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FROM TIA SALAZAR, ADOPTER
At first, do not face him or make eye contact. Don't chase him. Start out in a small space and sit down on the floor or ground make yourself small, turn a shoulder to him, don't look him in the eye, and hold out a hand with a treat. If he gets near DO NOT try to pet him on the head. This is a very advanced movement. Dogs see it as dominance. A very calming movement is to slowly rub the chest with light finger tips in a circle right above the front legs. It really seems to calm every dog I've used it on and create a bond.
Don't try a leash in the early stages. Wait until trust is developed. Take him on exploratory walks in a fenced enclosure with out a lead. Pick up various objects and show them to him with lots of praise.
Be playful and light hearted, lots of playful chatter. Try to gain interest in tuggy games, fetch, playing chase in the yard (later on). One of the things that helped me make a connection with my adopted mill dog was a simple blade of grass. I pulled one and held it out with down cast eyes and to my surprise he grabbed in and chewed on it. That was our first bond. He looked forward to the next one. You may have to practice only at night at first.
Spend time just sitting quietly in his presence. If he does come to you, gently massage his muscles and lightly and slowly brush him. Stay away from head and feet at first. Give lots of praise for small steps - happy light voice, treat and treat and treat with boiled chicken breast or something else bland, especially during something new or scary. Create a positive association with the event or object.
Caution: no rich foods. Upset dogs tend to easily get upset stomachs and diarrhea. Use a protective Probiotic like Proviable and make sure the dog is free of parasites. A common fear reaction is an overgrowth of clostridium bacteria. At the first sign of diarrhea, get to the vet for special food, and possibly Flagyl and Amoxicillin. Give the Proviable between antibiotic doses. Dog should remain on probiotic. (Webmaster note: Be sure to check with your vet on whether your dog needs a prescription food or medication. Please don't be your own vet on this.)
Mill dogs don't comprehend a whole house or wide open spaces, so gradually play and treat or feed in each room of the house. Have a couple of "safe" quiet places where he can truly relax with bed food and water. Create a "den" situation under a computer desk or in a crate with a cloth or towel over it. Respect his privacy unless you absolutely have to go in and get him to go outside. Be gentle. Then praise, treat, happy attitude, etc.
Another thing is to feed all meals by hand the first few days. It builds trust. The dog may not eat for 2 or 3 days, but once they do you have accomplished a huge step. Dogs will not take food if they are afraid.
When cutting nails or bath time, have a supply of goodies and treat, treat, treat to create a positive association. After rinsing always dry the head and ears first as a wet head and ears is quite uncomfortable. Try to find a "tearless" shampoo in case the dog is rambunctious and soap accidentally gets in his eyes.
Housbreaking with a crate or xpen should be accomplished like a small puppy. Make sure the "den" is always clean. Confinement, chance to potty, if no results, onfinement then out again in 30 minutes. Choose a command and be consistent with it like "go potty", "outside", or "hurry up." Anything will do as long as it is consistent. Use it light heartedly. Buy a bale of straw and scatter it the area where it's ok to potty. The straw may be a very familiar sight and smell from the puppy mill and trigger the urge to potty. Leave a little stool in the area to encourage the repeat behavior. I call it "seed poop." Praise and more praise. Get excited, act silly.
Always allow pottying after play, sleep, and a meal.
The rewards are great, but if these actions don't appeal to you, I would suggest that you don't take on a severaly traumatized puppy mill survivor. My scenario is for the tough, shut down dogs. There are some very lucky dogs who make a quick, happy adjustment.
Do You Have Experience
in Helping Puppy Mill Dogs?
We Want Your Input!
Have you adopted or fostered a dog that was formerly used for breeding at a puppy mill? Or a dog that was severely shy and traumatized? We are gathering input to write a primer of sorts about helping puppy mill dogs. What works for one dog may not work for the next one, but personal experience is still the best teacher. Send your ideas to PCSR webmaster/volunteer Jen Munch at jen@tommunch.com. We will continue to add to this "manual" as people send us their ideas. Please help. Your advice could help a mill dog turn the corner.
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