JMO but from experience, too, is that these are yorkie personality traits. When they exhibit fear of anything, such as the fire hydrant, you want to take them to it and show it to them up close and say it's all right. Whenever they exhibit unwarranted fear of something, don't baby them or you'll encourage them to be fearful. Just say it's all right and they'll learn as they get older. If the food bowl is aluminum, that could be the reason he is scared of it - perhaps the sound of the food against the metal is scaring him. If it is aluminum, you might want to try crockery. Just don't use plastic food or water bowls because they can get contact dermatitis. As far as the ball is concerned, I have to laugh here, because yorkies IMO and experience are quite possessive of their toys and do frequently dare you to try to get them. Just a game.