[Yorkiemom1]

Originally Posted by Mer4ever

Hi,

Lots of great advice here! In addition, I would suggest finding a great trainer to work with, someone who really focuses on what is going on with the dog emotionally and is not just trying to teach him/her tricks. Our trainer has been great in helping us integrate our puppies into the lives of our extended family, their kids, and their pets. We just did a family vacation together in one house with 10 people and four dogs, ranging in size from 4.5lbs to 90llbs (the dogs that is) and thanks to the trainer, all went well!

I know that living in a two bedroom apartment is not the same. When I was in that situation, pee pads literally saved my life. My dog used them perfectly almost straight away and potty training concerns were gone. Even though I am now in a house with a yard, pee pads are an excellent solution when I am at work, as we have lots of creatures in our area who would make going out into the yard through a doggy door unsafe for our dogs. Obviously with a child learning to walk, the placement of pee pads would be a big thing to think through.

Finally, I don't think that any suggestions will work if your whole family is not committed to making life with your Yorkie and your baby work. Changes in the family, as we all know, can cause all sorts of issues. If you and your family end up realizing that the commitment is not there to make it work, there are some incredible rescue groups who will place your Yorkie in a loving foster home and then work their tales off to find a wonderful forever home.

Like you, I would never want to give up on my dog and would move heaven and earth to make this work for the whole family. But if your wife is not committed to this, it may be in the best interest of your dog to work with one of the rescue groups. There are members of YT who are part of these and could provide more information, or I can share what I know, of course.

Good luck. I am sorry that you are having to go through all of this. It sounds like you are a loving and wonderful dog parent and this must be really difficult for you!

Spot on......