So every day for the past week I’ve been trekking to Ian’s Cave three times a day, usually with Laddie in tow. There, first in a box in the shower stall and then in the shower stall, we’re raising the newest generation of laying hens which are currently just cute little yellow chicks. Until yesterday evening, Laddie just hung out in the front room of the cave while I did chicken chores. But yesterday evening while I was at the kitchen counter tending the feeder, Booger Brain finally discovered the chicks. I got back to the bathroom just in time to see him knock down the board closing off the shower, as mayhem ensued.
I didn’t punish him for it more than harsh words, I just drove him back into the front room and demanded that he stay out of the bathroom. He obeyed well enough then, but this morning he made a beeline for those fascinating chicks in the shower. And that’s when he got his snout swatted.
Which swatting he took in good spirit, I’ll say on his behalf. He retreated to the front room, didn’t fight me on the issue, didn’t pout. We’ll see if he does it again the first time he thinks my attention is elsewhere. My money is on yes, immediately.
Hey, he just wants to herd ’em.
Made me think of Red Skelton’s character The Bad Widdle kid “If I dood it, I get a whuppin'” (thinks a moment) “I dood it”.
Oh Boy! Squeaky toys! Lizards and squeaky toys!
Let just hope that you don’t turn your back on him for 30 seconds, only to find fuzzy yellow little feathers stuck to his muzzle.
Laddie’s interest in the chicks and chickens may become as protector once he realizes they’re important to you. At least that’s how my Corgis were/are. I’m on my third one now and find the breed to be extremely intelligent. My current Corgi Queen is protective of or just ignores little critters except rodents which, like me, she hates with a burning passion. None of them were gun-shy either though at first they didn’t like the noise so maybe Laddie will come around. Of course they all have their own personality and maybe I’ve just been lucky. I’m watching with interest how things go with you and Laddie since your previous dog comrades were big boys. Corgis though aren’t really little dogs, they’re more of a midsize dog with a leg deficit. Good luck to both of you!
Jack
Our working Corgi at the ranch routinely tried to herd chickens, peacocks, sheep, and horses, all outside the normal herding of cows job. Never ate a chicken or a chick, though. Killed rats, pack rats, mice. Yes, good luck to both of you! Looks like things are beginning to settle down and you are getting the rules established. Happy to hear about it. **
…midsize dog with a leg deficit
Love this description