she’s doing she sees the laser pointer. If she even thinks I might be reaching for the laser pointer, the rest of the world no longer exists. It also helps if you give it a basic one or two syllable name that your dog learns to recognize.
