Why Does My Yorkie Chew Blankets? A Guide to Understanding and Addressing Blanket Chewing in Yorkies

Yorkies are known for their lively personalities and playful antics. However, their chewing habits can sometimes be a source of frustration for their owners. Among the various things Yorkies chew, blankets are a common target. If you’re dealing with a Yorkie who loves to gnaw on your blankets, you’re not alone. This comprehensive guide will delve into the reasons behind this behavior, provide strategies for addressing it, and help you create a harmonious home for both you and your furry friend.

Why Does My Yorkie Chew Blankets?

Yorkies chewing blankets is a common behavioral issue. It can stem from a variety of factors, including:

• Teething: Puppyhood is a period of intense teething, and Yorkies, like other small breeds, can experience sore gums. Chewing on soft blankets provides relief and helps them manage discomfort.
• Boredom and Lack of Stimulation: A bored Yorkie is likely to engage in destructive behaviors. If your Yorkie doesn’t have enough mental and physical stimulation, they might resort to chewing on blankets out of boredom.
• Anxiety and Stress: Yorkies are sensitive dogs and can experience anxiety due to various reasons, such as separation anxiety, fear, or loud noises. Chewing blankets can be a way for them to cope with stress and anxiety.
• Attention-Seeking: Some Yorkies chew blankets to get attention from their owners. If they notice that you react to their chewing, they may continue to do it to elicit a response.
• Instinctual Behavior: Chewing is an instinctive behavior in dogs. It helps them explore their environment, groom themselves, and satisfy their natural urge to chew.
• Dietary Deficiencies: A lack of essential nutrients in a Yorkie’s diet can lead to chewing behaviors. They may seek out alternative sources of nourishment, including blankets.

Understanding the underlying cause of your Yorkie’s blanket chewing is crucial for finding effective solutions.

What Can I Do If My Yorkie Is Chewing Blankets?

Addressing blanket chewing requires a multifaceted approach. Here are some practical steps you can take:

1. Provide Plenty of Chew Toys: Offer your Yorkie a variety of chew toys that are specifically designed for their size and chewing strength. Rotate toys regularly to keep them interested. Choose toys made from durable materials that won’t easily be destroyed.
2. Redirect Chewing Behavior: When you catch your Yorkie chewing on a blanket, immediately redirect their attention to a suitable chew toy. Offer them a treat or praise them when they engage with the toy.
3. Train Your Yorkie: Use positive reinforcement training methods to teach your Yorkie basic commands such as “leave it” or “drop it.” These commands can be helpful in stopping your Yorkie from chewing on blankets. Make training sessions fun and rewarding.
4. Address Underlying Issues: If you suspect anxiety or stress is contributing to blanket chewing, explore ways to manage these issues. This may involve seeking professional help from a veterinarian or a certified dog trainer. Consider a calming pheromone diffuser, a thunder shirt, or other anxiety-reducing strategies.
5. Provide Adequate Exercise: A tired Yorkie is less likely to engage in destructive behaviors. Ensure your Yorkie gets daily exercise, including walks, playtime, and mental stimulation. Games like hide-and-seek or fetch can be beneficial.
6. Keep Blankets Out of Reach: Store your blankets in a safe place where your Yorkie cannot access them. This might involve using a blanket box, keeping them in drawers, or storing them in a closet. You can also try covering your blankets with a sheet or a dog-resistant cover.
7. Consider a Dog-Safe Blanket: If your Yorkie is determined to chew on a blanket, consider purchasing a dog-safe blanket made from durable material that is designed for chewing. These blankets can be a compromise and satisfy your Yorkie’s chewing urge.

Remember, consistency and patience are key to success. It may take time and effort to curb your Yorkie’s blanket chewing habits. However, with a combination of the right strategies and a little understanding, you can create a happy and harmonious home for both you and your furry companion.

Why Does My Yorkie Chew on My Clothes?

Yorkies chewing on clothes is another common behavior that often puzzles their owners. The reasons behind this behavior are similar to those for blanket chewing, and they can often be attributed to a combination of factors, including:

• Scent: Dogs have a keen sense of smell, and your clothes carry your scent. Your Yorkie may be chewing on your clothes as a way to stay close to you even when you’re not around. It can be a comforting behavior for them.
• Texture: The texture of your clothes can be appealing to your Yorkie. They may enjoy the feeling of chewing on soft fabrics or the crinkling sound they make. Some Yorkies are simply drawn to certain textures.
• Boredom and Attention-Seeking: Similar to blanket chewing, chewing on clothes can be a sign of boredom or an attempt to get your attention. If your Yorkie is left alone for extended periods without adequate stimulation, they may seek entertainment by chewing on your clothes.
• Separation Anxiety: If your Yorkie suffers from separation anxiety, chewing on your clothes can be a way for them to cope with your absence. They may associate the scent of your clothes with your presence and chew on them for comfort.
• Teething: Just like blankets, clothes can be a source of relief for teething puppies. The soft fabric can help soothe their sore gums.

Addressing clothes chewing requires a similar approach to blanket chewing. Provide your Yorkie with plenty of suitable chew toys, redirect their chewing behavior, and address any underlying issues like boredom, anxiety, or teething.

Why Does My Yorkie Chew on My Feet?

Foot-chewing in Yorkies can be a puzzling behavior, but it’s often rooted in simple reasons. Here are some potential explanations:

• Attention-Seeking: Just like chewing on blankets or clothes, chewing on your feet can be a way for your Yorkie to get your attention. They may have learned that chewing on your feet elicits a reaction from you, even if it’s negative.
• Playfulness: Some Yorkies chew on their owner’s feet as part of their play routine. They may see your feet as a fun target, especially if you encourage playful nibbling during playtime. However, it’s crucial to set boundaries and teach your Yorkie that biting is not acceptable.
• Scent: Your feet carry a unique scent that your Yorkie might find appealing. They may be trying to lick or chew on your feet to get a whiff of your scent.
• Teething: Young puppies may chew on their owner’s feet as a way to relieve sore gums during teething. The pressure of chewing can be soothing for them.
• Anxiety: In some cases, foot chewing can be a sign of anxiety or insecurity. If your Yorkie is feeling stressed or anxious, they may seek comfort by chewing on something familiar like your feet.
• Medical Condition: While less common, foot chewing can sometimes be a symptom of a medical condition. If your Yorkie is chewing excessively on their feet or showing other signs of discomfort, it’s important to consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical issues.

If your Yorkie is chewing on your feet, it’s important to address the behavior early on. Discourage chewing by redirecting their attention, using training methods, and addressing any potential underlying issues. If the behavior persists, consider consulting a veterinarian or a certified dog trainer for professional advice.

How Can I Stop My Yorkie From Chewing on My Furniture?

Furniture chewing is a common problem for Yorkie owners. It can be frustrating and costly to repair damaged furniture. The following strategies can help you prevent this behavior:

1. Protect Your Furniture: Use furniture covers, slipcovers, or dog-resistant furniture to protect your furniture from chewing damage. These coverings can provide a barrier between your Yorkie and your furniture.
2. Provide Alternatives: Offer your Yorkie appropriate chew toys that are specifically designed for chewing. Make sure the toys are durable and engaging to keep them occupied.
3. Redirect Chewing Behavior: When you catch your Yorkie chewing on furniture, immediately redirect their attention to a suitable chew toy. Offer them a treat or praise them when they engage with the toy.
4. Train Your Yorkie: Use positive reinforcement training methods to teach your Yorkie the command “leave it” or “drop it.” These commands can be helpful in preventing them from chewing on furniture.
5. Address Underlying Issues: If you suspect boredom, anxiety, or teething is contributing to furniture chewing, address these issues. Provide adequate exercise, mental stimulation, and appropriate toys for their age and chewing needs.

It’s important to be consistent with your training and ensure that your Yorkie has alternative outlets for their chewing urges. With patience and a little effort, you can reduce furniture chewing and protect your belongings.

Why Does My Yorkie Chew on Himself?

Chewing on oneself, also known as self-licking or overgrooming, is a common behavior in dogs, including Yorkies. It can stem from various factors, including:

• Stress and Anxiety: Yorkies are prone to anxiety, and self-chewing can be a way for them to cope with stress or anxiety. They may lick or chew on themselves to self-soothe.
• Boredom: Just like chewing on other objects, self-chewing can be a sign of boredom. If your Yorkie is not getting enough mental and physical stimulation, they may resort to chewing on themselves to keep themselves occupied.
• Allergies and Skin Conditions: Skin allergies or irritations can cause itching and discomfort, prompting your Yorkie to chew on themselves for relief. Itching from fleas, food allergies, or other skin conditions can be a contributing factor.
• Compulsive Behavior: In some cases, self-chewing can become a compulsive behavior. This means it becomes an obsessive habit that can be difficult to break.
• Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as hormonal imbalances or neurological disorders, can also cause self-chewing in dogs. It’s important to rule out any underlying medical issues.

If your Yorkie is engaging in excessive self-chewing, it’s important to consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Depending on the cause, you may need to address the issue with medication, behavioral therapy, or other strategies.

How Can I Stop My Yorkie From Chewing on My Hands?

Yorkies chewing on their owners’ hands can be a playful behavior, but it can also be painful and irritating. Here’s how to address this behavior:

1. Teach Bite Inhibition: Start early by teaching your Yorkie bite inhibition. When they are puppies, gently push their mouth shut and say “ouch” when they bite too hard. This helps them learn that biting too hard is unacceptable.
2. Redirect Chewing Behavior: When your Yorkie starts chewing on your hands, immediately redirect their attention to a suitable chew toy. Offer them a treat or praise them when they engage with the toy.
3. Use Positive Reinforcement Training: Use positive reinforcement training methods to teach your Yorkie the command “leave it” or “drop it.” These commands can be helpful in preventing them from chewing on your hands.
4. Address Underlying Issues: If you suspect boredom, anxiety, or teething is contributing to hand chewing, address these issues. Provide adequate exercise, mental stimulation, and appropriate toys for their age and chewing needs.

It’s important to be consistent with your training and to avoid rewarding your Yorkie for chewing on your hands. With patience and a little effort, you can teach your Yorkie to refrain from chewing on your hands.

Why Does My Yorkie Chew on His Tail?

Chewing on the tail is a common behavior in Yorkies and other small breeds. The reasons behind this behavior can vary and may include:

• Boredom: Yorkies, like many small breeds, have a lot of energy and can become bored easily. If they don’t have enough mental and physical stimulation, they may resort to chewing on their tails to occupy themselves.
• Stress and Anxiety: Stress and anxiety can manifest in various ways, including tail chewing. If your Yorkie is feeling stressed or anxious, they may chew on their tail as a way to self-soothe.
• Skin Allergies and Irritation: Skin allergies or irritations, such as fleas or food allergies, can cause itching and discomfort, prompting your Yorkie to chew on their tail for relief.
• Anal Gland Issues: If your Yorkie is having problems with their anal glands, they may chew on their tail as a way to relieve discomfort. Anal gland issues can cause itching and irritation around the tail area.
• Compulsive Behavior: In some cases, tail chewing can become a compulsive behavior. This means it becomes an obsessive habit that can be difficult to break.
• Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as hormonal imbalances or neurological disorders, can also cause tail chewing. It’s important to rule out any underlying medical issues.

If your Yorkie is chewing on their tail excessively, it’s important to consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Depending on the cause, you may need to address the issue with medication, behavioral therapy, or other strategies.

Why Does My Yorkie Chew on His Paws?

Chewing on paws is a common behavior in dogs, including Yorkies. The reasons for this behavior can vary and may include:

• Boredom: Similar to tail chewing, chewing on paws can be a sign of boredom. Yorkies need plenty of mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
• Stress and Anxiety: Stress and anxiety can lead to various behaviors, including chewing on paws. If your Yorkie is feeling stressed or anxious, they may chew on their paws as a way to self-soothe.
• Allergies and Skin Conditions: Skin allergies or irritations can cause itching and discomfort, prompting your Yorkie to chew on their paws for relief. Allergies to food, fleas, or other environmental allergens can be contributing factors.
• Compulsive Behavior: In some cases, paw chewing can become a compulsive behavior. This means it becomes an obsessive habit that can be difficult to break.
• Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as hormonal imbalances, neurological disorders, or even infections, can also cause paw chewing. If your Yorkie is chewing excessively on their paws or showing other signs of discomfort, it’s important to consult a veterinarian.

If your Yorkie is chewing on their paws excessively, it’s important to consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Depending on the cause, you may need to address the issue with medication, behavioral therapy, or other strategies.

Why Does My Yorkie Chew on Everything?

If your Yorkie is chewing on everything in sight, it’s essential to address this behavior as it can be a sign of a deeper issue. Here are some possible reasons:

• Teething: Puppies are notorious for chewing on everything during their teething phase. They may be trying to relieve sore gums and explore their environment through chewing.
• Boredom: A bored Yorkie is likely to engage in destructive behaviors. Ensure your Yorkie is getting enough mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom.
• Anxiety and Stress: Yorkies can be prone to anxiety, and chewing on everything can be a way for them to cope with stress or anxiety.
• Attention-Seeking: Some Yorkies chew on everything to get attention from their owners. They may have learned that chewing elicits a reaction, even if it’s negative.
• Dietary Deficiencies: A lack of essential nutrients in a Yorkie’s diet can lead to excessive chewing. They may be seeking out alternative sources of nourishment.

If your Yorkie is chewing on everything, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical issues. Addressing the issue with training, providing adequate stimulation, and addressing anxiety or boredom can help prevent this behavior.

Table Summarizing Information

Chewing Behavior	Possible Causes	Solutions
Chewing Blankets	Teething, boredom, anxiety, attention-seeking, instinctual behavior, dietary deficiencies	Provide chew toys, redirect behavior, train commands, address underlying issues, exercise, keep blankets out of reach, consider dog-safe blanket
Chewing Clothes	Scent, texture, boredom, attention-seeking, separation anxiety, teething	Provide chew toys, redirect behavior, train commands, address underlying issues, provide adequate exercise and stimulation
Chewing Feet	Attention-seeking, playfulness, scent, teething, anxiety, medical conditions	Discourage chewing, redirect attention, use training methods, address underlying issues, consult a veterinarian
Chewing Furniture	Boredom, anxiety, teething, instinctual behavior	Protect furniture, provide alternatives, redirect behavior, train commands, address underlying issues
Self-Chewing	Stress and anxiety, boredom, allergies, compulsive behavior, medical conditions	Consult a veterinarian, address underlying issues, behavioral therapy, medication
Chewing Hands	Playfulness, teething, boredom, anxiety	Teach bite inhibition, redirect behavior, train commands, address underlying issues, provide adequate exercise and stimulation
Chewing Tail	Boredom, stress and anxiety, skin allergies, anal gland issues, compulsive behavior, medical conditions	Consult a veterinarian, address underlying issues, behavioral therapy, medication
Chewing Paws	Boredom, stress and anxiety, allergies, compulsive behavior, medical conditions	Consult a veterinarian, address underlying issues, behavioral therapy, medication
Chewing Everything	Teething, boredom, anxiety, attention-seeking, dietary deficiencies	Consult a veterinarian, provide chew toys, redirect behavior, train commands, address underlying issues, provide adequate exercise and stimulation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why Does My Yorkie Chew on Blankets Only When I’m Not Home?

My Yorkie Is Chewing Blankets Even After I’ve Provided Plenty of Chew Toys. What Else Can I Do?

Is Chewing on Blankets a Sign of Aggression?

My Yorkie Is Chewing on My Blankets and Clothes, What Can I Do?

Why Does My Yorkie Chew on Blankets and Bark at the Same Time?

My Yorkie Is Chewing on Blankets and Digging in the Carpet. What Could Be the Reason?

My Yorkie Is Chewing on Blankets and Trying to Eat Them. Should I Be Worried?