The Ultimate Guide to Preventing Your Yorkie from Chewing Furniture

Yorkies are known for their playful and energetic personalities. While this is endearing, it can also lead to destructive behaviors, especially when it comes to chewing furniture. Chewing can be a frustrating experience for both you and your Yorkie. It not only damages your furniture, but it can also be dangerous for your furry friend. Luckily, with the right approach, you can prevent your Yorkie from chewing on your furniture and create a harmonious environment for everyone. This guide will explore common causes of chewing, provide effective solutions, and equip you with the tools to address this behavior.

Let’s delve into the world of Yorkie chewing, discover the reasons behind it, and explore practical strategies to keep your furniture intact while maintaining a happy and healthy Yorkie.

Why Do Yorkies Chew Furniture?

Understanding the underlying reasons for chewing is the first step to preventing it. Yorkies chew for a variety of reasons, including:

• Teething: Puppyhood is a time of intense teething, where Yorkies experience discomfort and an urge to chew.
• Boredom: When Yorkies are left alone for extended periods without enough mental and physical stimulation, they may resort to chewing to relieve boredom.
• Anxiety: Separation anxiety, noise phobia, or general stress can lead to destructive chewing as a way of releasing pent-up energy.
• Attention Seeking: Some Yorkies may chew as a way to get your attention, especially if they feel neglected or ignored.
• Hunger: If your Yorkie is not getting enough food or treats, they may turn to chewing furniture to satisfy their hunger.

It’s crucial to address the underlying cause of chewing to effectively prevent it.

How to Stop Your Yorkie From Chewing Furniture

Now that we understand why Yorkies chew, let’s explore effective strategies to put an end to this behavior:

• Provide Chew Toys: Offer a variety of chew toys that are safe and stimulating for your Yorkie. Rotate the toys regularly to keep things interesting and prevent boredom.
• Redirect Chewing: When you catch your Yorkie chewing on furniture, firmly say “No!” and immediately redirect their attention to an appropriate chew toy. Offer praise and a treat when they start chewing on the toy instead.
• Supervise Your Yorkie: When you can’t actively supervise your Yorkie, consider crating them or confining them to a safe area where they can’t access furniture. This prevents unsupervised chewing and keeps them safe.
• Train Your Yorkie: Use positive reinforcement training techniques to teach your Yorkie “Leave it” or “Off” commands. This will help them understand what is acceptable and unacceptable to chew on.
• Make Furniture Less Appealing: Apply bitter-tasting sprays or covers to furniture to make them less appealing to chew. Consider using furniture protectors like covers or slipcovers.

Consistency is key. The more you reinforce these strategies, the quicker your Yorkie will learn to avoid chewing on furniture.

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

Shoes are particularly tempting for Yorkies because they often carry the scent of their owners, making them irresistible. Here are some tips to deter your Yorkie from nibbling on your footwear:

• Keep Shoes Out of Reach: Store your shoes in a closet, shoe rack, or other designated area where your Yorkie cannot access them.
• Provide Shoe-Specific Chew Toys: Give your Yorkie a designated “shoe” chew toy, such as a rubber or nylon shoe-shaped toy. This can redirect their chewing urges onto an acceptable object.
• Use Deterrents: Apply bitter-tasting sprays or rubs to your shoes to make them unappealing to chew. You can also try placing dryer sheets inside your shoes to deter chewing.
• Train the “Leave It” Command: Teach your Yorkie the “Leave it” command, and use it consistently when they go near your shoes. This will help them learn to avoid your shoes altogether.

Be patient and consistent with your training. It may take time for your Yorkie to learn to leave your shoes alone.

How to Stop My Yorkie From Chewing on My Hands?

Chewing on hands can be a playful behavior, but it can quickly become irritating and even painful. Here’s how to handle this situation:

• Discourage Playful Bites: If your Yorkie nips your hands during playtime, immediately stop the game and give them a time-out. This teaches them that biting results in the loss of fun.
• Offer Alternative Toys: When your Yorkie wants to play, provide them with appropriate toys that they can chew on instead of your hands. This can be a rope toy, a rubber ball, or even a stuffed animal.
• Ignore the Behavior: If your Yorkie is chewing on your hands for attention, try ignoring them completely. Don’t give them any reaction, positive or negative. This may help them realize that chewing on your hands doesn’t get them what they want.
• Train “Leave It”: The “Leave It” command is a valuable tool for stopping chewing on hands. Teach your Yorkie this command and reinforce it consistently.

Remember, consistency and patience are key to success. Be firm but gentle, and don’t give in to your Yorkie’s demands for attention through chewing.

How to Stop My Yorkie From Chewing on My Furniture When I’m Not Home?

When you’re not home, it’s essential to create an environment that discourages chewing on furniture. Here’s how:

• Crate Training: Consider crate training your Yorkie. A crate provides a safe and secure space for them to rest and relax, and it also prevents them from accessing furniture when you’re away.
• Provide Enrichment: Leave your Yorkie with stimulating toys, puzzle feeders, or interactive games to keep them entertained and engaged. This can prevent boredom and the urge to chew on furniture.
• Consider a Dog Walker: If you have a long workday, a dog walker can provide much-needed exercise and mental stimulation for your Yorkie. This can help to tire them out and make them less likely to chew on furniture.

By creating a safe, stimulating, and structured environment for your Yorkie, you can help prevent destructive chewing while you’re away.

What Are Some Good Chew Toys For Yorkies?

Offering the right chew toys is essential for redirecting your Yorkie’s chewing impulses. Here are some great choices for Yorkies:

• Rubber Toys: These come in various shapes and sizes, are durable, and can withstand vigorous chewing.
• Nylon Chew Toys: Strong and long-lasting, nylon toys are designed for tough chewers.
• Rope Toys: Yorkies love to tug on rope toys, and they can also help to clean their teeth.
• Kong Toys: These durable toys can be stuffed with treats or peanut butter, keeping your Yorkie entertained and occupied for longer periods.
• Frozen Chew Toys: Freezing a rubber or nylon chew toy filled with peanut butter or a healthy treat can provide a long-lasting, refreshing chewing experience.

It’s important to supervise your Yorkie with chew toys to ensure they don’t break off any pieces and ingest them. Regularly replace toys that become damaged or worn out.

What Can I Do If My Yorkie Keeps Chewing on Furniture Despite My Efforts?

If your Yorkie continues to chew on furniture despite your best efforts, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian or a certified dog trainer. They can help determine the underlying cause of the chewing and recommend a personalized behavior modification plan.

Possible reasons for persistent chewing include:

• Medical Condition: A medical condition, such as anxiety, boredom, or pain, might be contributing to the chewing behavior.
• Underlying Fear: Your Yorkie might be chewing out of fear or anxiety, such as separation anxiety or fear of loud noises.
• Lack of Training: If you haven’t consistently trained your Yorkie to “Leave it” or “Off,” they might not fully understand what behaviors are acceptable.

A professional can help you identify the root cause and address it effectively.

How to Prevent Your Yorkie From Chewing on Furniture: A Table Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal for Yorkies to chew?

Yes, it is normal for Yorkies to chew, especially during puppyhood. Chewing is a natural instinct for dogs, and it helps them to explore their environment, relieve stress, and clean their teeth. However, it’s essential to redirect their chewing to appropriate chew toys and teach them what is acceptable to chew on.

What if my Yorkie is chewing on furniture because of anxiety?

If you suspect your Yorkie is chewing on furniture due to anxiety, consult with a veterinarian or certified dog trainer. They can help you identify the source of anxiety and develop a plan to address it. Strategies might include:

• Training: Desensitization and counter-conditioning techniques to help your Yorkie cope with anxiety-provoking situations.
• Medication: In some cases, medication may be recommended to help manage anxiety.
• Environmental Enrichment: Creating a calming and predictable environment to reduce stress levels.

How can I make sure my Yorkie isn’t chewing on furniture when I’m gone?

Providing your Yorkie with a safe and enriching environment is crucial when you’re away. Consider these tips:

• Crate training: This provides a secure space to prevent access to furniture.
• Enrichment toys: Offer puzzle feeders or interactive games to keep them mentally stimulated and engaged.
• Dog walker: A dog walker can provide exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom.

These steps can help reduce the urge to chew on furniture when you’re not home.

Can I stop my Yorkie from chewing on furniture by using a spray bottle?

While a spray bottle might temporarily startle your Yorkie and stop them from chewing in that moment, it’s not a sustainable or effective solution. A spray bottle can create a negative association with furniture and may even cause anxiety or fear in your Yorkie. It’s best to use positive reinforcement techniques and redirect their chewing to appropriate toys.

Is it okay to punish my Yorkie for chewing on furniture?

Punishing your Yorkie for chewing on furniture is not recommended. Punishment can create fear and anxiety, leading to behavioral issues. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement strategies, such as redirecting their chewing to toys, offering praise, and rewarding good behavior.

What if my Yorkie is chewing on furniture because they’re bored?

If you think boredom is the cause of your Yorkie’s chewing, provide them with plenty of mental and physical stimulation. This includes:

• Exercise: Regular walks, playtime, and agility training can help to tire them out.
• Interactive toys: Puzzle feeders, treat-dispensing toys, and interactive games can keep them engaged and entertained.
• Training sessions: Training sessions provide mental stimulation and strengthen the bond between you and your Yorkie.

How often should I replace my Yorkie’s chew toys?

It’s recommended to replace chew toys when they become damaged or worn out. This prevents your Yorkie from ingesting small pieces of the toy, which can be harmful. Regularly inspect their toys for any signs of damage or wear and tear.