Hello, I have recently become a yorkie parent. My yorkie Koda will be 10 weeks old within the week, and I have had him for about a week myself. He was a Valentines Present from my significant other, and was living with her a couple weeks before she brought him to me.
I know potty training and training in general takes time, but I feel as if I'm doing everything wrong and I don't see any improvements at all. I live in an apartment and am at work for a good 10 hours a day, fortunately I only work 4 days a week so I do have time to spend with my dog. Like I mentioned earlier, I have only had him for a week and I know none of this is going to happen over night. I set up a play area that is only his with a play pen that covers about a 4ftx7ft area in my apartment. It has water, toys, bedding, and puppy pads. I keep him here during work, but he cries non stop when I leave and for a good time after I'm out the door (I have stayed to listen to see when he stops). I try to confine him to this area when I'm home and cannot watch him like a hawk, but he will whine and cry and howl. He also seems to pee right at the door of the pen or anywhere but his puppy pads when left in there.
Is he doing this to act out??
I have tried the umbilical cord training with the leash so he can walk around my apartment with me, but he fights and pulls so much he starts to choke himself. I do not ever pull back or tug him on the leash to avoid hurting him, and he's too small to fit into and harnesses (he's 2.3lbs).
Should I keep trying with the leash, or just resort to leaving him in his pen all day until he learns to stop crying?
I'm just looking for a little advise or maybe some tips to help my puppy have a good and happy life. Thanks in advance.
