Adopting a Rescue Dog who came from a “Puppy Mill"

Adopting a dog or puppy who was rescued from a “puppy mill” is a very rewarding experience! Many of these dogs have never lived in a home before, so you’ll need extra patience and kindness as you help them adjust.

What is a puppy mill?

A puppy mill is a large-scale commercial dog breeding operation where profit is given priority over the well-being of the dogs. Puppy mill puppies are typically sold to pet shops.

Dogs are often rescued from puppy mills by the SPCA, Animal Control officers and/or other local authorities when unsafe or inhumane conditions are reported. Puppies may have lived stacked in cages and adult dogs used for breeding may have lived their lives in kennels. As a result, many of the dogs lack appropriate early socialization and may need special attention in helping them learn good manners, appropriate “in home” behavior and good housebreaking skills.

Puppy mills usually house dogs in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, without adequate veterinary care, food, water and socialization. Puppy mill dogs do not get to experience treats, toys, exercise or basic grooming. To minimize waste cleanup, dogs are often kept in cages with wire flooring that injures their paws and legs. Breeder dogs at mills might spend their entire lives outdoors, exposed to the elements, or crammed inside filthy cages.

Fearful behavior, territorial marking and lack of social skills with humans and other animals are common characteristics of dogs from puppy mills. But with a little time and patience, they will quickly adjust to life in the home.

What can I do to help the dog feel at home?

Give the dog its own safe, secure place - a kennel crate. A kennel crate is a necessity for two reasons. First, the dog is used to living in an enclosure and will feel safe and secure inside the crate. Second, the fastest way to housetrain your dog is through supervision when you’re home and confinement when you’re away. This also helps prevent destructive behavior due to boredom and curiosity. Remember, most of these dogs have never seen the inside of a home before! Don’t allow “free run” of the house too soon – keep the dog nearby when he’s not resting in his crate. How long can the dog be crated without a break? Except for overnight, the rule of thumb is no more than 4 to 5 hours in a row for adult dogs and no more than 3 to 4 hours in a row for young puppies.

How to housebreak a dog rescued from a puppy mill:

• The proper use of a kennel crate as mentioned above.

• Frequent trips outside for potty breaks.

• Constant supervision, including keeping the dog on leash inside the home for a while.

• If the dog does have an occasional accident, there must be NO physical punishment. NEVER take a dog back to an accident and scold him – it doesn’t work and it only creates other more serious behavior problems.

How can I help a shy dog gain confidence?

Don’t coddle a shy dog; instead be a good leader. This will help a shy or fearful dog feel more secure. Dogs are pack animals, continually attempting to define their place within the social order. Contrary to what some people think, establishing leadership has nothing to do with “dominance”. Don’t confuse leadership with bullying. You can show calm and benevolent leadership by following a few simple rules:

• Be a leader by controlling access to resources. Nothing in life is free. Basically this means that the dog should do something for you before you do something for him. For example, “Want a treat? Sit.” “Want your ball? Sit.” “Want to go out? Sit.” Also, ignore “demands” for attention made by the dog. Give lots of love but always make sure that you are the one initiating all pleasurable interaction with the dog.

• Many puppy mill dogs have never been trained to walk on a leash. Introducing a frightened dog to a leash requires patience. Introduce the dog to the leash slowly, in stages. Never tug or pull on the leash. Instead, teach the dog to focus on the handler and make each walk fun! Most dogs can easily learn to enjoy going for a walk on a leash without pulling, lagging or protesting, but this can be an area that requires training assistance so if you need help, please call.

• Remember, when bringing a dog home from the shelter, in your dog’s mind he has just been separated from his pack. When he first arrives in his new home he needs to spend a days learning that your family is his new pack.

• Except for a visit to the vet, don’t take him anywhere during the first week. Instead, let him take some time to settle in and learn that this is his new home.

• During this critical introductory period, be patient and kind but DO NOT lavish the dog with praise and attention.  

• Do not invite friends and neighbors over during the first week. Give your dog some time to get to know his new family first.

Adopting a rescued dog is an exciting, rewarding experience. Most dogs adjust very quickly, but if you need additional help, consider hiring  a professional dog trainer.