Should You Adopt A Puppy Mill Dog?
Adopting a dog that has spent time at a puppy mill can be heartbreaking. Most of the animals kept at these facilities have been mistreated, poorly fed, and deprived of sufficient veterinary care. The decision to adopt one should not be made lightly. Puppy mill dogs (PMDs) typically require more patience, caring, and love than puppies that have been spared the same experience.
This article will discuss some of the issues involved with bringing a puppy home from a mill. We’ll describe the behaviors you’re likely to observe in your pet, and offer several suggestions for helping him become comfortable in your home. Lastly, you’ll learn how to introduce him to others.
Potential Issues To Overcome
Life for a PMD is deprived of the positive elements that contribute to mental and physical health. For instance, a pup’s experience at a mill normally includes being trapped in a small cage – often, with other puppies – for the majority of each day. The pup is usually forced to eliminate inside of it, and then to sleep in his urine and feces.
Such dogs are rarely, if ever, given an opportunity to meet and play with other animals and people. Because they do not receive proper socialization,PMDs are seldom comfortable around others. Numerous activities enjoyed by normal puppies,from taking a walk to meeting new people, cause them to react fearfully.
These are among the many issues you’ll encounter after adopting a puppy mill dog. The challenges begin from the moment you introduce him to your home.
Behavioral Tendencies In The Beginning
Puppies that have been treated well are usually comfortable when brought into a new home. They are careful, but curious and willing to explore their unfamiliar surroundings. A PMD will often display fear in such an environment. For example, he might immediately cower behind a chair, or shake when others are nearby. Sudden moves toward him are likely to prompt him to flee. Attempts to place a leash on him may be met with substantial resistance.
Helping Your Puppy Feel Comfortable
During the first few weeks, most of your time and effort will be best-spent helping your new pet gain comfort in your home. If you have the space available, set aside a small room that your puppy can use to relax away from others. Place a crate in the room – leave it unlocked with the gate open – as well as several towels on which he can rest. Give him a water bowel, and put pee pads on the floor on one side of the room.
During evenings, move your puppy’s crate into your bedroom, so he can sleep with you nearby. This prevents him from feeling isolated, and will help him to develop a level of trust for you.
Once your pup has grown accustomed to his new home, place a nylon leash on him. Let him drag it behind him as he walks. Nylon is light, so it will not feel overly burdensome to him. The purpose is to acclimatize him to his leash so he feels comfortable taking walks in the future.
After You Establish A Bond Of Trust
As noted earlier, your puppy mill dog was likely deprived of proper socialization during the time he spent at the mill. He will not easily trust others. If possible, ask friends and family members to visit your home, one at a time. Inform them about your pup’s past, and ask them to be gentle. The process of meeting new individuals will slowly help your dog realize that new people do not pose a threat to him. Thus, he need not fear them.
Caring for a puppy mill dog presents numerous challenges. It requires patience and a willingness to help the pup adapt. With time, he will come to see you as his friend, leader, and protector.
