[nixietink]

Vito and I like to go off leash to run around at a park next door. He's started a weird obsessive habit that I really want to break before it gets worse...he chases shadows (mainly bird shadows).

He doesn't do it inside, it's just when we are on the field or a big area of open land. It's ridiculous. He falls on deaf ears and won't play fetch or interact. In fact, when I throw a toy for him I think he's chasing the shadow of the toy instead of the toy itself. He rarely brings it back anymore due to distraction.

We don't play chase with a laser pointer. He's seen one and chased it before (it is on the top of a pen), and that is the only reason I can think of for this behavior.

Mainly, I just want some ideas on how to stop it. Any ideas??

 

[missmarstar]

Sam and Dillon chase bird shadows too in our yard. And Sam started getting weirdly obsessed about window reflections on the ceiling, and if my phone screen was lit up in a dark room and reflecting on the ceiling.. I posted about that a bit ago with concern...

I honestly don't know how to stop it.. but I have noticed its lessened a bit with some time.

 

[BeauShel]

I would try a whistle to try and get his attention when he starts doing it. Then get him to come back and refus him. And each time he stops give him a treat. That is the only thing I can think of.

 

[nixietink]

Sam and Dillon chase bird shadows too in our yard. And Sam started getting weirdly obsessed about window reflections on the ceiling, and if my phone screen was lit up in a dark room and reflecting on the ceiling.. I posted about that a bit ago with concern...

I honestly don't know how to stop it.. but I have noticed its lessened a bit with some time.

Maybe Sam really does need to come here! Him and Vito can be weird together.

I would try a whistle to try and get his attention when he starts doing it. Then get him to come back and refus him. And each time he stops give him a treat. That is the only thing I can think of.

Whistle training isn't a bad idea! I hadn't thought about that...

 

[LibertyME]

Lexi would like to join the shadow chasers club ....
The silly girl will bring the ball to me.....then look into the grass for the shadow when I toss the ball....

 

[Debles]

Maybe Steph has some idea. PM her.

 

[mdoats]

I think you're doing the right thing trying to break this before it becomes too obsessive. I met a dog recently who is obsessed with reflections in the water and it was actually kind of sad to see him. My dog was having a blast playing in the water and this poor lab was completely stressed out chasing reflections. It kind of broke my heart.