[QuickSilver]

Dog training is not an either/or. It's very possible that previously this dog WAS spoiled and untrained. However, that does not mean that he needs military discipline. It just means he's untaught. It's perfectly possible to train dogs with positive-only methods.

As others have said, yorkies can have tremendous difficulty with potty training. This can frustrate even the most gentle souls, so really consider if you have the patience to work on this for months. Literally, months. Take a look at the Training section, that has dozens of potty training threads.

Also consider that border collies are genius dogs. I volunteer as a dog walker, and there is a world of difference between a smart large breed dog and some of the not-so-smart little dogs. A Labrador will usually figure out that he should sit at street corners after one or two tries. Some small dogs don't grasp that for months, or ever.

To be honest, I'm not sure why it bothers you that he wants to be near you when he eats. Put his bowl down and read a magazine for 15 minutes. As long as you are giving him a good quality food, he will eventually eat it, though again, maybe without as much gusto as the large dogs you are used to.

Yorkies are known for being exceptionally attached dogs, and absolutely cannot be treated as outside dogs. One, because they will be miserable, and two, because they are easy prey. Owls have been known to try to take dogs as heavy as 14lbs.