[joydrop]

I have a one and a half year old lab. He is fairly over active for starters. However, recently he's developed a new liking to chasing light fixtures. He literally jumps from couch to couch, on top of people, on the table, anything to get as close as he can to the light on the ceiling. The light does not need to be on, the fascination is really just with the fixture. I'm afraid he's going to break his legs in a bad jump, or hurt someone. Either way, how can I get him to stop chasing the fixture on the ceiling? And, is there a reason for him to be doing this?

[labman]

That is rather unusual. I can't suggest why. It may not be practical, but could you pick him up and let him see the fixtures? I have trouble with the picture of somebody holding a full grown Lab up the ceiling. Maybe if he had a chance to see they were nothing but more people stuff, he would lose interest.

The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts. Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog. Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones. You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Start at Raising Your Dog with the Monks of New Skete For more on being top dog, see Establishing and Keeping Alpha Position, Letting your dog know you are the boss

When he goes into bounce mode, give him a sharp ''Ah, ah, ah!'' and offer him a chew toy. If he takes it and goes and lays down, praise him. More exercise, walks, fetch, etc. should help too.