Sammy killed a chicken!

**dab_20** · 10-22-2006, 09:57 PM

My dad called and told me Sam killed one of the silkie chickens.

He's really upset with him. He said lately Sam has been more and more aggresive with the birds and says when he has Sam outside and it's time to come in for the night it takes 20 minutes for him to come after he's been called. Do you think there is a reason for Sam all the sudden acting different?

**Corinna** · 10-22-2006, 10:33 PM

Sounds like a lack of consistent disapline to me he's being a spoiled child pushing his limits .

**dab_20** · 10-23-2006, 07:26 PM

My dad does not let Sam get away with ANYTHING. He makes the boundries clear to Sam, he's not spoiled one bit at my dad's house. So I know that's definatly not the problem.

I know that it was just his instinct, he's a dog and that may happen. I just think it's weird that he's been very friendly with them for months and all the sudden is aggressive with them.

**Ginger's Mom** · 10-23-2006, 07:52 PM

I agree with Corinna, but I will phrase it a little differently. It is a lack of training. You can't just keep telling a dog "no" and expect him to suddenly know how to behave. In addition to teaching Sammy not to chase the chickens he has to show him how to behave when the chickens are around. This might mean that Sammy will only be allowed out on leash until he is taught how your father wants him to behave. It might mean putting up different fencing to keep the birds out of Sammy's part of the yard and vice versa. But there are definitely ways that they can all learn to live together peacefully again. Yes, chasing them is instinct, but I have seen other PTers who have somehow managed to teach their dogs to live with birds.

**Alysser** · 10-23-2006, 08:05 PM

I am one who has a dog and a bird. Sassy doesn't like Star, and Star hates Sassy. But they manage, somehow. They both know where they stand and Sassy understands if she ever harms Star, oh, will there be a big punishment, and NO that does not involve smacking or abuse.

I'm assuming Sammy has lived with you most of his life and is used to a neighorhood setting. He has probably never lived with chickens.

RIP chickie!

I'm sorry about your loss Danielle.

**dab_20** · 10-23-2006, 08:16 PM

Thanks for the replies. It will be easier to train him now that it is getting cooler, because the chickens don't really come out of the barn. My dad has been keeping him on a long leash when he goes to potty and he's able to be free when he's supervised. He believes that Sam was just playing with the chicken, but too roughly. He's got to learn even playing is not allowed. Thanks again.

Yes, he's lived with us since he was 9 weeks old, so I'm sure he's still adjusting.