YorkieTalk.com Forums - Yorkshire Terrier Community - View Single Post - Chew things when left alone for long period of time

FirstYorkie · 01-20-2006, 09:06 AM

Whipping him obviously isn't working for you so, hopefully, you're ready to give it up.

I think that we humans make a big mistake when we try to ascribe human emotions to a dog. For instance, if you think he is doing it because he's mad at you, then you are more likely to want to get even with him. Nobody wins when that happens.

Instead of worrying about why he's doing it, focus on the behavior and try to figure out how to manage it.

Okay, he's chewing destructively when he's left at home alone for longer periods. Are there specific items that he's chewing or is it anything that he can get hold of? If it's specific items, you might try using the bitter apple spray on them or, my personal favorite, clear deodorant (it's a great deterrent!).

Can you contain him in a smaller room with off-limit items removed? Give him lots of chew toys and a filled Kong to entertain himself.

Can you have someone come in during the day to walk him?

The only time that punishing him might be effective would be when you catch him in the act. Even then, a loud "NO" and removing him from the situation should be adequate. He has no idea why you are punishing him when you get home.

Does this make sense?

01-20-2006, 09:06 AM	#5
FirstYorkie YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: American in London Posts: 1,739	Whipping him obviously isn't working for you so, hopefully, you're ready to give it up. I think that we humans make a big mistake when we try to ascribe human emotions to a dog. For instance, if you think he is doing it because he's mad at you, then you are more likely to want to get even with him. Nobody wins when that happens. Instead of worrying about why he's doing it, focus on the behavior and try to figure out how to manage it. Okay, he's chewing destructively when he's left at home alone for longer periods. Are there specific items that he's chewing or is it anything that he can get hold of? If it's specific items, you might try using the bitter apple spray on them or, my personal favorite, clear deodorant (it's a great deterrent!). Can you contain him in a smaller room with off-limit items removed? Give him lots of chew toys and a filled Kong to entertain himself. Can you have someone come in during the day to walk him? The only time that punishing him might be effective would be when you catch him in the act. Even then, a loud "NO" and removing him from the situation should be adequate. He has no idea why you are punishing him when you get home. Does this make sense? __________________ FirstYorkie We Love Clicker-Training!