Rubber Chicken problem

[SS MAYFLOAT]

My wife brought home a rubber chicken last weekend. Its one of those type that when you squeeze it, it makes a cluck sound like one. I really don't know why she bought it except for the need to spend cash

Here is the problem. Our newfie/lab mix dog (Keeper) has fell in love with it. He is very protective of it. He has even snipped at me for trying to take it away. This is the first time he has ever done that to me. I did let him know that I'm the alpha and won the battle. I put the dang thing up and now he is showing a depressed attitude. He lays on the floor right below the cabinet that I have it put up on. He will not leave that spot unless I get that dang rubber chicken down and give it to him. It just has us astonished on why he is behaving this way. As long as it is in his sight, he behaves normally. However if anyone goes near the chicken, he gets between them and becomes protective. This is not good with the little grandkids coming to visit. He is great with kids, but I think this is going to cause some problems.

Anyone know how you can break a bond between a rubber chicken and a dog without repercussions? Has anyone else had to deal with a similar situation?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Rubber Chicken problem

The dog adopted that toy as his baby. It would be best if it was taken away and stashed on top of a closet with a door. Far away and maybe re-introduce it again in a month or so. Any toy that can not be taken away is not a good sign.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Rubber Chicken problem

my suggestion it that it just disappears. take him out for a walk, ride in the car, and fun, and it be gone when he gets home. don't let him see you get rid of it.

 

[scipper77]

Re: Rubber Chicken problem

how old is your dog. I've seen old dogs go senile. This sort of behavior sounds like it might just be a symptom. When dogs get senile it is pretty common for them to snap at there owners. Dalmations and dobermans are known for this in old age.

My dog gets protective of her toys when they are new. she freaks out if she thinks you are going to damage her toy. after a while when that new toy smell wears off she ends up ripping the stuffing out of the toy to get at the squeeker. She has never snapped at us however.

 

[angus63]

Re: Rubber Chicken problem

Which came first, the chicken or the dog?? Keep(er) the dog!

I made the mistake of giving my golden retriever puppy an old work boot as a toy. For the next 6 months we had to keep every shoe in the house locked up. You'd see shoes on top of the fridge, entertainment center, etc.. so the dog wouldn't chew it up. Dogs get frustrated when you take favorite toys away. You should try to substitute with something the grandkids won't be interested in as well.

 

[tallcanadian]

Re: Rubber Chicken problem

Here is the problem. Our newfie/lab mix dog (Keeper) QUOTE]

i can understand his problem. being from newfoundland and labrador i get depressed when my wife takes my toys away from me too. lol. just kidding, good luck with your dog. they are awesome dogs.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Rubber Chicken problem

Here is the problem. Our newfie/lab mix dog (Keeper) QUOTE]

i can understand his problem. being from newfoundland and labrador i get depressed when my wife takes my toys away from me too. lol. just kidding, good luck with your dog. they are awesome dogs.

You let your wife take away your rubber chicken!!

 

[pduquette]

Re: Rubber Chicken problem

Ok Only Partly Joking here..... Newfie...Lab.... Get Him a rubber DUCK and a rubber LOBSTER !!! He needs to find his innerself!!! Rubber chicken ?? do you have a blue tick hound??? NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! Get your beloved pooch the correct toys so he isn't over focused on the chicken , and play with all three together so one dosen't take preference. P.S. they all need to squeak / make sounds

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Rubber Chicken problem

Nope take the dog for the walk and let the wifey put the chicken anywhere but the house.

He's gonna smell it anyplace in the house.

And when the kids are gone after the holiday, you can gradually wean him off that chicken by giving it to him, and taking it away.

Give him a big rawhide bone.

Gave my 100+ pound lab. Rawhide bones, deer bones, Lamb shank bones, really hard, real bones.

Believe me he'll forget about his chicken real, real quick.

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Rubber Chicken problem

Keeper is only 6 years old this month. We rescued him from a shelter up in northern Michigan about a month after our other dog died.

My wife had to go shoppppppping again, so I put the dog out on his run and she took Mr. Chicken with her. She is going to leave it in her car for awhile. May just give it to my BIL.

Its been a couple of hours now and Keeper is eating. Finally finished his pig ear we gave him the day the chicken came home. Its just odd to see this behavior. He has plenty of chew bones and has never been protective of them. So far he has been one of the best dogs I've owned. He has never chewed on shoes or any furnishings of the house. He has had only one accident in the house since he was a puppy. Now that he is full grown, he will wake you up if he has to go out. Doesn't matter what time of day it is, your going to wake up when a 180 pound dog jumps in bed with you

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: Rubber Chicken problem

The real question you need to ask SS is why the Mrs. wanted to usurp your position as alpha male in the pack. And your real fear should be is that all it took was a rubber chicken.

 

[External Combustion]

Re: Rubber Chicken problem

Don't let Keeper watch any of the old Marx Brothers movies! He will demand the remote from then on!

Think of it this way the chicken is smaller and far less expensive than a new radial for your car or a fender for your boat and gives him less ideas of what to cut his teeth on.

My couch was more expensive and cause greater discord in the family when my last German Shepherd turned that age.

Have fun with Keeper.

 

[puddle jumper]

Re: Rubber Chicken problem

Which came first, the chicken or the dog?? Keep(er) the dog!

I made the mistake of giving my golden retriever puppy an old work boot as a toy. For the next 6 months we had to keep every shoe in the house locked up. You'd see shoes on top of the fridge, entertainment center, etc.. so the dog wouldn't chew it up. Dogs get frustrated when you take favorite toys away. You should try to substitute with something the grandkids won't be interested in as well.

We had a lab years ago. One night it rained all night and the neighbors left there shoes on there door steps. Yup we got up in the morning with all those shoes on our front deck. It was fun explaining how thay got there.
Ony time that dog ever did that and never did it again.

 

[Frankhanhart]

Re: Rubber Chicken problem

my dog (english cockerpaniel) is always willing to trade it for a nicely cooked drumstick (minus the bones). Maybe your dog is trying to tell you something