Honestly, I am amazed that you're seeing progress so soon! That is absolutely super!
As for 'being notoriously hard to housetrain', I'm sorry but your little one is maybe a bit way beyond that. (or was!).
The only suggestions I can make at this point would be to try her on some probiotics (to help digestion) bc I don't understand why, when she's on a morning feed, she would be able to poop at night. The probiotics would give her system any tools she may be lacking and provide for total and complete digestion of her food, and I hope may help in regulating her BMs.
Nature's Farmacy - Store - Product Details I use this product ($13.95 for 8 oz) on my four and it lasts forever. They all have less issues with their tummies and diarrhea since I've had them on this product.
My final suggestion would be to sleep with her, preferably at night, but even if you could only do a nap during the day I really think it may help.
I know you've probably read where we all say Yorkies are different than other dogs. Part of the reason they are different is their ability and willingness to form a very strong bond with their humans.
Allowing her in your "den" at night would really help to establish or reinforce this bond.
Yorkies that are not allowed this type of intense bonding with their owners, I feel, are missing something vital in their lives, as are their owners.
I also realize that many people are totally against having a dog in their bed, and I guess I can understand it, but if they own a Yorkie... they are missing out on alot.
It would be showing her that she is an accepted member of the family. She may feel like an outcast being in the crate at night, and the pooping at night may be her way of 'acting out'. If you try this, and this ends up being what she needs... you may end up not having a problem at all!
The thing that leads me to believe this may be the answer is that you are, in effect, paying more attention to her, by having her on a strict schedule, and trying to learn her signals and watching her more. To her... this is all 'attention' or 'interaction'. (and it's working for her!) And because your vet gives her a clean bill of health, so there is no medical reason for her 'habits', I wonder if it is a bonding issue. Some Yorkies just need more of a connection to their owners than others.
If you're worried about her pooping in your bed, use an old comforter or something to ease your mind. Dogs try hard to avoid soiling the 'den'. She's not seeing the crate as 'her den'. The 'den' is where Mommie sleeps.
I am so happy that your are begining to see some improvement... especially so early into the training.
