Yorkie is hunting way too much/jaw bounces

[angie65]

I have a Yorkie and she is killing baby squirrels, rabbits etc that run into our back yard!! I know they were used to hunt rats way back when, but I hate this killing! She will get so excited when she has done this and I have tacken the animal away from her and scolded her. Her bottom jaw is just bouncing/quivering away. what is going on with this dogs jaw, and anyone have idea on how to stop the killing?

[bradl]

Supervision and/or diversion are the usual approaches. Some dogs have a strong expression of their nature and unless given a different job to do - one that is incompatible with the job you wish them to stop doing - they will pursue their interests so long as the environment permits. That's why the other approach is to control their environment (fences, gates, leashes, etc.).

I've seen the chattering jaw on a number of occasions, although not the specific one you describe. Our male chatters after tasting the urine of our eldest female he almost always tracks her path around the yard if he comes out after she's been out. No clue what he's thinking or doing, but there you have it.

[Xonk]

We've had 2 of our male Chessies do the chattering jaw thing. They'd only exhibit this when they smelled urine from a female in season. The 1st fella was neutered and never exhibited it again.

Sorry I can't offer much input on the "hunting small prey" issue! Good luck!

[sheila and Misty]

havent had the chance to train Toby yet-but I have Misty to the point where I tell her good girl if she catches something -then I lure her(dont chase) with a treat and she hands me the bird shaken up but unharmed and she gets a reward for not killing it. then I calm the animal down and release it. so far Ive had god results. we will see what this year brings-hoping Toby will follow the lead. Its alot of work but its worth it to me make a HUGE deal when they bring it to you unharmed.

[Sam I Am]

I dont know, can you take the hunter out of the Cairn? Or any terrier for that matter. They just seem so hard wired and bred for years and years to hunt small prey. It is tough to see no doubt, but I agree with bradl, fences & gates.