18month old yorkshire terrier

Question
I have several questions it seems, but all relating to temperments. I recieved my yorkie when he was 16 months old. He was raised with another yorkie, but kept in a large kennel for hours at a time, with little to no training. I have taught him to sit, and stay even though he will only sit still for a few seconds. He was raised with children, so I am finding that he "tolerates" my friends 4 year old very well (She was taught not to pick him up, pull on him, etc.) She loves to sit on the floor or couch with him and scratch his ears while zack loves to lick her face. He is NOT protective at all. the only time he barks is if I go outside and do not take him with me,or if he sees a dog in the yard. Zack seems to be scared of everything rather, and instead of barking like other yorkies to alarm the owner, he will whine wanting to go out and play with them. I was told from the vet that he has strong seperation issues. I am home all day with him, and unless I am going grocery shopping or to my night classes, he goes for rides with me. When he is left home for a few hours prior to my husband comming home, he seeks out my shoes or slippers and will chew or pee on them...sometimes both. OR...he will find feces in the kitty litter box and carry it out to place it on the furniture or carpet and leave it for me (He never has chewed it up or ate it). My husband has issues with getting him to listen, if they are outside playing, zack will wander off even though my husband is calling and calling. And if he thinks I am leaving him and I am just getting something out of the car, he will try to hide in my car hoping I will takehim with me. When calling and calling and praising him, he will urinate in the car from nervousness I am assuming, and I have to phyically get into my car and pick him up to get him out of a vehicle. He tries to leave with other unsuspecting company or neighbors if their doors are open. He sleeps with my husband and I, has to be under the covers, and will try to get between my husband and I. He gets extremely jealous and although will not bark, growl, or otherwise, gets very stubborn and adoment to get between us. Even hugging or a greeting kiss when one of us returns from work or school, zack will jump up between us, or on my legs "Sneezing" to get my attention. I cannot pet the cat with out zack being on my lap assuring "he is getting more attention." Is this normal behavior? I have tried walking him and he is so stubborn that he will try and chew the leash, or pulls against it which I am afraid will cause him to hurt his neck. He will chew on raw hides, but WILL NOT play with ANY toys unless I take him to my inlaws and their yorkie is playing with us and a toy. Then and ONLY then will he "play" Otherwise he enjoys peek a boo with blankets, or chasing my hands. It breaks my heart when he looks at me like I dont understand him, so admittadly so I give in and cuddle him up for some lovings. He is almost completely oppsite any other yorkie I have come into contacts with. My inlaws yorkie will try and protect if I am playing around with someone. He barks and gives warnings to stay away from me. Even with zack sometimes, and zack will just hide behind me.  I have also noticed when he is getting tired, or bored he bites and chews at his front leg for ever before relaxing.
Are these normal temperments for a yorkie? Are these behaviors something that are just who he is? He was fixed, but they could only find one testical, the other hasn't dropped. could this be a problem? I realize this seems like a lot, but I am in love with my animals, and I want to give them the best life ever. I want them to be happy as I am to have them. SO...if you could give me a little insight, I would appreciate it sooo much!!!  
Thank you!

Answer
Shawna -

You gave me a lot to digest, but I think I have sorted out what are essentially a few main issues:

1.  Separation Anxiety.  This comes in many many different levels - from the dog who whines at the door for 20 minutes, to a dog who shreds the entire house when left alone, and if crated with tear it's paws apart trying to get out.

It sounds like your kiddo has something in the middle of this range. I feel that most of your problems could be solved by crating him. I know from what you say, that you believe he was neglected before when crated for long periods of time, but it does not sound like you leave him all that much.  Dogs usually do not mind crates all that much, and often will go seek their crates for some "chill out" time away from the hectic household.

Other tricks are to take toys like Kongs, stuff them with peanut butter or cream cheese and freeze them. That helps keep the dog busy for quite a while. If he still does not calm down, you may need to consider medication.

2.  Relationship with your husband - He is resource guarding with YOU as the resource and yet he is submissive peeing to your husband. You need to build his trust in your husband, which is most easily achieved by your husband becoming the only person who feeds him.  That will help spread out his affections across the both of you.

3.  Pulling on the leash. With small dogs, it is always preferable to use a harness.  It is much safer in several ways - less likely to choke the dog, less likely for the dog to slip loose from, and makes for a quick handle in emergency situations.  

4.  Playing with toys... try some of the toys that you put tiny bits of treats in... a simple version being a plastic water bottle with holes cut in it that are just a tiny bit bigger than the kibble you feed.  Put a bunch of kibble in there and he will be rolling it around in no time once he figures out he can get food.  He's probably still lacking enough confidence to enjoy toys that make noises.

5.  Leg chewing. This is most likely an anxiety reaction given your overall description of his temperament.  He has no way to get rid of his anxiety so he has developed a bad habit (I've known dogs who would chew their paws bloody out of anxiety).

Overall, I think this dog needs to gain confidence, and the very best way to do that is a series of obedience classes with a trainer who knows the situation ahead of time.  There just seems to be something about these classes that helps even the shyest dogs get some more confidence, and even more important, it helps you to learn the best ways to communicate with him... In fact, it would be ideal if your husband went along too.

Sounds like he is one little fella who is just wound too tight, and you need to help him.  These are just some suggestions since, of course, I'm not there to actually observe him.

Best of luck

-Beth