Yorkie Chewing: The Ultimate Guide to Stopping Destructive Behavior

How to Stop My Yorkie From Chewing on Everything?

Dealing with a Yorkie puppy that chews on everything can be a real challenge. It’s important to understand that chewing is a normal behavior for puppies, but it can become a problem if it’s not redirected. Yorkies are known for their high energy levels and playful nature, and chewing is often their way of exploring the world around them.

Here are some tips to stop your Yorkie from chewing on everything:

1. Provide Acceptable Chew Toys

Offering a variety of safe and engaging chew toys is crucial. Yorkies love toys with different textures, shapes, and sounds. Choose toys that are specifically designed for chewing and are durable enough to withstand their enthusiastic chewing. Consider:

Rubber toys: These are great for teething puppies and come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Rope toys: These are fun to play with and help to clean your Yorkie’s teeth.
Kong toys: These are durable and can be filled with treats or peanut butter to keep your Yorkie entertained for longer periods.
Frozen chew toys: Freezing a wet washcloth or a Kong toy filled with peanut butter can provide a cooling sensation and help soothe sore gums.

2. Redirect Chewing Behavior

When you catch your Yorkie chewing on something inappropriate, immediately redirect their attention to an acceptable chew toy. Use a firm “No!” or “Stop!” command, then offer them a designated chew toy. Be consistent with this redirection and praise them when they choose the toy instead of the forbidden item. This helps them learn what is acceptable and what is not.

3. Train Your Yorkie with Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement training is a powerful tool for teaching your Yorkie appropriate behavior. Instead of punishing chewing, focus on rewarding good behavior. When you catch your Yorkie chewing on a designated toy, give them praise, treats, and petting. This will help them associate chewing on acceptable items with positive experiences.

4. Manage Your Yorkie’s Energy Levels

A tired Yorkie is less likely to chew destructively. Make sure your Yorkie gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. Daily walks, playtime in the yard, and interactive games can help expend their energy and reduce chewing.

5. Crate Training for Puppy Safety

Crate training can be an excellent way to prevent chewing when you’re not able to supervise your Yorkie. Choose a crate that is the right size for your puppy, allowing them to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Never use the crate as punishment, and gradually introduce your puppy to it. Remember, the crate should be a safe haven, not a place of confinement. If they are used to their crate, they will be less likely to be destructive when you leave them alone.

6. Prevent Access to Tempting Items

Keep tempting items out of reach. Put away anything that you don’t want your Yorkie to chew on, such as shoes, handbags, cords, and furniture. You may need to put delicate items in storage or invest in some baby gates to block off certain areas of your home.

7. Be Patient and Consistent

Training your Yorkie to stop chewing takes time and consistency. Be patient and don’t get discouraged if there are setbacks. Keep reinforcing good behavior and managing their environment to minimize opportunities for chewing. Over time, with consistency and patience, you can curb those destructive chewing habits.

How to Prevent Your Yorkie Puppy From Destroying Your Home?

Bringing home a Yorkie puppy is an exciting time, but it’s important to be prepared for their energetic and curious nature. Puppies are notorious for their destructive chewing habits, and it’s essential to take proactive steps to protect your home and teach them good behavior.

Here are some tips to help prevent your Yorkie puppy from destroying your home:

1. Puppy-Proof Your Home

Your home needs to be puppy-proofed before your Yorkie arrives. This means removing anything that could be dangerous or tempting for them to chew. This includes:

Electrical cords: Cover or tuck away any exposed cords. Chewing on cords can be dangerous and can cause electric shock.
Toxic plants: Identify and remove any toxic plants from your home. Research plants that are safe for dogs.
Cleaning supplies: Store all cleaning supplies out of reach. These can be poisonous to puppies if ingested.
Valuables: Put away items that you don’t want to be chewed on, like expensive shoes, handbags, or electronics.
Loose items: Secure any small items that could be a choking hazard, such as buttons, coins, or toys.

2. Start Crate Training Early

Crate training is an effective way to keep your puppy safe when you can’t supervise them. Choose a crate that is the right size for your puppy, allowing them to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Introduce the crate gradually, making it a positive experience with treats and praise. Crate training can help prevent your puppy from chewing on furniture and other items when you’re not home.

3. Set Up Designated Chewing Areas

Provide your puppy with designated chewing areas to help channel their chewing instincts. Set up a “puppy playpen” or a designated room with acceptable chew toys. This helps to restrict their access to areas of your home that you want to protect.

4. Supervise Your Puppy Closely

It’s important to supervise your puppy closely, especially when they are first learning the rules. You can’t expect them to understand what is acceptable chewing behavior overnight. Keep them on a leash or in a playpen when you can’t monitor them directly. This will help prevent destructive chewing and ensure their safety.

5. Provide Plenty of Exercise and Mental Stimulation

A tired puppy is less likely to engage in destructive behavior. Ensure your Yorkie gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. Take them for walks, play games with them, and provide them with interactive toys. This can help channel their energy in a positive way and reduce chewing.

6. Teach “Leave It” and “Drop It” Commands

Training your puppy to “leave it” and “drop it” can be extremely helpful in preventing destructive chewing. These commands teach them to stop chewing on forbidden items and release them when asked. Start with small, bite-sized treats and gradually increase the difficulty as your puppy learns the commands.

7. Be Consistent and Patient

Consistency is key when training your puppy to prevent destructive chewing. Be consistent with your rules and routines. Reward good behavior and redirect chewing behavior when necessary. It takes time for puppies to learn, so be patient and consistent in your efforts.

What Should I Do If My Yorkie Is Chewing on Furniture?

Chewing on furniture is a common problem for Yorkie owners, and it can be frustrating to deal with. If your Yorkie is chewing on furniture, it’s important to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage and teach them appropriate chewing habits.

Here are some tips to prevent furniture chewing in Yorkies:

1. Identify the Triggers

To address furniture chewing, you need to figure out what triggers the behavior. Is your Yorkie bored, anxious, or teething? Once you know the cause, you can address it effectively.

2. Provide Alternatives

Offer your Yorkie a variety of chew toys that are specifically designed for chewing. These toys should be durable, safe, and engaging. Make sure they are readily available and rotate them frequently to keep things interesting. This will help to redirect their chewing habits away from furniture.

3. Protect Your Furniture

In the meantime, you can protect your furniture from chewing by using furniture covers, sprays, or deterrents. Look for pet-safe deterrents that can be applied to furniture without harming your Yorkie. These deterrents often have a bitter taste that discourages chewing.

4. Train Your Yorkie With “Leave It” and “Drop It” Commands

Teach your Yorkie “leave it” and “drop it” commands to help them stop chewing on furniture. These commands can be extremely helpful in redirecting their chewing behavior. Start with small, bite-sized treats and gradually increase the difficulty as your puppy learns the commands.

5. Make Chewing on Furniture Unpleasant

If your Yorkie persists in chewing on furniture, you can make it an unpleasant experience. For example, you can use a spray bottle with water to discourage them. When you catch them chewing, spray them lightly with water. This will startle them and create a negative association with chewing on furniture.

6. Consider Professional Training

If you’re struggling to prevent your Yorkie from chewing on furniture, consider consulting a professional dog trainer. They can help you identify the underlying causes of the behavior and develop a training plan to address it.

How Can I Stop My Yorkie Puppy From Chewing on My Shoes?

Your Yorkie puppy’s fascination with your shoes can be both amusing and frustrating. Puppies have a natural urge to chew on things, and shoes often fall victim to their playful antics. However, you can take steps to curb this behavior and protect your footwear.

1. Keep Shoes Out of Reach

The best way to prevent your puppy from chewing on your shoes is to keep them out of reach. Store your shoes in a closet or on a high shelf where your puppy can’t access them. When you’re not wearing your shoes, put them away. This eliminates the temptation for them to chew.

2. Provide Acceptable Chew Toys

Offer your puppy a variety of safe and engaging chew toys. Make sure the toys are durable and appropriate for chewing. Consider toys made of rubber, rope, or nylon, as these are often more appealing to puppies. Rotating the toys regularly will keep them interested and less likely to be attracted to your shoes.

3. Redirect Chewing Behavior

If you catch your puppy chewing on your shoes, immediately redirect their attention to an acceptable chew toy. Use a firm “No!” or “Stop!” command and then offer them a designated chew toy. Be consistent with this redirection and praise them when they choose the toy instead of your shoes.

4. Train Your Puppy With “Leave It” and “Drop It” Commands

Teach your puppy “leave it” and “drop it” commands to help them stop chewing on your shoes. These commands can be extremely helpful in redirecting their chewing behavior. Start with small, bite-sized treats and gradually increase the difficulty as your puppy learns the commands.

5. Use Bitter Apple Spray

Bitter apple spray is a safe and effective deterrent for discouraging chewing. Spray your shoes with bitter apple spray. The bitter taste will deter your puppy from chewing on them.

6. Clean Up After Yourself

Make sure to clean up after yourself and put away your shoes whenever you’re not wearing them. Leaving shoes lying around will only tempt your puppy to chew on them.

7. Be Patient and Consistent

Training your puppy to stop chewing on your shoes takes time and consistency. Be patient and don’t get discouraged if there are setbacks. Keep reinforcing good behavior and managing their environment to minimize opportunities for chewing. Over time, with consistency and patience, you can curb those destructive chewing habits.

What Can I Do About My Yorkie’s Excessive Chewing?

Excessive chewing in Yorkies can be a sign of several underlying issues, including boredom, anxiety, teething, or a lack of mental stimulation. If your Yorkie is chewing excessively, it’s important to identify the cause and address it appropriately.

1. Provide Plenty of Exercise and Mental Stimulation

A tired Yorkie is less likely to chew excessively. Ensure your Yorkie gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. Take them for walks, play games with them, and provide them with interactive toys. This can help channel their energy in a positive way and reduce chewing.

2. Consider a Puzzle Feeder

Puzzle feeders are great for providing mental stimulation and can help reduce chewing. These feeders require your Yorkie to work for their food, which can be mentally stimulating and satisfying.

3. Address Any Underlying Anxiety

If your Yorkie’s chewing is related to anxiety, consider consulting with a veterinarian or certified dog trainer. They can help you identify the source of the anxiety and recommend ways to manage it, such as training or medication.

4. Provide a Safe Chewing Space

Create a safe and designated chewing space for your Yorkie. This could be a crate, a playpen, or a specific area of your home. Make sure this space is filled with acceptable chew toys and is free of any dangerous items.

5. Keep Your Yorkie Busy

Give your Yorkie plenty of things to do to keep them busy. This could include interactive toys, puzzle feeders, training sessions, or even simply spending quality time with you. The more engaged your Yorkie is, the less likely they are to engage in destructive chewing.

6. Be Patient and Consistent

Addressing excessive chewing takes time and consistency. Be patient and don’t get discouraged if there are setbacks. Keep reinforcing good behavior and managing their environment to minimize opportunities for chewing. Over time, with consistency and patience, you can curb those destructive chewing habits.

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

Yorkies, especially puppies, have a habit of nibbling on hands and fingers. While it might seem cute at first, it can become a problem if it’s not addressed. Biting can hurt, and it can also be a sign of aggression or anxiety. Here are some tips to stop your Yorkie from chewing on your hands:

1. Don’t Encourage Biting

Avoid encouraging your Yorkie to bite your hands by playing games that involve nibbling or chewing. If you notice your Yorkie nibbling on your hands during playtime, stop the game immediately. Don’t give them attention or praise when they bite.

2. Use a Firm “No!” Command

When your Yorkie bites your hand, use a firm “No!” command to discourage the behavior. You can also gently push their mouth away from your hand. Be consistent with this response so your Yorkie learns to associate biting with a negative outcome.

3. Redirect to a Chew Toy

After using a firm “No!” command, redirect your Yorkie’s attention to a chew toy. Offer them a designated chew toy and praise them when they chew on the toy instead of your hands.

4. Teach Bite Inhibition

Teach your Yorkie bite inhibition by gently yelping or squeaking like a puppy when they bite too hard. This simulates the pain that they would feel if they were biting another puppy too hard. Then, immediately withdraw your hand and ignore them for a few seconds. This will help them learn to control their bite strength.

5. Don’t Let Them Get Away with Biting

Be consistent in your response to biting. Don’t let your Yorkie get away with biting your hands, even if it’s just a little nibble. If you allow it to happen, they will learn that it’s acceptable behavior.

6. Consider Professional Training

If you’re struggling to stop your Yorkie from chewing on your hands, consider seeking help from a professional dog trainer. They can provide guidance on training techniques and help address any underlying issues that may be contributing to the behavior.

How Do I Stop My Yorkie From Chewing on Everything When I’m Not Home?

It can be challenging to prevent your Yorkie from chewing on everything when you’re not home. However, there are strategies you can employ to minimize destructive chewing and keep your home safe.

1. Crate Training

Crate training can be a great solution for preventing chewing when you’re not home. Choose a crate that is the right size for your Yorkie, allowing them to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Introduce the crate gradually, making it a positive experience with treats and praise. When used correctly, the crate can provide a safe and secure space for your Yorkie when you’re not there.

2. Puppy-Proof Your Home

Before you leave, make sure your home is puppy-proofed. Remove or secure anything that could be tempting for your Yorkie to chew on. This includes electrical cords, valuable items, and anything that could be a choking hazard.

3. Provide Enough Exercise and Mental Stimulation

A tired Yorkie is less likely to engage in destructive chewing. Before you leave, make sure your Yorkie has had ample exercise and mental stimulation. Take them for a walk, play games, or provide them with interactive toys to tire them out.

4. Leave Acceptable Chew Toys

Leave a variety of safe and engaging chew toys available for your Yorkie. These toys should be durable, appealing, and appropriate for chewing. Consider toys made of rubber, rope, or nylon. Make sure the toys are readily available and rotated frequently to keep your Yorkie entertained.

5. Use a Doggy Daycare or Dog Walker

If you’re gone for long periods, consider using a doggy daycare or hiring a dog walker. This will provide your Yorkie with socialization, exercise, and mental stimulation, which can reduce destructive chewing.

6. Consider a Pet Sitter

Hiring a pet sitter can provide your Yorkie with companionship and attention while you’re away. A pet sitter can also provide basic care, such as feeding, watering, and taking your Yorkie out for bathroom breaks, which can help to reduce chewing.

7. Be Patient and Consistent

Preventing chewing when you’re not home takes time and consistency. Be patient and don’t get discouraged if there are setbacks. Keep reinforcing good behavior and managing their environment to minimize opportunities for chewing. Over time, with consistency and patience, you can curb those destructive chewing habits.

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

It’s common for Yorkies to have a fascination with clothes, and it can be frustrating to find your favorite shirt or pants shredded by your furry friend. While chewing on clothes is a normal behavior for puppies, it’s important to address it to prevent damage and teach them appropriate chewing habits.

1. Keep Clothes Out of Reach

The most effective way to prevent chewing on clothes is to keep them out of reach. Store your clothes in a closet or on a high shelf where your Yorkie can’t access them. When you’re not wearing your clothes, put them away. This eliminates the temptation for them to chew.

2. Provide Acceptable Chew Toys

Offer your Yorkie a variety of safe and engaging chew toys. Make sure the toys are durable and appropriate for chewing. Consider toys made of rubber, rope, or nylon, as these are often more appealing to puppies. Rotating the toys regularly will keep them interested and less likely to be attracted to your clothes.

3. Redirect Chewing Behavior

If you catch your Yorkie chewing on your clothes, immediately redirect their attention to an acceptable chew toy. Use a firm “No!” or “Stop!” command and then offer them a designated chew toy. Be consistent with this redirection and praise them when they choose the toy instead of your clothes.

4. Train Your Puppy With “Leave It” and “Drop It” Commands

Teach your Yorkie “leave it” and “drop it” commands to help them stop chewing on your clothes. These commands can be extremely helpful in redirecting their chewing behavior. Start with small, bite-sized treats and gradually increase the difficulty as your puppy learns the commands.

5. Use Bitter Apple Spray

Bitter apple spray is a safe and effective deterrent for discouraging chewing. Spray your clothes with bitter apple spray. The bitter taste will deter your puppy from chewing on them.

6. Be Patient and Consistent

Training your Yorkie to stop chewing on your clothes takes time and consistency. Be patient and don’t get discouraged if there are setbacks. Keep reinforcing good behavior and managing their environment to minimize opportunities for chewing. Over time, with consistency and patience, you can curb those destructive chewing habits.

How to Stop My Yorkie From Chewing on My Hands?

1. Don’t Encourage Biting

2. Use a Firm “No!” Command

3. Redirect to a Chew Toy

After using a firm “No!” command, redirect your Yorkie’s attention to a chew toy. Offer them a designated chew toy and praise them when they chew on the toy instead of your hands.

4. Teach Bite Inhibition

5. Don’t Let Them Get Away with Biting

6. Consider Professional Training

How to Keep My Yorkie From Chewing on My Couch?

Yorkies, especially puppies, are notorious for chewing on furniture, and couches are a prime target for their destructive behavior. However, with a little patience and consistency, you can train your Yorkie to leave your couch alone.

1. Cover Your Couch

To protect your couch from chewing, you can use a couch cover. Choose a durable, machine-washable cover that is made of a material that your Yorkie won’t be able to chew through.

2. Provide Acceptable Chew Toys

3. Redirect Chewing Behavior

If you catch your Yorkie chewing on your couch, immediately redirect their attention to an acceptable chew toy. Use a firm “No!” or “Stop!” command and then offer them a designated chew toy. Be consistent with this redirection and praise them when they choose the toy instead of your couch.

4. Train Your Puppy With “Leave It” and “Drop It” Commands

Teach your Yorkie “leave it” and “drop it” commands to help them stop chewing on your couch. These commands can be extremely helpful in redirecting their chewing behavior. Start with small, bite-sized treats and gradually increase the difficulty as your puppy learns the commands.

5. Use Bitter Apple Spray

Bitter apple spray is a safe and effective deterrent for discouraging chewing. Spray your couch with bitter apple spray. The bitter taste will deter your puppy from chewing on it.

6. Be Patient and Consistent

Training your Yorkie to stop chewing on your couch takes time and consistency. Be patient and don’t get discouraged if there are setbacks. Keep reinforcing good behavior and managing their environment to minimize opportunities for chewing. Over time, with consistency and patience, you can curb those destructive chewing habits.

Summary Table:

Problem	Solution
Chewing on everything	Provide acceptable chew toys, redirect chewing behavior, train with positive reinforcement, manage energy levels, crate train, prevent access to tempting items.
Destroying your home	Puppy-proof your home, start crate training early, set up designated chewing areas, supervise closely, provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, teach “Leave It” and “Drop It” commands.
Chewing on furniture	Identify the triggers, provide alternatives, protect your furniture, train with “Leave It” and “Drop It” commands, make chewing unpleasant, consider professional training.
Chewing on shoes	Keep shoes out of reach, provide acceptable chew toys, redirect chewing behavior, train with “Leave It” and “Drop It” commands, use bitter apple spray, clean up after yourself.
Excessive chewing	Provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, consider a puzzle feeder, address any underlying anxiety, provide a safe chewing space, keep your Yorkie busy.
Chewing on hands	Don’t encourage biting, use a firm “No!” command, redirect to a chew toy, teach bite inhibition, don’t let them get away with biting, consider professional training.
Chewing when you’re not home	Crate train, puppy-proof your home, provide enough exercise and mental stimulation, leave acceptable chew toys, use a doggy daycare or dog walker, consider a pet sitter.
Chewing on clothes	Keep clothes out of reach, provide acceptable chew toys, redirect chewing behavior, train with “Leave It” and “Drop It” commands, use bitter apple spray.
Chewing on the couch	Cover your couch, provide acceptable chew toys, redirect chewing behavior, train with “Leave It” and “Drop It” commands, use bitter apple spray.

FAQ

What age does a Yorkie puppy stop chewing?

Yorkie puppies typically stop chewing as much as they get older, around 6 to 12 months old, but some may continue to chew on occasion throughout their lives. However, you can reduce chewing behaviors with proper training, exercise, and enrichment.

Is it normal for a Yorkie to chew on everything?

Yes, it’s normal for Yorkie puppies to chew on everything. Chewing is a natural behavior for puppies as they explore the world around them and relieve teething pain. It’s important to redirect their chewing behavior to acceptable items and provide them with appropriate chew toys.

How long should I crate train my Yorkie puppy?

Crate training is often a temporary solution for puppies, and the length of time will depend on your Yorkie’s age and development. Typically, you can start to wean your puppy off crate training when they are reliably house-trained and no longer need overnight supervision.

What are some good chew toys for Yorkies?

Yorkies love toys with different textures, shapes, and sounds. Consider rubber toys, rope toys, Kong toys, and frozen chew toys. Be sure to choose toys that are durable and safe for chewing.

Can I give my Yorkie a bone to chew on?

While bones can be tempting, they are not always safe for dogs. Rawhide bones can be a choking hazard, and cooked bones can splinter and cause injury. Consider safer alternatives like rubber toys or Kong toys.

What if my Yorkie is chewing on my hands or feet?

If your Yorkie is chewing on your hands or feet, it’s important to address the behavior promptly. Avoid encouraging biting, use a firm “No!” command, redirect to a chew toy, teach bite inhibition, and don’t let them get away with biting. If you’re struggling to stop this behavior, consider seeking help from a professional dog trainer.

What if my Yorkie is chewing on my clothes?

If your Yorkie is chewing on your clothes, keep clothes out of reach, provide acceptable chew toys, redirect chewing behavior, train with “Leave It” and “Drop It” commands, and use bitter apple spray.

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