[Hamoth]

First, I live alone in a two-bedroom apartment. Will a Yorkie be content in a small space? I plan on walks and frequent trips out of the home, but I worry that a dog would be MUCH happier with a yard ...

Any dog would be much happier with a yard...But that's not a reason to worry, Yokies are pretty good with apartments and should do just fine.

Also, I know Yorkies can be difficult to potty train. I plan on crate training and using pee pads (since I'm in an apartment.) Are they really that much more difficult than other breeds? I potty trained my mother's miniature American Eskimo with little problems, just a few accidents.

Plan for the worst, hope for the best...I can tell you are doing lots of good reasearch, and I commend your serious outlook on your future comitment. You will want to research a lot about potty training methods that you may or may not like, and be prepared to switch early on if you find that your pup just can't stand some thing you are doing.

Chewy potty trained very easily for a Yorkie. Bearing that in mind, we had quite a few cleanups along the way. I am given to understand that pads are often harder than out-door potty training. There will be lots of pee and poop to cleanup with a Yorkie for the first year. That's just part of the bargain.

Also, I was thinking of getting a playpen. Would this work as well as a crate? Will a playpen hold an older Yorkie? Will baby gates hold a Yorkie (my apartment has stairs). If I get a playpen, do I really need a crate?

I know that baby gates are very effective at restricting Chewy's movements. That said, he hates being gated off in the kitchen and will make you suffer if you do it, lol. Crates are HIGHLY useful.

Many of the neighbors in this community have dogs as well, some pretty large. How likely is a Yorkie to start a fight? I know they can be a bit rambunctious ...

Yorkies are no more prone to fight than any other dog. In fact, I'd say that they are less likely. I have seen some vicious and aggressive Yorkies, but that's usually due to a lack of propper socialization.

In a year, I will be moving about 30 minutes away to a house with my friend. The house will be fenced. Do you think it will be difficult to go from pee pad training to having a yard as well? Do you think a move (albeit small) will upset my Yorkie?

The move won't be so much of a problem. The switch in potty training might be though...You will probably be best off going with outdoor training from the outset. Walking down stairs (if this is remotely feasible) every couple of hours with your young pup. By the time they are 6 months, this will be every three or four hours. Then when you move, they will only need to go a few times a day.

What do ya'll suggest I do for socialization?

Puppy classes, hang out with other dog owners, introduce it to as many different kinds of people as possible and have them give your pup treats. Go to dog parks with your puppy.

While I'm at work, would puppy day care be a good idea or should I leave her home alone for about 6 hours?

For very young puppys, this seems too long to be alone to me.