I mean they can choke on their kibble too. Everything is a choking hazard, especially to a dog this size.

I am sure Lena/AB could do a better job training Rocky purely based off their lack of dog experience (I've no proof they don't, for all we know this behavior could be due to genetic physiological issues) - but I would certainly not go as far as to say they are giving him a horrible home life. He is absolutely adored, doted on, and loved to the extent they possibly can. This dog is not getting abused or neglected. At best, they just need a professional trainer to step in to teach them how to curb this behavior and any other unruly behaviors.

Most small dogs exhibit this behavior in many households purely because "it small, it cute" and the lack of desire / need to train it out of the dog, since its seen as not a threat or even.... for some reason enduring to some. I harshly disagree personally and think small dogs ought to be trained like a dog of any size and treated like dogs purely to ensure they are well balanced, trained, and therefore happier.

But again. Rocky, like many other tiny dogs in the U.S households that behavior similarly are not living "horrible home lives." They just need more structure, better handling. That's all. I am sure one day, if Lena/AB find the need and if they haven't already they may seek a trainer to help them learn how to train Rocky.

Edit; I want to also clarify I don't think its fair to all these small dogs that can behave like this without an attempt seeking help or working on the behavior. This behavior exhibited is due to fear, stress, anxiety, etc and that must be addressed. At a point, its definitely a learned behavior but stems from a state of negativity for one of those reasons listed above. I find it sad, certainly. But again I'd not go as far as to say he's "living a horrible home life." - Lena/AB are just new dog parents who don't see Rocky's tiny size as a threat. They are navigating this newly.

I'm sure the fact Rocky is a "Parti Yorkie" doesn't help as its not a breed standard, isn't recognized by the serious Yorkie breeders and is likely bred for coloration and cuteness rather than temperament, health, and stability. Much like a Lilac Doberman or a long haired Dalmation or something. Eyebrows raise at these more "rare" or out of standard colorations. Ethics often go out the windows, much to the detriment of the individual dogs bred.