I worship the ground that Cesar walks on. I've watched all of his shows, I own his books....BUT there are sometimes things that he does that I disagree with when it comes to tiny dogs. One, is the 8 weeks rule you mentioned. As others have pointed out, this is a GENERAL guideline. 8 weeks is not a good time for yorkies to leave their Mommy. Another thing that Cesar has done with little dogs that I disagree with is making a leash into a noose, and putting it around their neck. Anyone seen the Yorkie that would attack the ironing board? He actually suggested to the owner that she put this thick cord noose around the yorkies neck and step on it if he tried to run away. The dog was 4 lbs, same as my Missy....I would NEVER put a rope around her neck and then step on it. That could damage her trachea and then I end up with a $5000 dollar surgery, and you also have to pay for each ring that is placed in the trachea on top of that. NO THANKS! I think Cesar understands dog psychology perfectly. I love how he teaches to be alpha by matching the intensity of your dog and all of that, but it is NOT breed specific. As with all advice about dogs, you kind of have to pick and choose what parts will work for you and your dog. Which is also why I like Cesar, because he works with each dog differently. I also found that putting Missy on her back to stop the behaviour didn't help. It got her more excited, but ignoring her worked perfectly. Yorkies don't like to be ignored, they thrive on attention.
As others have pointed out, Rachel you are young, BUT that doesn't mean that you are stupid. I'm guessing that you haven't owned your own dog before. I'm glad that you got a puppy before having children, because MAN then you'll really be in for it
You REALLY can't take anything said on the internet too much to heart. This is a public online community. There are all sorts of people and personalities here. Each and every time you post, you open yourself up for support or criticism. Let the posts that offend you roll of your back, and listen to the advice that you feel will help you in your situation.
I remember when I brought Missy home at 7 weeks of age, I could tell it was too early (didn't know this before I got her, my previous dog I got at 6 weeks of age, but she was a rottweiler/lab). This is when I found YT. Anyways, I remember thinking around the 10 week mark that it would have been a better time for Missy to have left her Mommy. That's when things seemed to settle down a little. I personally feel 12 weeks is a bit late, but to each his own. However, I NEVER EVER felt frustrated with her, and I still haven't. That is probably why she's been such a little angel. You are already starting to notice that dogs feeds off of your energy, and she always will. This is how they work.
LOTS OF LUCK! Can I make one last suggestion? Maybe the next time you want to vent, just pick a few posters that you have bonded with and PM them privately for advice. I'm sure that you know by now who's advice you like the best.
Unless of course you like the drama, and it entertains you while you're at work.