Jewel was like your Marylinn had very strong ratting/mousing instinct. So to stimulate her and to make her feel like she did her "job" we tied a string on one of her toys that looked like a hedge hog and dragged the "vermin" around to make her chase and catch it. Some times I would tie it on my other Yorkie, Jazzie who likes to play catch. It was pretty funny watching Jazzie run & drag the "vermin" with Jewel running after them.
Also while in the house I would use the same toy and instead of throwing it, I would pitch it accross the floor (like bowling) and let her chase & fetch it. The look of pride on her face when she "catches the vermin" was precious.
I did the same thing with her kibbles too. I would put it on the floor and flick it with my finger. Bounce it off the wall to change directions. It's amazing how she learned to anticipate where the kibble would go. It's even more fun for her if you flick it into a bunched up towel so she really had to "hunt" for it.
Jewel never fully stopped the "hunt" but it did curb it quite a bit. I know you can get creative and find ways for her to "Do her Job".
Let us know how she does. I want to hear all about it! |