Protecting my New Furniture?
 

HI.....

Well, my timing couldn't be worse. I just got a new sofa and dining table and chairs. WHAT do I do or use to keep my little Yorkie from chewing on them? I really want to protect this furniture.........

Thanks..........:animal36

Here are some things to consider. Start your dog on obedience training and regular activities of all kinds. Buy him several challenging, interactive toys and show him how to use them and even the simple kong - get several. Get toys he has to work at to get to his kibble and allow him to eat his meals out of them to keep his brain and scenting abilities active. Get him walking 2 or 3 times a day. As part of his obedience, teach him the "Leave it!" command as a fun game. Spend real "me" time with your dog, lots of loving sessions several times a day.

A busy, challenged, active and fulfilling life where the dog is not left mired in boredom to vegetate is usually one that will keep a dog from ever thinking about chewing, unless he's teething. A lot of high energy, nervous or bored, lonely dogs chew to pass the day and satisfy the need to do something - anything. A busy and active life will take that need away.

One of the things I did with a rescue that had a history of chewing, aside from changing his activities and getting him working a lot, keeping him busy and fulfilled, was to take him to the furniture and show him the wooden part and if he started to lick it or sniff it, I would say "leave it" and treat him for backing far off from it. I did it frequently and the rest of the time I kept him gated off from it. After a while, I wrapped tinfoil around the wooden parts and showed it to him. He didn't like the foil and recoiled from it. I would say "leave it" anytime he got close to it and treat him for backing off from it which he did anyway. When the foil was gone, I suspect he remembered or could still smell it. He steered clear of that furniture in the living room.

Over time, an obedient, working and happy dog whose life is full, finds other ways to deal with his frustration in activity and learning new things and doesn't feel the same OCD or destructive urges of the old, nervous or lonely, bored dog. A well-behaved dog who's life is rich doesn't destroy his master's property. I have just never had that problem but I keep my dogs busy working and learning. Even when just sitting on the couch and vegging we play listening games and I turn down the sound on TV or the sound system and we listen to and question and alert to sounds - keeps the dog interested and vital.

When he is doing it I would say no and give him a chew toy and when you can't watch him put him in a play pen.

Yorkietalkjilly has some really good ideas. A puppy does have a need to chew though. Maybe think about getting him some healthy things to chew on when you are home. I only get over sized chews for Gracie so we have no issues with choking hazards.