I have read the articles on here about drive, and I was wondering if anyone can tell me what drive my dog is in during the following cenario, and if there is a constructive way we can use that drive for obedience. Long question, sorry!

Ok, it's "laser drive" as i call it. she is OBSESSED with the laser pointer. When she was young, we let her chase it around. she knows what the pointer pen looks like, and now she looks for it. she thinks every pen, pencil, remote control or stick is the laser. she will stare at it, drool over it, keep her eyes on the object, laser or not at all costs. if you pet her head, she moves so she doesn't lose sight of the thing. she can even think about the laser for hours after it's put away. she keeps begging for it! she noses things that look like it. all she wants to do is chase that red dot. we're kind of at odds about what to do. it's like she loses her brain when she seees it. we can ask her to do commands, such as down, sit, stay etc. and she does them enthusiastically if she thinks she's getting to play with the laser. is there anything else we can do to use this toy to OUR advantage? I don't like the fact that she stares at it, and not us. I have begun holding the laser near my face so she looks up at me, but she doesn't look at our face during training any other times. Any suggestions for us? can we use it for other commands in any way? thanks!!!
Lisa <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

The game may have started out in prey drive, but it sure sounds like OCD at this point, those danged lasers seemed to trigger the disorder in many dogs who were predisposed. You will need to consult w/a vet who is knowledgeable about this condition and it will likely need to be treated medically. While you certainly want to avoid reinforcing the behavior, it's probably going to require medical intervention, this condition isn't likely to resolve on it's own. You need a good vet.

My JRT would chase lights to the point of exhaustion, and he doesn't tire easily. I feel that the dog would be so lost in his obsession that using it as a training tool is out of the question. We don't allow anyone to show Pete any lights now because he is definately obsessed by it. We have had to hide all the flashlights from one of my grandkids(4yrs old) because she gets such a kick out of driving Pete crazier than he is. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Oldearthdog,
does your dog recognize the source of the light and beg for it? Heidi knows (she thinks she knows) what the laser looks like and will stare at it. pens, pencils etc. thats the worst part becuase she wants to touch it so you'll use it, and you can't write, draw, or anything near her.

as for training, it's possible to give her commands, and she even does some without asking just to get the toy.

I won't give my dog medicine for the rest of her life, so there has to be a better answer for OCD (obbsessive compulsive disorder, right?)
thanks!
Lisa

Lisa
Pete will only beg if he sees the flashlights. That is the only thing he really associated with the "game". He does closely follow the one grandaughter when she is over here and closely watches what she picks up. She is aware of this, and being 4yrs old, we have to keep our eyes on her. She enjoys the "game" as much as Pete. He can also be triggered by light reflecting off of jewelry, etc.,but we don't feel it is a problem that needs medication. It doesn't run his whole life.You have to be your own judge of that. I would definately quit with the lazer light. That seems like to much for him.

Originally posted by Lisa B.:
I won't give my dog medicine for the rest of her life, so there has to be a better answer for OCD (obbsessive compulsive disorder, right?)
thanks!
Lisa Maybe not. OCS is treated medically w/Specific Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, contrary to popular mythology, these are *not* tranquilizers and do not produce zombie dogs. They act on a specific neurotransmitter which is out of balance. If it's true OCD, which only a vet w/the right background can diagnose, meds are on the horizon. The disorder can progress to the point of self injury, so it is no kindness to deny meds where appropriate.

In the meanwhile, get rid of the danged laser pointer, I've seen way, way tooooo much of this.

Sorry, I meant OCD. In humans, Cognitive Behavior Therapy along w/meds is generally the treatment of choice, not sure CBT works well on dogs.

Ok, the laser is gone, tonight! i'll see if she will someday learn to forget about it. those dang GSD's have such a good memory <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> If it gets worse, i'll take her to the vet about it. sounds like she needs a shrink, LOL. just my luck. I will try to find some kind of substitute for her in the meantime.
Lisa

Lisa,

Keep us posted, pls. And remember, not all vets are created equal. Some are knowledgeable about the use of psychotropic meds, some are complete planks and will give out truly horrific advice.

It's just a biochemical imbalance, it is hereditary, tho.

Lisa B., Check this out. I initially wrote this as a reply to a "panic attack during thunderstorms" question. The case studies in this book may help you make a decision on what to with your dog.

There is an excellent book out there that deals with just this sort of problem. The title is "The Dog who Loved too Much: tales, treatments and the psychology of dogs / by Nicholas H. Dodman".

Dr. Dodman is head of the Animal Behavioral Clinic at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine.

He uses many of the more commonly accepted forms of treatment to deal with such problems as separation anxiety, noise and other phobias, aggression, and compulsive behaviours. Ideas such as changes in diet and exercise, desensitization and behaviour modification are ofter paired with psychotropic drugs such as valium. He has had some great success. When the dog's behaviour has changed for the better, he gradually decreases the drug dosage, until the dog is completely drug free and the problems do not usually resurface.

Anyways, get the book out of the library and read it. Or check out the website for Tufts. I am not a fan of medication, but having the dog on some sort of drug for a while has got to be better than OCD.

Tufts has a remote consulting service that is linked to the Animal Behavioral Clinic. It was started by Dr. Dodman. I will list the link. On it are forms you can fill out for requests for help, a list of the fees, and instructions.

http://www.tufts.edu/vet/petfax/index.html