I wouldn't be tossing the dummy over this, as I think its better to give up comfort items as a "growing up stage" not as a punishment IMO. It would be like removing night time snuggles because he was naughty, quite a big punishment IMO, and one that doesn't fit the crime. I personally would go and sit with him and talk to him as Nessa suggests. Still keep doggy out of reach (on top of the fridge or something so its still visable to him). I like to these situations as an opportunity to communicate, or show them how to communicate through you explaining how you feel, and to offer an analogy he might understand. To a 26 month old a hard drive would look like a funny little box, and would be hard for them to see how it could be so important. I dunno just my thoughts.