The destroyer Yorkie

Question
QUESTION: I have a 6.5 month old yorkie who lately started showing some behavioral problems. I usually walk him twice a day (before I go to work in the morning and when I come back), he stays home in my living room while I am at work. He is trained to go on the pads when I am not there, or when he is at home. He was very clean and I had no issues, but lately every time I come back from work the pads are torn into pieces and are scattered all over the room, he chews on my shoes and any paper he finds around, he pees on the floor and the whole place is a mess.... I tried scolding him a few times, but it does not work... What can I do?

ANSWER: Is he neutered? He's likely bored. NO point in scolding him after the fact, he has no idea why you're doing it. He will relate that to whatever he did last and not what he did two hours ago. Try getting him some toys that you can stuff treats inside. Yorkies are terriers and need LOTS of exercise. The more the better. Play with him pretty strenuously a couple of times a week until he is REALLY tired. Change his toys around every couple of days so that he doesn't get bored. Leave a tv on where he can see it. Believe it or not that helps immensely
Good luck
Cindi

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I do leave him toys to play with, but I guess I should get some more :-) I will leave the TV on next time.

He is not neutered. Would this make any difference? I was kinda hoping to have some puppies later on... :) Until what age can Yorkies be neutered?

Thank you for your advice

Answer
Hi
Neutering might make a difference. But honestly most of this is out of boredom and  lack of exercise. Walk him! Play hard with him. Switch his toys out often and give him one's that challenge him. As I suggested, treat stuffed toys that he has to work to remove the treats from. A playmate is always a great idea too, kitten or puppy :). You can neuter at any age but the earlier the better is optimal for behavior modification.
Merry Christmas!
Cindi