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Originally Posted by Maximo  I admit that these little ones have challenged me in ways that no large dog ever has. This is what I believe makes them almost like humans. They are a handful, sort of like human babies. They require a lot of work. |
You forgot to mention their terrier attitudes that make them stubborn and hard to train. (at times) Gotta love them!
OP, I agree with everyone else's advice. From your post it is clear that you are stressed out and have no clue how to deal with this dog. At least your girlfriend doesn't. You have the right idea of wanting to put the little yorkie girl on a schedule. I believe most of us do. I truly believe that having a dog is something that shouldn't be done on a whim. I know the yorkie's cute face draws anyone in. BUT, if proper research is done, a potential dog owner will know how to handle the ups and downs of training these little stinkers.
The dog in question though has a sad life. No real human companionship, she feels unloved by the both of you, and really has no where else to turn or go to for love, companionship, entertainment, or anything. I feel as though you and your girlfriend have only 2 options.
1) Start over, clean slate with this pup. OP, you have to change your attitude and your girlfriend has to change hers in order to have some positive result with this dog. You have to get rid of your negative attitude, and she has to see her dog for what she is; a living breathing creature with wants and needs just like we do. A schedule is fine and dandy, but her living quarters have to change dramatically too. Both of you have to make time for play and stimulation. To me it seems like you want to wipe your hands clean of this dog by claiming it is not yours. WRONG! If you marry your girlfriend, she comes with the dog. If you live with them, you are responsible for her behavior as well.
2) Find a reputable yorkie rescue and surrender her. Please don't take her to any city shelter or humane society. The yorkie rescue will work with her to help her get past these issues then find her an appropriate home. If ever either of you want a dog in the future, thoroughly research the breed and breeder before taking the plunge.
Oh, and before you think that I'm an experienced dog person, I'm a first time dog owner. Never had a dog before in my life. My little boy is my first dog and he came with the same issues your describing in your post. He has anxiety issues, and was an overall weird little man. I'm young (25) and had researched this breed for a very long time before diving in. My boy is very well behaved. He has a potty pad in the bathroom and will go as far as scratching the door to be let in, or finding any human to change it for him if it's dirty. My boyfriend is just like you. He has 5 dogs at home who are nasty little things, but wipes his hands clean of them saying they are his dad's/mom's/sister's dogs, so he won't train them. His living room is a giant bathroom for the dogs. It is so disgusting, I hate going to visit. But he loves my little boy. At my home he plays and interacts with Kaji (my pup) following the training and schedule I have in place. It is harmonious and I've heard him say how he wishes his dogs were as pleasant to be with as mine. It wasn't easy to get my little boy to where he is now, but it can be done.
Sorry for the long winded response. Before I'm officially done, have your girlfriend come and see what other yorkie owners think and say. Maybe it'll help both of you make a decision. Good luck to you.