Trampoline Dogs

So the other day I was browsing videos, and stumbled on this video. (here is a link to the youtube version, I could not embed that one)

Link:

After seeing this video, I noticed quite a few others.

I did not know dogs enjoyed tramps so much.

But it got me thinking, what is their motivation here? Now the boxer in the above video can be seen a couple times just bouncing while looking at the owner, obviously enjoying the jumps JUST for jumps. But most of the time he is barking and chasing at the trampoline itself. I cannot tell if he is chasing say his shadow on the tramp, or maybe its the ‘feel’ of the tramp beneath his feet that makes him go after it.

Here are a couple other dogs….
Another boxer
A boston terrier
A bull terrier

Obviously their motivation looks to be initially chasing ’something’….either shadow, feel, or whatever. But what cracks me up is how all of them seem to LIKE jumping high. Like the boston terrier uses the tramp to get extra height and THEN pounces down on whatever the ‘prey’ is. He is definitely enjoying not just the chase but the jumping.

I am one who thinks you have to be a bit careful with some ‘games’. Like some dogs go from chasing laser pointers to obsessing over every flash of light they see in an unhealthy manner. Unfortunately some pets either through personality or through improper use of the ‘game’ end up with an anxiety based behavior that is no longer much fun. I tend to avoid videos where people take that anxious behavior and turn it into amusement for others.

But this trampoline thing is one I am on the fence with. Some of the videos I watched there was definitely more a sense of anxiety involved, but for the most part, the dogs really looked to be relaxed and enjoying the ‘game’ of it all (stopping when tired, getting off the tramp on their own, etc). I am thinking this is more a curious fun game for most dogs involved. Hrmmm.

Any thoughts?