Light chasing is often a compulsive/repetitive behavior, and should be addressed immediately with the help of a veterinarian or vet behaviorist.
What is light chasing?
Some dogs become fixated on lights, reflections or shadows, especially dogs with high chase or prey drives. Light and shadow chasers might begin to chase light, shadows or reflections as a way to relieve boredom or anxiety, but this can turn into a compulsive behavior that is highly resistant to change. When this happens, the dog no longer appears to be enjoying herself but instead becomes increasingly fixated and frustrated as she tries to chase down the elusive light, reflection or shadow.
How can I prevent or reduce light chasing?
Addressing light, reflection, or shadow chasing usually requires combining one or more intervention strategies. Try these tips to help your dog find more appropriate outlets.
- First and foremost, never entertain a puppy or dog with a laser light. Many dogs who are exercised this way become fixated on any moving lights or reflections, including natural flickers, shadows and reflections. If you’re doing this now, stop immediately before a problem develops or it gets worse.
- Make sure your dog has plenty of exercise. Dogs that chase reflections often lack the physical outlets they need, so they turn to light chasing to relieve boredom and soothe themselves..
- Provide appropriate mental stimulation through games, food toys, and training. If your dog has other activities to engage in and focus on, he is less likely to try to chase shadows or lights.
- Give your dog plenty of interactive toys that aren’t shiny. This will help him learn that lights and reflections aren’t the only interesting objects out there! Feed his meals through these toys or hide them around your home for a daily treasure hunt.
- Replace reflective metal food and water bowls with bowls that don’t reflect light at all..
- Walk your dog when there is less of a chance of seeing reflections and shadows. On cloudy days, you could walk at any time of the day, but on sunny days, walk at dawn or dusk to lessen the chance of him fixating on a shadow or reflection.
- Glass doors reflect light and might trigger your dog to start light chasing. Covering them with opaque material, such as non-adhesive window film, can help cut down on the opportunities your dog has to chase or fixate.
How can I help my dog?
Sometimes, dogs are so focused on light chasing that they can be difficult to redirect. If that is the case, they likely need more help. If you’re having trouble redirecting your dog, work with a qualified professional trainer, your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist to help. It can sometimes take a team effort to give your dog relief.
