Can Yorkies Be Trained to Stop Chewing? A Comprehensive Guide

Why Does My Yorkie Chew Everything?

Yorkies, known for their lively and playful personalities, are often prone to chewing. This behavior, while natural for puppies, can be frustrating for owners when it persists into adulthood. Understanding the root causes of chewing is crucial for addressing the issue effectively.

Here are some common reasons why Yorkies chew:

• Teething: Puppies, like human babies, go through a teething phase where their adult teeth erupt, causing discomfort and an urge to chew.
• Boredom: When Yorkies are left alone for extended periods without sufficient mental and physical stimulation, they may resort to chewing to alleviate boredom.
• Anxiety: Separation anxiety, fear of loud noises, or other stressors can trigger chewing as a coping mechanism.
• Attention-Seeking: Yorkies are intelligent dogs that crave attention. Chewing can be a way to get their owner’s notice, even if it’s negative attention.
• Lack of Training: Insufficient training can lead to a lack of understanding of what is acceptable to chew and what is not.

It’s important to note that chewing can also be a sign of underlying medical conditions such as dental problems or parasites. Consult a veterinarian if you suspect a medical reason behind your Yorkie’s chewing behavior.

How to Stop My Yorkie from Chewing

Training your Yorkie to stop chewing requires patience, consistency, and a proactive approach. Here are some strategies to deter destructive chewing behavior:

• Provide Appropriate Chew Toys: Offer a variety of chew toys made from durable materials like rubber, nylon, or Kongs. Rotate toys regularly to keep your Yorkie engaged.
• Redirect Chewing: When you catch your Yorkie chewing on something inappropriate, gently redirect their attention to a designated chew toy. Offer praise and a treat when they engage with the toy.
• Manage the Environment: Keep tempting items out of reach. Secure valuable objects, cords, and furniture with protective covers or barriers.
• Provide Mental Stimulation: Engage your Yorkie with interactive toys, puzzles, and training sessions to keep their mind occupied and prevent boredom.
• Address Anxiety: If chewing is linked to anxiety, consult a veterinarian or a certified dog trainer to explore potential solutions like calming supplements or behavioral modification therapy.
• Positive Reinforcement Training: Use positive reinforcement methods like treats, praise, and play to reward your Yorkie when they exhibit good behavior. Avoid punishment, which can lead to anxiety and fear.
• Seek Professional Help: If you’re struggling to manage your Yorkie’s chewing behavior on your own, consider seeking guidance from a certified dog trainer or a veterinarian specializing in behavior.

Remember, consistency is key. Be patient and persistent with your training efforts. Your Yorkie will eventually learn what is acceptable and what is not. With time and effort, you can successfully train your Yorkie to stop chewing.

Is Chewing a Sign of Teething in Yorkies?

Chewing is indeed a common sign of teething in Yorkie puppies. As their adult teeth erupt, they experience discomfort and an urge to chew. Teething typically occurs between 3-7 months of age and can be a challenging phase for both the puppy and the owner. It’s important to provide puppies with appropriate chew toys to help soothe their gums and prevent destructive chewing behavior.

Here are some signs of teething in Yorkies:

• Excessive chewing on furniture, toys, and other objects
• Drooling
• Red, swollen gums
• Loss of appetite
• Restlessness

To help alleviate teething discomfort, you can:

• Provide frozen chew toys: Chilled chew toys can help numb sore gums.
• Offer frozen washcloths or wet towels: These can provide a soothing sensation.
• Provide dental chews: Dental chews specifically designed for puppies can help promote healthy teeth and gums.
• Avoid hard chew toys: Hard toys can damage a puppy’s developing teeth.

How Can I Stop My Yorkie from Chewing My Furniture?

Furniture chewing is a common problem for Yorkie owners, but it can be addressed with consistent training and environmental modifications. Here are some steps to prevent your Yorkie from chewing on furniture:

• Identify Triggers: Observe your Yorkie’s behavior to determine what triggers their furniture chewing. Is it boredom, anxiety, or a specific type of furniture?
• Protect Furniture: Use furniture covers, sprays, or barriers to deter chewing. Bitter apple spray or other deterrents can also be effective.
• Provide Alternatives: Offer a variety of appropriate chew toys and redirect chewing behavior to those items.
• Manage Their Environment: Keep tempting furniture out of reach by using gates, barriers, or confining your Yorkie to specific areas.
• Address Underlying Issues: If chewing is linked to boredom, anxiety, or separation anxiety, address those issues through training, environmental enrichment, or professional help.
• Consider Crate Training: Crate training can be helpful for preventing furniture chewing when you’re not home. A crate provides a safe and secure space for your Yorkie and can limit access to tempting items.
• Supervise Your Yorkie: When you’re home, supervise your Yorkie closely, especially during the initial training phase.

How Do I Stop My Yorkie from Chewing on Cords?

Chewing on electrical cords can be extremely dangerous for your Yorkie, leading to electrocution or serious injuries. It’s crucial to take steps to protect your Yorkie and your home from this hazard. Here are some tips to prevent cord chewing:

• Keep Cords Out of Reach: Tuck cords away behind furniture, use cord covers or cable ties, or use furniture to block access to cords.
• Use Deterrents: Bitter apple spray or other deterrents can make cords less appealing to your Yorkie.
• Provide Alternatives: Offer a variety of appropriate chew toys to redirect chewing behavior.
• Teach the “Leave It” Command: Train your Yorkie to respond to the “Leave It” command, which can be helpful for discouraging chewing on cords.
• Manage Their Environment: If possible, relocate cords to areas where your Yorkie is less likely to access them.
• Supervise Your Yorkie: Always supervise your Yorkie closely, especially when you’re unsure about their behavior.
• Consider Using Cord Protectors: Cord protectors are available in various forms, including sleeves, wraps, and barriers. These can help prevent your Yorkie from accessing the cords.

If you suspect your Yorkie has chewed on a cord, inspect their mouth and contact your veterinarian immediately. If they show any signs of shock or injury, seek emergency veterinary care.

Can I Use Bitter Apple Spray for My Yorkie?

Bitter apple spray is a common deterrent used to discourage chewing on furniture, cords, and other items. It contains a bitter-tasting ingredient that can make chewing unpleasant for dogs. While it can be an effective deterrent, it’s important to use it cautiously and consider the following points:

• Effectiveness Varies: Bitter apple spray may not be effective for all dogs. Some Yorkies might not be bothered by the taste or might even find it appealing.
• Potential for Irritation: If applied directly to a dog’s mouth or eyes, bitter apple spray can cause irritation. Use it sparingly and avoid contact with sensitive areas.
• Temporary Solution: Bitter apple spray is a temporary solution. It’s not a substitute for training or environmental modifications.
• Consult Your Veterinarian: Before using bitter apple spray, it’s best to consult your veterinarian to ensure it’s safe for your Yorkie.

When using bitter apple spray, test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to check for any adverse reactions. It’s also important to provide alternative, acceptable chew toys to redirect your Yorkie’s chewing behavior.

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

Chewing on hands can be a playful and affectionate behavior, but it’s important to train your Yorkie to understand the difference between acceptable and unacceptable chewing. Here are some tips to stop your Yorkie from chewing on your hands:

• Discourage Chewing with a Firm “No”: When your Yorkie chews on your hands, firmly say “No” or “Stop” and remove your hand.
• Offer a Chew Toy: Immediately replace your hand with an appropriate chew toy and offer praise when your Yorkie engages with it.
• Ignore the Behavior: If your Yorkie chews on your hands for attention, try ignoring the behavior. When they stop chewing, give them positive attention and praise.
• Train the “Leave It” Command: The “Leave It” command can be useful for discouraging chewing on hands or any other object.
• Avoid Playful Chewing: While you might find it cute initially, avoid encouraging playful chewing on your hands, as this can reinforce the behavior.
• Use Positive Reinforcement: Reward your Yorkie for chewing on appropriate toys with treats, praise, and playtime.
• Seek Professional Help: If your Yorkie’s hand-chewing is persistent and you’re struggling to manage it, consider seeking guidance from a certified dog trainer or a veterinarian specializing in behavior.

How Can I Prevent My Yorkie from Chewing My Shoes?

Yorkies often find shoes irresistible, especially those made of leather or other appealing materials. To stop this behavior, you can use a combination of training techniques and environmental management:

• Keep Shoes Out of Reach: Store shoes in a closed closet, shoe rack, or high shelves.
• Use Deterrents: Apply bitter apple spray or other deterrents to your shoes.
• Redirect Chewing: Offer a variety of appropriate chew toys and redirect your Yorkie’s attention to them.
• Supervise Your Yorkie: Always supervise your Yorkie when they are around your shoes.
• Train the “Leave It” Command: Teach your Yorkie to respond to the “Leave It” command, which can be helpful for discouraging chewing on shoes.
• Consider Crate Training: Crate training can help prevent chewing on shoes when you’re not home.
• Address Underlying Issues: If shoe chewing is linked to boredom, anxiety, or separation anxiety, address those issues through training, environmental enrichment, or professional help.

Is Chewing a Sign of Boredom in Yorkies?

Yes, chewing can be a sign of boredom in Yorkies. When Yorkies are not mentally or physically stimulated, they may resort to chewing to alleviate boredom. It’s important to provide them with sufficient exercise, mental stimulation, and playtime to prevent boredom-induced chewing.

• Daily Exercise: Engage your Yorkie in daily walks, playtime, or other physical activities to tire them out and prevent boredom.
• Mental Stimulation: Provide interactive toys, puzzles, and training sessions to keep their minds engaged.
• Enrichment Activities: Offer a variety of enrichment activities, such as food puzzles, treat dispensing toys, or scent games.
• Playtime: Engage in regular playtime with your Yorkie, using toys, games, or fetch.
• Training: Train your Yorkie with commands, tricks, and obedience training to provide mental stimulation.

Why Does My Yorkie Chew When I’m Away?

Chewing when you’re away is often a sign of separation anxiety in Yorkies. This anxiety can manifest in various ways, including excessive barking, howling, destructive chewing, and house soiling. To address separation anxiety, you can:

• Gradual Desensitization: Gradually increase the time you spend away from your Yorkie, starting with short intervals and gradually extending them.
• Create a Safe and Secure Environment: Ensure your Yorkie has a comfortable and secure space, such as a crate or a designated area, to relax and feel safe when you’re not home.
• Provide Enrichment: Offer interactive toys, puzzles, or treat dispensing toys to keep your Yorkie entertained and engaged while you’re away.
• Ignore the Behavior: Avoid giving attention to your Yorkie when you’re leaving or returning, as this can reinforce their anxiety.
• Seek Professional Help: If separation anxiety is severe or persistent, consult a veterinarian or a certified dog trainer specializing in behavior for guidance and treatment options.

How Do I Know If My Yorkie is Chewing Out of Boredom or Anxiety?

Distinguishing between boredom-induced chewing and anxiety-driven chewing can be tricky. Here are some clues:

• Boredom Chewing: Often occurs when your Yorkie is left alone for extended periods, has limited access to toys or activities, or is generally inactive.
• Anxiety Chewing: Usually occurs in conjunction with other signs of anxiety, such as pacing, panting, excessive barking, whining, or trembling.

If you suspect your Yorkie’s chewing is related to anxiety, consult a veterinarian or a certified dog trainer specializing in behavior for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Can a Yorkie’s Chewing Be Corrected?

Yes, a Yorkie’s chewing behavior can be corrected with consistent training, environmental modifications, and addressing underlying issues. With patience, positive reinforcement, and the right approach, you can teach your Yorkie to stop chewing inappropriately and develop good chewing habits.

Table Summarizing Information

Chewing Behavior	Potential Causes	Solutions
Chewing Everything	Teething, boredom, anxiety, attention-seeking, lack of training, medical conditions	Provide appropriate chew toys, redirect chewing, manage the environment, provide mental stimulation, address anxiety, positive reinforcement training, professional help
Chewing Furniture	Boredom, anxiety, teething, lack of training	Protect furniture, provide alternatives, manage their environment, address underlying issues, crate training, supervision
Chewing Cords	Boredom, teething, curiosity, lack of training	Keep cords out of reach, use deterrents, provide alternatives, teach the “Leave It” command, manage their environment, supervise, consider using cord protectors
Chewing Hands	Playfulness, attention-seeking, teething	Discourage chewing with a firm “No”, offer a chew toy, ignore the behavior, train the “Leave It” command, avoid playful chewing, positive reinforcement, professional help
Chewing Shoes	Boredom, curiosity, teething, lack of training	Keep shoes out of reach, use deterrents, redirect chewing, supervise, train the “Leave It” command, consider crate training, address underlying issues
Chewing When Away	Separation anxiety, boredom	Gradual desensitization, create a safe and secure environment, provide enrichment, ignore the behavior, professional help

FAQ

What are some common chew toys for Yorkies?

Yorkies enjoy a variety of chew toys, including:

• Rubber toys: These are durable and come in various shapes and sizes. Look for toys that are specifically designed for small dogs.
• Nylon toys: Similar to rubber toys, nylon toys are also sturdy and can withstand heavy chewing.
• Kongs: Kongs are hollow rubber toys that can be filled with treats or peanut butter to provide mental stimulation and discourage chewing.
• Rope toys: Rope toys are great for interactive play and satisfying the urge to chew.
• Dental chews: Dental chews can help promote healthy teeth and gums while providing a satisfying chewing experience.

How long does teething last in Yorkies?

Teething in Yorkies typically lasts for a few months, usually between 3-7 months of age. However, some puppies may show signs of teething for longer periods.

How do I know if my Yorkie’s chewing is a medical issue?

If your Yorkie’s chewing behavior is accompanied by other symptoms such as loss of appetite, lethargy, drooling, bad breath, or weight loss, it’s best to consult your veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

What are some signs of separation anxiety in Yorkies?

Signs of separation anxiety in Yorkies include excessive barking, howling, pacing, whining, trembling, destructive chewing, house soiling, and attempts to escape.

What if my Yorkie has already chewed on something dangerous?

If you suspect your Yorkie has chewed on something dangerous, such as a cord or a toxic substance, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately.

Can I train my Yorkie to stop chewing without using bitter apple spray?

Yes, you can effectively train your Yorkie to stop chewing without relying on bitter apple spray. Consistent training, redirection, and providing appropriate alternatives can be highly effective.

What are some other ways to prevent chewing?

In addition to the tips mentioned in the article, you can also try:

• Using baby gates: Baby gates can restrict your Yorkie’s access to certain areas of the house.
• Covering furniture with blankets or sheets: This can make furniture less appealing to chew.
• Playing calming music: Classical music or other calming sounds can help reduce anxiety and deter chewing.
• Using pheromone diffusers: Pheromone diffusers can create a calming environment for your Yorkie.