It sounds like a classis "hot spot." Once a dog starts focusing on that one area to bite and chew, it's hard to break the habit. I've never had a dog with a hot spot but have friends who have. I understand it can be based in boredom, anxiety, etc. Is Apollo eft alone a lot during the day? Any specific fears or separation anxiety issues that you know of? Sometimes spraying on some bitter apple can help to distract him away from the spot and as you mentioned, trying to refocus his attention to something else is also a good idea. If the skin looks raw and reddened, I would definitely have him checked out at the vets; he might need some antibiotic or a brief course of steroids/anti-inflamatories. I had a friend who let his dog's hot spot go untreated/addressed for so long that the vet finally had to bandage that foot and then soft cast it to allow it to heal. When your brother gets home, suggest that he take Apollo in for a visit. I'm sure the vet will have some good advice! Let us know how Apollo's doing He's lucky to have such a caring and concerned auntie