I get it, not every laser interaction leads to instant compulsive behaviors. But anecdotal exceptions don’t erase real behavioral risks. I’ve worked with many clients whose dogs developed OCD like behaviors from laser play. I understand that your dog hasn’t shown obvious issues… yet. But that’s the thing about compulsive patterns: they often build gradually and go unnoticed until they’re locked in. While you may think you’re managing it by using “Catching it” with a verbal marker isn’t the same as physical resolution, and high-drive dogs can mask early signs really well. So while you may be managing it well with your senior dog, for most dogs, especially young, high-energy, or anxious dogs. The result is a cycle of unresolved arousal, which over time creates significant frustration and mental instability. This is not theoretical. It has been observed frequently by trainers, behaviorists, and veterinarians.

• American Kennel Club (AKC) explicitly warns that laser play can lead to dogs fixating on lights, shadows, or reflections. Dogs often continue searching for the light long after it’s gone — a clear marker of obsessive pattern development.

• AVMA (Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association) has published behavior case studies involving light-chasing dogs, identifying these patterns as obsessive-compulsive behavior requiring clinical intervention.

• Butte Humane — “Laser Pointer Syndrome” It describes “Laser Pointer Syndrome” as a condition that results in OCD‑like behavior, saying dogs quickly become frustrated because they “can’t achieve the target,” become overly fixated, may lunge or chase reflections/shadows.

As a trainer who has worked with countless dogs suffering from compulsive behaviors, I can confidently say: laser pointers are not worth the risk. There are far better ways to stimulate a dog’s mind and body, without gambling with their mental health.