How to Help Your Adopted Puppy Mill Dog Adapt to Their New Life

There are organizations across the U.S. working to rescue dogs from abusive puppy mills, and after each rescue begins the work to find them adoptive homes. Rescued puppy mill dogs have suffered a life of horrific abuse and neglect, and the effects of their former life can present challenges as they learn about life outside of a cage. Most have never felt grass under their paws or the warm sun on their backs, and the only interactions they’ve had with humans have been negative. The normal sights and sounds around a home can be overwhelming and they don’t know the joys of playing with a toy or sleeping in a soft bed.

Dealing with housebreaking, fearfulness, and difficulty adapting can be challenging, and the adjustment period can take longer for some dogs than others. But the journey is well worth it, and with patience and understanding, you can help your adopted puppy mill dog adapt to living in a home and enjoy their new life of freedom.

Slowly Expose Your Dog to New Experiences

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New sounds, smells, and experiences can be scary for a puppy mill dog. The noise of a blender or sounds from the television can send them running into another room. They don’t understand how to use stairs, and even being in the backyard can be overwhelming for a dog that’s never been given the freedom to run.

Take everything one day at a time as you work on socialization and introducing them to their new world. Use positive reinforcement training methods and bring them to the park or a pet-friendly store during off-peak hours to help them get used to new sights, smells, and sounds. Keep the visits brief, slowly extending the time as they build confidence. It’s important to be patient and let them take things at their own pace. If they get overwhelmed, remove them from the situation and try again another day.

Help Them Adjust to A Daily Routine

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Housebreaking can be challenging for a dog that’s used to living in a cage, so you’ll need to train them in the same way you would a puppy. Keep a consistent schedule and reward them with treats and praise when they go to the bathroom outside. When they’re home alone, help keep accidents to a minimum by gating them off in a bathroom or kitchen area with a bowl of fresh water, a bed, and a reusable/washable training pad.

Since dogs learn from each other, having another dog in the home can help them with housebreaking and adjusting to a daily routine. And since puppy mill dogs are used to being around other animals, a canine companion can also help provide a sense of security.

Teach Them to Walk on a Leash

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Walking on a leash is another new experience for puppy mill dogs. Practice by walking them inside or in the yard, then graduate to a walk down the sidewalk. Slowly build up the distance based on their comfort level and avoid noisy or high-traffic areas when possible.

Because collars are easy for dogs to slip out of, use a well-fitting harness on walks to keep them safe. For an extra measure of safety, place the loop at the end of the leash around your wrist to prevent it from slipping out of your hand. You can also use a double-leash method by clipping one leash to the collar and a second leash to their harness.

Be Patient As They Work to Build Trust

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What we see as expressions of affection toward our dogs  — petting, holding, and kissing them on the head — can make some dogs feel uncomfortable or stressed. Let your dog come to you for affection, and never force them to be cuddled or held. Many puppy mill dogs will eventually learn to trust humans and enjoy being pet, but some will always remain fearful of sitting on someone’s lap or receiving affection from strangers. Remember to appreciate the little things, like when they build up the courage to curl up next to you on the sofa or allow you to briefly pet them.

Enjoying Life With Your New Dog

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Adopting a rescued puppy mill dog will change your life for the better. Helping them come out of their shell and overcome their fears helps build an incredible bond, and you’ll enjoy celebrating the little successes together. Each dog is different and not all will have the same challenges, but by being prepared you can help reduce the stress on you and your dog. Look to others for Support if you need it, and remember that patience is key as they adjust to their new life.

Help advocate for your rescued dog and those still trapped in puppy mills by getting involved with a local organization and working to promote the importance of adoption.

Lead image source: Pixabay