That might also be because of the conditions she was raised in back at her old... environment (I refuse to call it a home). If she was kept in a cage all the time she probably just went in her cage, on herself, wherever. Her leash smelled like feces so it probably was all over her too before they brought her to you. She is used to having to be in her own filth (else she could never go to the bathroom at all). She's probably been through a lot. She needs patience and love.

I would recommend possibly seeking out a professional behaviorist who could help you train her? Or maybe contact a yorkie rescue and ask for tips on how to train her! They rehab dogs all the time. I'm sure they'd be good for advice!

I know there are some foster moms here on YT as well. Maybe you could post a thread as a shout out to them (link them back to this thread if you don't want to retell your entire story). Maybe title it something like: Need Experience Rescue Advice: Yorkie Scared and Difficult to Potty Train!

I have no experience with dogs from unloving conditions, so I'm afraid this is where my advice runs out. I'm here for support though and maybe you could follow some of these suggestions.

Note: I see kjc in your other thread has experience with rescues. Maybe ask her?

ok. thanks for all your help furbaby. I will be sure to look into that too. :)

Thank goodness you're here ladyjane. I defer to your expertise... maybe you can help. I'm out of ideas and out of my league :(

The absolute best thing for her, if you decide to rehome her, would be a rescue. They will 'fix' her problems and then find a good home for her. If you rehome her on your own, you would just be giving a dog with problems to someone else who may not have all the skills it will take to ease her adjustment into home life.

Thank you kjc.. I never thought of a rescue to be that way. I just thought they would hold her until they can find someonen else to take her so basically she will be changing homes over and over again.

As I explained to you yesterday, if Chloe came to YHR, she would be in a foster home. All applicants for her would be carefully screened and she would not be placed until we were certain that it would be the last move for her. We are never in a rush to place a pup....we want them to have a home that will last forever! So...she would not be changing over and over again! It would be two more moves for her. :)

Also, as I told you, I would be more than happy to help screen people for you should you decide you want to place her yourself. You really need to be super cautious...there are a lot of people who want yorkies and then they get them and don't want them. Happens so often. Your Chloe has some problems with socialization; and it will be very important that she be placed in a home that totally understands the issues of a pup like her.

Well some days it seems we are making progress then some days she seems to go backwards. That is why it's hard to decide.

It may be that way for some time....hopefully the better days will start to outnumber the worse ones. :) Know that I am here if you need me....you can call me anytime. :)

Thanks so much ladyjane. I do think about you daily lol

hahaha...well know that I am not going anywhere....just knowing that you have an out if you need it might give you more strength to hang in with her! I know you really want it to work....I do understand how frustrating (not to mention messy) it is. What I can tell you is that when I had some that were very difficult....when I looked back later it was all worth it. :)

yea when she looks up at me, she looks so cute that I just want to tell her, "please tell me what I can do to make you feel better." But of course that cute face makes it hard to hand her over.

I have a feeling if you hang in there things will turn around. I do think it will take some time and patience, but it sounds like you really care and you want to keep her.

Before giving up I would try some quality playtime and walks. It can't hurt.

Ziggy, I do try to play with her but she gets scared. She will play with the cat toys when no one is around. She does like walks when it's just me and her but if there is anyone around she gets scared and try to run the opposite way.

I'm not sure how I managed to miss you and your story about Chloe. It sounds like you have been given some great advice already. Did you happen to read this article?

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/tra...nt-advice.html

It touches on all different aspects of helping a puppymill or even a rehome come out of their shell. I didn't see anyone suggest sitting on the floor with treats and allowing Chloe to come to you. If you associate human contact with food it is amazing how they will begin to come around. When you are sitting and she approaches allow her to tough you and fight that temptation to reach out to pet her.

I hope everything works out for both of you. My Bogey was very timid when I first brought him home and he is the best of my three now. It took months of work but little by little he turned into a wonderful little lovebug.

Yorkies can be strange little characters. When I try to take mine for a walk he backs away until I either let him lead the way or I throw food at the door. Once the leash is on he's fine.

I do have friends who have adopted "problem" pets, and except for a few quirks they can't seem to get rid of, over time the dogs turn out to be amazing pets and companions. My neighbor had a terrier that barked at whistles. Made it kinda hard to watch a football game on TV.

BTW, watch the cat toys. Ruger got one stuck in his mouth/teeth. :eek: It was a little mouse in a cage-like ball. Turns out dogs and cats don't play with toys the same way.