@gbroxon:
Just a friendly warning that you can cause a dog to develop an OCD/CCD by playing with him/her with laser lights/flashlights. I accidentally did it with my dobie (long passed–RIP big boy). And I can tell, by the way my Magnum likes to chase and bite at reflections (caused by his tags), he's a likely candidate. Some dogs may be predisposed to develop this sort of behavior, but I just don't take the chance anymore. It's a very distressing behavior once it starts and just about impossible to get rid of. JMHO, of course.
I've heard that if a dog continues to look for the light or starts snapping at the air (at nothing) after you've put the laser away, laser light/flashlight play is not a good idea to continue.
That said, I don't really have any good ideas for winter exercise (I live in MN). I just get Magnum going on several good B500s every day. He also loves to chase anything remote controlled.
That is a legitimate concern. Most dogs that have problems like that are prone to OCD like behaviors in other manners..herding dogs are particularly prone to obsessions. I do have one B that gets seriously carried away with the laser light. I can only use it very briefly with her, or she starts chasing reflections, etc. But if I don't do it for a while, the behavior *will go away. You can utilize the laser light with most dogs with no problems…but as you said, if you notice any problems, it is wise to stop.