When I described that same behavior to my vet, which Teddy displays during walks, riding in cars, seeing other dogs and people etc, the vet stated that all of those symptoms (muzzle sweating etc.) indicated fear. When I asked him why my dog then pursued his objects of "fear", the vet said it was because these dogs do not like to back down from those they fear so fight or flight - YT's choose fight!
SO, it could be that your dog is actually afraid of the toy but it is hard to know without witnessing the behavior in order to compare it with what I know about Teddy.
I would be tempted to get rid of it if I thought it was doing more harm than good. I have done this for Teddy on a couple of occasions. He gets new for old, though! One toy out = one toy in! |