[YorkieMother]

WOW I like what I am reading so far with the suggestion to look at clicker solutions .... Way to go your guys and taking things Gentle.

Ok sadly I think the best course of action is to bite the bullet and get someone hands and eyes on at least to start.
They should be able to set you up in a program and guide you from there.
Clicker solutions has a trainers list and one should be in your area and if you say it a rescue you may just get a deal.
Peaceable paws and Pat Millar be a suggestion to reach out an chat with.
Seminars where your dog can be the demo dog the teacher uses is a great way to get help and a life line for life.
Just watch who you are going to gentle only for fearful dogs... ok any dog but especially socialization challenged little ones.

Do not try to break with force you will end up with a dog that is already afraid being afraid of you so slow and stead and extremely gentle.
He been taught that Humans are bad and are not to be trusted and pushing him around will prove it and you will loose any chance of reaching him.
Anther thought look up the K9 Aggression support sight and see if the link is there for support.
It also has a ton of info on how to help.

Vet run as well is needed you need a thyroid check, teeth, hips and all joints as well as eyes and ears.
Ears aches make them cranky as all get out.
If in pain they will bite. if not seeing well they will bite. if the thyroid is off they will be grumpy.
make sure his food is lamb and low protein as carbs/sugar slows and calms dogs.

Last give him some time to settle in he just had his whole life tossed upside down and he got more freedom and info coming into that brain then he has ever had so he over whelmed.

Get some great off the wall social treats and toss them to him and see if he like to make contact with you as you sit on the floor.

As for potty training this boy may do better with a pee pad see if you can find a frame so he can not shred them slowly moved from inside to out side and no grabbing and running.
Also try to find a DAP diffuser it can help him settle down by putting pheromones in the air.
As for getting off things try luring you get off I give you a treat... ahh yous say that bride yes it is but it the start of clicker work and also treats will come to an end.
So lure off and say yes.... that yes or click should be loaded first so that he knows treat comes after the yes. Then lure off say yes and treat. and do this every time he gets on something you do not want him on.
Now once he seems to start moving off the couch you can add the word off.
Yes and treat. then off is used as the cue word to get off the couch and you have not touched him... with allergies they are very sensitive to touch so hands off is best.
Swapping things he was and should not you again take the treat and switch.. here is the treat if you give me that... you need to work on swapping things he likes even a toy for the stolen item.
Muzzles are not a bad thing while working on gaining his trust but you can not back him into the corner and slap one one unless it an emergency. You have to on and off and desensitize slowly and I am not sure he up to you being that close yet.
the other thing I would suggest is a haltie and collar set up for walking for now.
This dog is not trying to run the world he is scared the worlds never been anything but hurtful and he knows so little about it it is all very worrying to him. He needs love and time and attention and gentle.

Books

On Talking Terms with Dogs by Tuird Rugass
Click for Calm by Emma Parsons
The Other end of the Leash by Patricia McConnell
Click for Joy by Melissa Alexander
Control Unleashed By Leslie McDewitt
The Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson

I live with an aggressive little one and I know the effort it takes to keep them alive. I strongly suggest finding someone that can mentor you close to home as this will be a big learning event and that may be the trainer you reach out and to.

JL