Ask Me Help Desk - Dog chasing lights and shadows!

I am soooooo worried! All my dog does is chase lights (like flash lights and lasers) he also chases shadows! That's all he will do. He will sit by the dog door or by the window and just watch a shadow, that's it. He is getting so obsessive about it. I am worried that it will drive hm crazy. What do I do to help him? I will give him a kong or play with him, but once we are done, he goes and chases more shadows!
P.S. He is a 2 year old Australian Shepherd

Dogs can become obsessive just like people can be. I currently have a dog at our rescue that will find a rock, place it by your feet and stare at it until you either throw it or take it away. Its just an obsessive behavior. Its annoying, but nothing dangerous. You should definitely consult a behaviorist about this problem. If its severe enough, you may be subscribed meds. You also might want to give him more excise. Hes bored and is finding things to do that will entertain him. I have heard of people actually buying two or three sheep/goats so that their hearding dogs have something to do. I know that not everyone is able to do that :) but it was just an example. Doggie daycares and dog parks are a great way to let your dog blow off some steam. A tired dog is always a happy dog. You need to break up his day some how. The more activities you give him, the more his shadow obsession will disappear. But please remember, nothing is a quick fix when it comes to behaviors. It may take awhile before your dog kicks his habit.

Our 7 month old yellow lab will do the same thing. Plus he loves tha porch light at night because of the moths and their shadows. We find that give him a squeeky ball or some kind of interactive toy to keep his attention that he will leave lights and shadows alone. The squeeking can get annoying, but the different pitches of the squeek interest him.

One of mine goes absolutely crazy for laser pointers and torches.
However your Aussies behaviour does sound a little too obsessive...
You could try enrolling him in obedience or agility classes to help get his brain focused on something other than shiny lights.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luv_a_bull098

Dogs can become obsessive just like people can be. I currently have a dog at our rescue that will find a rock, place it by your feet and stare at it until you either throw it or take it away. Its just an obsessive behavior. Its annoying, but nothing dangerous. You should definately consult a behaviorist about this problem. If its severe enough, you may be subscribed meds. You also might want to give him more excise. Hes bored and is finding things to do that will entertain him. I have heard of people actually buying two or three sheep/goats so that their hearding dogs have something to do. I know that not everyone is able to do that :) but it was just an example. Doggie daycares and dog parks are a great way to let your dog blow off some steam. A tired dog is always a happy dog. You need to break up his day some how. The more activities you give him, the more his shadow obsession will disappear. But please remember, nothing is a quick fix when it comes to behaviors. It may take awhile before your dog kicks his habit.

I voted for the bulldog today on the National Championships.
My friend has a female bulldog and she is the companion of a very frisky two yr.old and she is sweet as the day is long:)
I really was voting for the bulldog ! Next year.
It was cool that this four yr.old had her hundred win !
Love the bulldog! Would love a close up.
And you know it was so nice that they expressed how sweet the bulldog is! Thanks for that !

Quote:

Originally Posted by artlady

I voted for the bulldog today on the National Championships.
My friend has a female bulldog and she is the companion of a very frisky two yr.old and she is sweet as the day is long:)
I really was voting for the bulldog ! Next year.
It was cool that this four yr.old had her hundred win !
Love the bulldog! Would love a close up.
And you know it was so nice that they expressed how sweet the bulldog is! Thanks for that !

I would love to see them !