Susan is a thief!
 

What am I going to do about Susan? I'm an artist and she stays with me in my studio which is in my home. But yesterday and today she has been stealing things from my art table. Some of the chemicals and pigments I work with are toxic and/or caustic and I have lots of sharp and small easy to swallow objects. I've been very careful about things getting on the floor and have a covered trash can so she can't get into that. Today I've been keeping the studio door shut whenever I'm not in there, but she's used to going in and out because until the last few days her toy box was in there. I scared her good a few hours ago because I looked up and she was shredding a sanding pad. I shouted, "Susan! No!" and she instantly dropped it and leapt across the room into my arms in what I think was a desperate, "Don't be mad, PLEASE don't be mad!" gesture. I've been pushing the chair up to the table also because once today I saw her standing in the chair examining the table to see what interesting things she could get her little paws on. To top it all off, she's decided the kiln is just fascinating. I sure hope I don't have to crate her. Up until now she has been so good about staying on her little cushion across the room where I can see her and she can see me. This is not the same as stealing socks out of the laundry. Some of these things could really hurt her. Years ago I had a studio rabbit (an adorable 3 lb Jersey Wooly) and even he never did this sort of thing! I guess that was good because rabbits are harder to train than dogs.

Yes I know what you mean. These little ones are just so nosey.

If it continues I would try an x-pen. Put it in the room with you with her bed in it and she will have no choice. I would do this if nothing else for her safety, that way you wouldn't have to crate her. :)

Good luck!!! With time and patience Susan will learn what is and is NOT acceptable. Until then, well, do what you must to keep her safe!!! I have to be sure that all table tops and counters are Yorkie proof. I have found my Chizzie on top of the table and KITCHEN COUNTER!!!! :eek:

I don't think I would have her in the studio, period. I know you will probably be mad at me for saying that, but not only are there the materials to think about but also the fumes. These little guys are so small and their livers are so little.........I guess I just air on the side of safety. I don't even let mine in the bathroom when I'm using any chemical product including hairspray. Oh, well I hope you aren't too mad at me!!!!!!!!!!