..."I know we've been very slack about watching him all the time. I keep telling my husband that we need to keep one eye on him at all times and if we can't, he has to be contained to one little area. My husband hates to do that, though, and doesn't want a dog that's always gated somewhere. I keep trying to tell him that I don't want that either, but for now, it's what's best for him and us and that it won't be like that forever (hopefully). But we just don't do it. I know I need to take a stand and gate him into his play area when we aren't watching him constantly, but I just don't."
I am not trying to be rude or judgemental, but honestly when I read your post a portion copied above I got very upset for your Yorkie...the problem is not the Yorkie but the Owners!!! YES an 8 month old PUPPY needs to be contained that's part of the housetraining process!! You and your husband are getting upset at a dog acting LIKE A DOG!! You are the problem because you are not containing nor giving proper training to your dog. PLEASE READ Before and After Getting Your Puppy by Ian Dunbar it discusses crate training, how to NEVER have tiolet or chewing issues BECAUSE YOU TAKE PROACTIVE (NOT REACTIVE) STEPS AND PREVENT THEM FROM HAPPENING.
If you and your husband don't want to take the time to train your puppy then definitely rehome him with someone who will. I know I sound harsh but I am really ticked off for that INNOCENT Puppy!!
p.s. Regardless of how old your dog is he should NEVER have total complete unsupervised free rein of your home, both for his protection and to prevent damage... would you give a 2 year old human child unsupervise complete free rein of your home??? NO! Why a dog or puppy then???