Yorkie Puppy (cont.)

Question
My six month old yorkie puppy will eat paper, batteries, tv remotes, shoes, articles of clothing, etc.  I am afraid that he will eventually get hold of something that will cause his to become ill, if he continues. Bitter Apple had no effect on him. I have used the drop it, leave it command with him, but most times, he will run away.  He will not come out when I call him with the object I am trying to get away from him.  Potty training has also been very difficult.  I let him out consistantly after feeding several times per day, and he comes back in the house and poops. My Multipoo is perfectly potty trained and Niles the Yorkie does not follow his example, as the vet says he should.  He also attacks the cat.  He is a real behavior problem and very stubborn, but also, extreamely smart.  He knows sit, stay, wait and a few other basic commands. but when he doesn't want to listen, he just won't.  What can I do???

Answer
The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts. Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog. Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones. You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/ For more on being top dog, see http://www.dogbreedinfo.com./topdogrules.htm

A mousetrap is very effective in making a dog leave something alone. Most dogs will stay away from anywhere they were surprised by a snap. The best part is that it is not you that is correcting the dog. It works whether you are around or not. The mousetrap is very patient and is always on task as long as you reset it.

Better than mousetraps when you aren't around is the crate. Other dogs may not be as bad as the young Labs I am plagued with. Still your house and dog will be much safer with the dog in a crate when you are away. The dog may be happier in its den than loose in the house. It relaxes, it feels safe in its den. It rests, the body slows down reducing the need for water and relieving its self. Dogs that have been crated all along do very well. Many of them will rest in their crates even when the door is open. I think the plastic ones give the dog more of a safe, enclosed den feeling. They are harder for dogs to open too. Metal ones can be put in a corner or covered with something the dog can't pull in and chew. Select a crate just big enough for the full grown dog to stretch out in.

Leave it some toys. Perhaps a Kong filled with peanut butter. Don't leave anything in the crate the dog might chew up. It will do fine without even any bedding. You will come home to a safe dog and a house you can enjoy.

A dog that has not been crated since it was little, make take some work. Start out just putting its toys and treats in the crate. Praise it for going in. If you have been able to trust it with any bedding, put that in the crate. Feed it in the crate. This is also an easy way to maintain order at feeding time for more than one dog.

Accidents and damaged possessions are the fault of whoever was watching the puppy. When you are watching it, immediately correct it as soon as it goes for anything except its own toys. In a quiet, but firm voice give it an ''Ah, ah, ah!''. Gently remove what ever and replace it with one of her toys, or if older, hold eye contact until the puppy drops it.

When you take him out, walk him around.  Walking stimulates the body.  They can only walk and hold it so long.  When he finally has his bowel movement, lavish praise on him.