| PUPPY MILL DOGS |
At first glance a mill survivor may look like many of your friends' dogs; maybe not a perfect example of the breed, but
close. What you won't see is the condition they were in when came into rescue. Many have fur so matted that it all had
to be shaved off and even the short haired breeds suffer from thin dull coats. Many times removing the filth and matting
have only revealed open sores, usually from flea allergies or sarcoptic mange. Their ears are often full of filth and
usually mites and some survivors suffer from permanent hearing loss because of untreated ear infections. Most
survivors require the removal of rotten teeth, even young dogs. The gums are usually very infected and the teeth have
excessive buildup on them. Many vets who are not familiar with puppy mill rescued dogs will miscalculate the age of
the dog if using only the teeth as their guide. Many survivors also suffer from swollen, splayed and sore feet from so
much time walking on wire. While finally getting some good nutrition and extensive medical care after arriving in
rescue, all too often there remains the psychological damage that can't be fixed with a bath, medicine, or surgery.
We would love to say that every puppy mill survivor only needs love to turn it into a wonderful family pet, but that
would be a lie. Love is definitely needed in large amounts, but so is patience. The damage done during the years in the
mill usually can be overcome, but it takes time and dedication. It takes a very special adopter for one of these dogs. Not
being "up to it" is no crime, but you need to be honest with yourself, and us, about your expectations. These dogs have
already been through more than their share of heartache and if your entire family is not willing to make the
commitment, the dog is better off staying in our care until the perfect home for them is found. They will need lots of
patience, understanding, love, and probably most importantly, unconditional acceptance of what they are and what
their limitations may be.
Handling:
Many mill survivors have spent their entire life in the mill with only a elevated wire cage to call home. Puppies who
grow up in a mill miss out on many crucial socialization periods with humans and they never learn to trust, to love, or
to play. They have had very minimum physical contact with people and have virtually no concept of what to expect (or
what is expected of them) when they are placed in a family situation. Their life in the mill may have been what we
would consider unpleasant, but it is the only life they have ever known. In the mill, they were probably fed and
watered using automatic dispensers, and their feces and urine was only cleaned after it fell through the wire that they
lived on. Actual human contact normally came when they were being vaccinated, dewormed, or moved to a new cage
to breed or to whelp puppies.
Many of the quirks that mill dogs might have will be discovered while the dog is still in our rescue, but there are things
that may develop after the dog feels a little more comfortable in your home. Most of the dogs we encounter have had
their spirit broken many years before and aggression is not normally something we encounter; however, there are
memory triggers that the dog may experience after it is settled in your home, so we will talk briefly about these.
The physical contact that they have received probably has not been pleasant. For one thing, because they are not
handled enough, they are scared. Many mills handle their "stock" by the scruff of the neck. They have work to do, and
don't really want to stand around holding some stinky little dog any longer than necessary. It is not uncommon for
these survivors to be sensitive to the backs of their necks, after all, it brings the unexpected. Many mill dogs will try to
always face you, not trusting you enough to give you easy access to them from behind. NEVER startle a mill survivor
from behind, you will lose any trust that you may have gained. Always make sure that they are anticipating you
picking them up and consistently verbally tell them what you are going to do with the same word, like "up". It is not
uncommon for a mill dog to drop their bellies to the floor when they know you are going to pick them up, some will even
roll on their backs, often urinating in the process. This is a submissive move on the dog's part, and while it may be
frustrating trying to pick up a dog in this position, these dogs will seldom show aggression in their lives. It is okay to go
ahead and pick up a dog while they are in this position, but if time is not of the essence, encourage the dog to come to you
by sitting a few feet away and calling him. The most common posture we see in mill dogs is the "freeze;" the dog will
initially try to escape you, but when they realize there is no escape, they simply freeze up--rigid, like a statue--and
accept their "fate." This is a good time to really praise the dog--scratch his back or ears and speak gently to him--it goes
a long way towards teaching him that human contact can be a good thing.
Always be gentle and try to avoid picking them up until you see that they are receptive to it. It's almost a 'hostage' type
situation to these dogs. Imagine how you would feel if taken hostage at gunpoint. The gunman may never harm you in
any way, but you are aware of the danger the entire time and you don't have the ability to leave when you want. No
matter how nice the gunman is to you, you will never enjoy the experience and will always watch for an escape route;
however, you can turn the tables around and see a ray of hope. Imagine the gunman has been captured and you decide
to visit him in jail. Now you are in control. you call all the shots, you have the ability to leave at any time. The bottom
line is that these dogs have to progress at their own pace. Anything you force them to do will not be pleasant to them;
let them visit with you on their terms, whenever possible..
Learning about the House:
Many times when you bring a mill survivor into your home, it is their instinct to hide in a quiet corner. Any new dog
that you bring into your home should be kept separated from other family pets for 7 days. During this time it is fine to
crate or confine them to a quiet area. After that though, they need to have exposure to the household. If crating, the crate
should be in a central location. The ideal spot is one where there is frequent walking and activity. This allows the dog to
feel safe in the crate, yet observe everyday activity and become accustomed to it; they need to hear the table being set,
the dishwasher running, phones ringing, and people talking.
Very few mill dogs know what a leash is. After the quarantine, when the dog is out of the crate and supervised, it is not
a bad idea to let them drag a leash around with them. Let them get used to the feel. It is easy to fall into the mindset
that they must be pampered and carried everywhere, but leash training is important. It will make your life easier to
have a leash trained dog, but it will also offer your dog confidence in the future.
Gaining Trust:
A mill dog has no reason to trust you. Your trust needs to be earned, little by little. Patience is a very important part of
rehabing a mill survivor. We have seen a lot of mill dogs that don't want to eat whenever people are around. It is
important that your mill dog be fed on a schedule, with you near by. You don't have to stand and watch over them but
should be in the same room with them. They need to know that their yummy meal is coming from you. For the
majority of mill dogs, accepting a treat right out of your hand is a huge show of trust. Offer treats on a regular basis
especially as a reward. Don't concern yourself too much if your dog does not eat for a few days. Because most of our mill
rescues have been fed with self-feeders and confined to small places, it is not uncommon for them to be a little
overweight. If there is no vomiting or diarrhea and your dog is otherwise acting healthy, a few days of nibbling at their
food while they learn to live by your schedule, is not going to hurt them. It is important to teach them that food is fed on
a schedule and you should not be leaving food down at all times.
While you shouldn't overly force yourself upon your dog, it does need to get used to you. Sit and talk quietly while
gently petting or massaging your dog. It is best to do this an area where they, not necessarily you, are the most
comfortable. They probably won't like it at first, but given them time to adjust. Some dogs sadly, never will adjust, and
we'll talk more about them later.
Never allow friends to force attention on a mill survivor. Ask them not to look your dog directly in the eyes. It is not
uncommon for mill dogs to simply never accept outsiders. Let your dog set the pace. If the dog approaches, ask them to
talk quietly and hold out a hand. No quick movements. Ask that any barking be ignored. Remember that these dogs
bark to warn and scare off intruders. If you acknowledge the barking you may be reinforcing it with attention. If you
bring your guest outside you have just reinforced to your dog that barking will make the intruder go away.
Housebreaking:
A child spends the first one to two years of their life soiling their diaper and having you remove the dirty diaper and
replace it with a clean one. A puppy mill dog spends its entire life soiling its living area. Potty training a child and
housebreaking a puppy mill dog are the exact same procedures...you are UN-teaching them something that they have
already learned to be acceptable. A regular schedule, constant reinforcement, praise, and commitment on your part are
a must! Would you ever scream at your child, march them to the bathroom and make them sit on the toilet AFTER you
discovered they soiled their diaper? A dog is no different in this sense; scolding them after the deed is done is of no
benefit to anyone.
The two most important things you can do are to get your new dog on a regular feeding schedule (which will put them
on a regular potty schedule) and to observe them closely after feeding time.
Getting them on a premium, low residue food is very important. This will produce a stool that normally is firm (very
easy to clean up) and only one or two bowel movements a day are normal. Low cost, or over the counter foods have a
lot of fillers and it is very hard to get a dog on a regular cycle using these foods.
Before you even begin to housebreak them, you must learn their schedule. Most dogs will need to 'go' right after eating.
As soon as they are finished eating, command "outside". Always use the exact same word in the exact same tone. Watch
them closely outside and observe their pattern as they prepare to defecate. Some will turn circles, some will scratch at
the ground, some may find a corner, some may sniff every inch of the ground, some will get a strange look on their
face...every dog is different and you have to learn to recognize how the dog will behave right before he goes; this way
you will recognize it when he gets ready to go in the house.
We could give you a million tips that our adopters have found to work best for them, but as we have said, every dog is
different. As long as you always keep in mind that housebreaking and potty training are one in the same, you should
eventually see results. Never do to a dog what you would not do to a child. It may take a week, it may take a month, it
may take a year...and sadly, some dogs will never learn. Never give up and never accept 'accidents' as a way of life. In
most cases, the success of housebreaking depends on your commitment.
While we have focus mainly on bowel movements, urinating in the house is just as hard to correct as defecating in the
house (if not worse). Below we will discuss "marking," which many people associate only with male dogs. We will go
into that in more detail, below, but if urinating in the house remains a problem for your dog, we highly recommend
crate training. This can be researched online in more detail, but if crate training is not working because your dog is
soiling in the crate, you should discontinue the training immediately--as you are only reinforcing that it is okay to soil
their area.
In general, if you can understand your dog's bowel patterns, you will usually find that they urinate before or after a
bowel movement. Reinforce the positive and work on the negative, as most dogs will understand "outside" and
associate it with both urinating and defecating. Of course, in the meantime, you will want to protect your carpets by
either removing any that can be rolled up, or confining the dog to a tiled floor when you aren't holding it on your lap.
This should only be done during the training process, as socialization is just as important as house training and often
tiled floors are in areas that we don't spend a lot of time.
Marking:
Puppy mill survivors all have one thing in common...they were all used for breeding. A dog that marks its territory is
'warning' other dogs that this is its area...stay away! However, in a puppy mill situation, the dog's area is normally a
2X4 cage with other dogs in and around their 'territory'. It becomes a constant battle of establishing territory and it is
not uncommon to see male and female survivors with marking problems.
Normally, marking is seen in dogs with a dominant nature. This is good in the sense that these dogs can normally
withstand verbal correction better than submissive dogs. The word 'NO' will become your favorite word as you try to
deal with the problem of dogs that mark. Don't be afraid to raise your voice and let the dog know that you are not
happy. Always use the exact same word and don't follow 'NO' with "now what has mommy told you about that, you
are a bad dog."
Dogs that are marking do not have to potty...taking them outside will not help. You have to teach them that it is not
acceptable to do this in the house. The only way to do this is to constantly show your disappointment and stimulate
their need to 'dominate' by allowing them more time outside, and even to areas where you know other dogs have
been...like the park, or the nearest fire hydrant.
While you and your survivor learn about each other, and your survivor develops a sense of respect towards you, you
will have to protect your home from the damage caused by marking. Here are a few tips that you will find helpful.
1. White vinegar is your best friend. Keep a spray bottle handy at all times. Use the vinegar anytime you see your dog
mark. The vinegar will neutralize the smell that your dog just left behind. Using other cleaning products may actually
cause your dog to mark over the same area again. Most cleaning products contain ammonia...the very scent found in
urine. Your dog will feel the need to mark over normal cleaning products, but normally has no interest in areas
neutralized by vinegar.
2. Potty Pads....your next best friend. These can be found in any pet store, but most 'housebreaking pads' are treated
with ammonia to encourage a puppy to go on the pad instead of the carpet; since we are trying to discourage your dog
from marking, these aren't always the best choice. You might check at a home medical supply store. The blue and white
pads used to protect beds usually work best. Staple, tape or pin these pads (white side facing outward) to any area that
your dog is prone to mark (walls, furniture, etc.). Do not replace the pads when your dog soils them...simply spray them
down with vinegar. These are not a solution to the problem, but will help protect your home while you deal with the
problem.
3. Scotch Guard. Scotch Guard is really nothing more than a paraffin based protector. It puts a waxy substance down
which repels water and spills (and in our case, urine). You can make your own product by filling a spray bottle about
1/2 full of hot water. Shave off slivers of paraffin wax into the bottle (about 1/4 a bar should be fine) and then microwave
until you don't see the slivers anymore. Shake and spray this onto the fabric areas you want to protect, such as the base
of the sofa and the carpet below doorways or areas your dog is apt to mark. It may make the area stiff feeling at first but
it will normally 'blend' in with normal household temperatures and humidity. (note: This is also great for high traffic
areas of your home or along the carpet in front of the couch). After the first use, you will need to microwave the bottle
and emerge the spray mechanism in a bowl of hot water so that any wax residue will melt.
With the use of vinegar and/or homemade scotch guard, you should test a small area of the fabric/fiber that you will be
using the product on and make sure it does not discolor, stain, or bleed. I have never had any problems, but it is always
best to check beforehand.
4. Belly Bands. Sometimes these can be a (male) mill dog owners best friend. Belly bands can be easily made at home
out of things you probably already have. Depending on the size of your dog you can use the elastic end of your
husbands tube socks, the sleeve of sweatshirt, etc. Simply fit the material to your dog and then place a female sanitary
napkin under the penis. Another easy way is to measure your dog, cut the fabric and sew on Velcro to hold it in place.
There are also many sites on the internet to order these if making them yourself is just not up your alley. Just remember
to take the belly band off every time you bring your dog out to potty. Again, this is not a solution, but a protective
measure.
Quirks:
Poo-poo, shoo-shoo, ca-ca, doo-doo, #2, feces, poop, stool...whatever 'pet' name you give it, it's still gross! But nothing is
more gross than owning a dog who eats poop!
Coprophagia is the technical term, but for the purpose of this article, we're just going to call it the 'affliction'.
Dogs of all breeds, ages and sizes have the affliction but in puppy mill rescues, it is not uncommon at all to find dogs
afflicted with this horrible habit. As in any bad habit, the cure lies in understanding the unacceptable behavior.
There are three primary reasons that a puppy mill survivor is afflicted. We'll start with the most common, and easiest
to remedy.
1. It tastes good and they are hungry! Rescues that have come from a mill where dogs were not fed properly often resort
to eating their own or other dog's feces as a source of food. These types of situations will usually remedy themselves
when the dog realizes that he is always going to get fed. It is also easy to discourage this behavior by adding
over-the-counter products to their food which are manufactured for this purpose. Ask your vet which products are
available and you will normally see results in 2-4 weeks.
2. Learned behavior. This is usually the cause of puppy mill dogs that have the affliction. There are several reasons
why a dog learned to behave like this, but the most common cause is being housed with dominant dogs who fight over
food. These dominant dogs will often guard the food dish and prevent the more submissive dogs from eating even if the
dominant dog is not hungry. Food aggression in caged dogs is usually fast and furious and often results in severe injury
to the submissive dogs. Because the dominant dog is often eating much more than is needed, the stool is virtually
undigested and contains many of the nutrients and 'flavors' of the original meal; therefore almost as tasty to the
submissive dog as if he'd ate the real thing. Puppies that were raised with a dominant mother or dominant litter mates
also pick up this habit very early--in this case, it is a little harder to treat, but it can usually be done.
This eating pattern is usually maintained throughout the dog's life, so the age of your dog will play a big role in how
hard it is to correct the behavior. It's become habit...and as the saying goes, "Old habits are hard to break".
Dogs with the affliction will actually go hunting for a fresh stool when you take them outside. The key is to give your
dog something better to hunt for. Pop some unbuttered/unsalted microwave popcorn and sprinkle it on the lawn before
taking your dog out in the morning. You may find something that he likes better and is as readily available and
affordable. The good thing about popcorn is what your dog doesn't eat, the birds will. We can almost guarantee that
once your dog has learned to search out the popcorn, he'll pass those fresh turds right up, LOL! It may take weeks or
months before your dog 'unlearns' to seek out stools but most dogs are receptive to this training. You may have to
sprinkle the lawn with popcorn the rest of your dog's life...but the trouble is well worth just one 'popcorn kiss' as
opposed to a lick on the face right after he eats a tasty turd.
3. As mentioned above, Coprophagia means 'eating poop'. Coprophagia is a form of a much more serious problem called
Pica. Pica is the unnatural 'need' to eat foreign objects. Dogs suffering from Pica will eat not only stools, but rocks, dirt,
sticks, etc. Remember the kid in school who ate paste and chalk and 'other unspeakable'? Pica is a psychological
disorder which is much more in depth and serious than anything we can discuss in this guide.
A good rescuer will observe dogs prior to placement and will recognize the seriousness of this problem. A dog suffering
from Pica should never be placed in an inexperienced home or any home that is not aware of the problem and the
dangers. Dogs suffering from Pica will often end up having surgery--.often several times--for objects they have eaten
that can not be digested. If you are the owner of a dog which you believe suffers from Pica, I suggest you consult your
vet; these dogs often require medication for their disorder and only your vet can guide you on the best way to proceed.
Before we close this section on Pica, we want to say that true Pica is rare. Most dogs will chew on sticks or rocks--or
sofas and table legs. However a dog suffering from Pica will not just chew on these items...they will eat these items any
chance they get. Just because your dog is eating his own stool...and also the bar stool at the kitchen counter...does not
mean that he is suffering from Pica. If in doubt, consult your vet.
The "special" ones:
Occasionally, we see the survivor who has survived the mill, but at such a great cost that they can never be "brought
around". These are the dogs that have endured so much suffering that they remind us of children who are abused, and
survive by separating their mind from the body. These damaged dogs will never fully trust anyone. So where does that
leave these poor souls? Most are still capable of living out a wonderful life. They need a scheduled environment but
most importantly, a home where they are accepted for who and what they are. They may never jump up on a couch
and cuddle with you, or bring you a ball to play catch, but you will see the joy that they take in living each day knowing
that they will have clean bedding, fresh food and water, and unconditional love. To them, those small comforts alone
are pure bliss.
These "broken ones" are the ones that normally never leave their foster homes. Ironically, these types of dogs normally
do very well in a group-dog setting. They seem to have shunned the world, and most certainly mankind, and have
created their own little world without humans. Whenever we suspect that a mill rescue may be "too far gone" for a fast
paced family, we try to place them in experienced homes; quiet homes; or homes with other dogs. These are by far the
hardest ones for our hearts to accept, but they are also a constant reminder of why we do what we do.
The educators:
Finding forever homes for mill rescues is not all we do; we are constantly reminded of the horrors of puppy mills and the
commercialization/farming of dogs when we see the neglect and abuse these dogs have suffered. We work not only to
adopt dogs, but to educate their new owners about the truth behind that puppy in the pet store window. We hope that
you will keep a journal or blog on the reform of your puppy mill dog, and we hope that you will join us in our campaign
to educate the public--through the eyes of the survivors--by always taking the opportunity to further educate others.
Together we have made a difference in the life of just one dog, but together we can also make a difference in the lives of
hundreds of thousands of dogs still caged in puppy mills. It is only when the public realizes the connection between pet
stores and puppy mills that we will end the demand; end the supply; and end the abuse!
Updated 4/1/07
Disclaimer: The following is the opinion of the authors (Michelle Bender and Kim Townsend) and is based on years of experience with puppy mill dogs; we are not
veterinarians or professional trainers. Please note that an adopted puppy mill rescued dog may be at different stages of rehab so we have tried to start this from the
beginning. Permission is granted to use this article, unedited, on your website or in print, as long as credit is linked to this page. Info provided by: A New Start on
Life
close. What you won't see is the condition they were in when came into rescue. Many have fur so matted that it all had
to be shaved off and even the short haired breeds suffer from thin dull coats. Many times removing the filth and matting
have only revealed open sores, usually from flea allergies or sarcoptic mange. Their ears are often full of filth and
usually mites and some survivors suffer from permanent hearing loss because of untreated ear infections. Most
survivors require the removal of rotten teeth, even young dogs. The gums are usually very infected and the teeth have
excessive buildup on them. Many vets who are not familiar with puppy mill rescued dogs will miscalculate the age of
the dog if using only the teeth as their guide. Many survivors also suffer from swollen, splayed and sore feet from so
much time walking on wire. While finally getting some good nutrition and extensive medical care after arriving in
rescue, all too often there remains the psychological damage that can't be fixed with a bath, medicine, or surgery.
We would love to say that every puppy mill survivor only needs love to turn it into a wonderful family pet, but that
would be a lie. Love is definitely needed in large amounts, but so is patience. The damage done during the years in the
mill usually can be overcome, but it takes time and dedication. It takes a very special adopter for one of these dogs. Not
being "up to it" is no crime, but you need to be honest with yourself, and us, about your expectations. These dogs have
already been through more than their share of heartache and if your entire family is not willing to make the
commitment, the dog is better off staying in our care until the perfect home for them is found. They will need lots of
patience, understanding, love, and probably most importantly, unconditional acceptance of what they are and what
their limitations may be.
Handling:
Many mill survivors have spent their entire life in the mill with only a elevated wire cage to call home. Puppies who
grow up in a mill miss out on many crucial socialization periods with humans and they never learn to trust, to love, or
to play. They have had very minimum physical contact with people and have virtually no concept of what to expect (or
what is expected of them) when they are placed in a family situation. Their life in the mill may have been what we
would consider unpleasant, but it is the only life they have ever known. In the mill, they were probably fed and
watered using automatic dispensers, and their feces and urine was only cleaned after it fell through the wire that they
lived on. Actual human contact normally came when they were being vaccinated, dewormed, or moved to a new cage
to breed or to whelp puppies.
Many of the quirks that mill dogs might have will be discovered while the dog is still in our rescue, but there are things
that may develop after the dog feels a little more comfortable in your home. Most of the dogs we encounter have had
their spirit broken many years before and aggression is not normally something we encounter; however, there are
memory triggers that the dog may experience after it is settled in your home, so we will talk briefly about these.
The physical contact that they have received probably has not been pleasant. For one thing, because they are not
handled enough, they are scared. Many mills handle their "stock" by the scruff of the neck. They have work to do, and
don't really want to stand around holding some stinky little dog any longer than necessary. It is not uncommon for
these survivors to be sensitive to the backs of their necks, after all, it brings the unexpected. Many mill dogs will try to
always face you, not trusting you enough to give you easy access to them from behind. NEVER startle a mill survivor
from behind, you will lose any trust that you may have gained. Always make sure that they are anticipating you
picking them up and consistently verbally tell them what you are going to do with the same word, like "up". It is not
uncommon for a mill dog to drop their bellies to the floor when they know you are going to pick them up, some will even
roll on their backs, often urinating in the process. This is a submissive move on the dog's part, and while it may be
frustrating trying to pick up a dog in this position, these dogs will seldom show aggression in their lives. It is okay to go
ahead and pick up a dog while they are in this position, but if time is not of the essence, encourage the dog to come to you
by sitting a few feet away and calling him. The most common posture we see in mill dogs is the "freeze;" the dog will
initially try to escape you, but when they realize there is no escape, they simply freeze up--rigid, like a statue--and
accept their "fate." This is a good time to really praise the dog--scratch his back or ears and speak gently to him--it goes
a long way towards teaching him that human contact can be a good thing.
Always be gentle and try to avoid picking them up until you see that they are receptive to it. It's almost a 'hostage' type
situation to these dogs. Imagine how you would feel if taken hostage at gunpoint. The gunman may never harm you in
any way, but you are aware of the danger the entire time and you don't have the ability to leave when you want. No
matter how nice the gunman is to you, you will never enjoy the experience and will always watch for an escape route;
however, you can turn the tables around and see a ray of hope. Imagine the gunman has been captured and you decide
to visit him in jail. Now you are in control. you call all the shots, you have the ability to leave at any time. The bottom
line is that these dogs have to progress at their own pace. Anything you force them to do will not be pleasant to them;
let them visit with you on their terms, whenever possible..
Learning about the House:
Many times when you bring a mill survivor into your home, it is their instinct to hide in a quiet corner. Any new dog
that you bring into your home should be kept separated from other family pets for 7 days. During this time it is fine to
crate or confine them to a quiet area. After that though, they need to have exposure to the household. If crating, the crate
should be in a central location. The ideal spot is one where there is frequent walking and activity. This allows the dog to
feel safe in the crate, yet observe everyday activity and become accustomed to it; they need to hear the table being set,
the dishwasher running, phones ringing, and people talking.
Very few mill dogs know what a leash is. After the quarantine, when the dog is out of the crate and supervised, it is not
a bad idea to let them drag a leash around with them. Let them get used to the feel. It is easy to fall into the mindset
that they must be pampered and carried everywhere, but leash training is important. It will make your life easier to
have a leash trained dog, but it will also offer your dog confidence in the future.
Gaining Trust:
A mill dog has no reason to trust you. Your trust needs to be earned, little by little. Patience is a very important part of
rehabing a mill survivor. We have seen a lot of mill dogs that don't want to eat whenever people are around. It is
important that your mill dog be fed on a schedule, with you near by. You don't have to stand and watch over them but
should be in the same room with them. They need to know that their yummy meal is coming from you. For the
majority of mill dogs, accepting a treat right out of your hand is a huge show of trust. Offer treats on a regular basis
especially as a reward. Don't concern yourself too much if your dog does not eat for a few days. Because most of our mill
rescues have been fed with self-feeders and confined to small places, it is not uncommon for them to be a little
overweight. If there is no vomiting or diarrhea and your dog is otherwise acting healthy, a few days of nibbling at their
food while they learn to live by your schedule, is not going to hurt them. It is important to teach them that food is fed on
a schedule and you should not be leaving food down at all times.
While you shouldn't overly force yourself upon your dog, it does need to get used to you. Sit and talk quietly while
gently petting or massaging your dog. It is best to do this an area where they, not necessarily you, are the most
comfortable. They probably won't like it at first, but given them time to adjust. Some dogs sadly, never will adjust, and
we'll talk more about them later.
Never allow friends to force attention on a mill survivor. Ask them not to look your dog directly in the eyes. It is not
uncommon for mill dogs to simply never accept outsiders. Let your dog set the pace. If the dog approaches, ask them to
talk quietly and hold out a hand. No quick movements. Ask that any barking be ignored. Remember that these dogs
bark to warn and scare off intruders. If you acknowledge the barking you may be reinforcing it with attention. If you
bring your guest outside you have just reinforced to your dog that barking will make the intruder go away.
Housebreaking:
A child spends the first one to two years of their life soiling their diaper and having you remove the dirty diaper and
replace it with a clean one. A puppy mill dog spends its entire life soiling its living area. Potty training a child and
housebreaking a puppy mill dog are the exact same procedures...you are UN-teaching them something that they have
already learned to be acceptable. A regular schedule, constant reinforcement, praise, and commitment on your part are
a must! Would you ever scream at your child, march them to the bathroom and make them sit on the toilet AFTER you
discovered they soiled their diaper? A dog is no different in this sense; scolding them after the deed is done is of no
benefit to anyone.
The two most important things you can do are to get your new dog on a regular feeding schedule (which will put them
on a regular potty schedule) and to observe them closely after feeding time.
Getting them on a premium, low residue food is very important. This will produce a stool that normally is firm (very
easy to clean up) and only one or two bowel movements a day are normal. Low cost, or over the counter foods have a
lot of fillers and it is very hard to get a dog on a regular cycle using these foods.
Before you even begin to housebreak them, you must learn their schedule. Most dogs will need to 'go' right after eating.
As soon as they are finished eating, command "outside". Always use the exact same word in the exact same tone. Watch
them closely outside and observe their pattern as they prepare to defecate. Some will turn circles, some will scratch at
the ground, some may find a corner, some may sniff every inch of the ground, some will get a strange look on their
face...every dog is different and you have to learn to recognize how the dog will behave right before he goes; this way
you will recognize it when he gets ready to go in the house.
We could give you a million tips that our adopters have found to work best for them, but as we have said, every dog is
different. As long as you always keep in mind that housebreaking and potty training are one in the same, you should
eventually see results. Never do to a dog what you would not do to a child. It may take a week, it may take a month, it
may take a year...and sadly, some dogs will never learn. Never give up and never accept 'accidents' as a way of life. In
most cases, the success of housebreaking depends on your commitment.
While we have focus mainly on bowel movements, urinating in the house is just as hard to correct as defecating in the
house (if not worse). Below we will discuss "marking," which many people associate only with male dogs. We will go
into that in more detail, below, but if urinating in the house remains a problem for your dog, we highly recommend
crate training. This can be researched online in more detail, but if crate training is not working because your dog is
soiling in the crate, you should discontinue the training immediately--as you are only reinforcing that it is okay to soil
their area.
In general, if you can understand your dog's bowel patterns, you will usually find that they urinate before or after a
bowel movement. Reinforce the positive and work on the negative, as most dogs will understand "outside" and
associate it with both urinating and defecating. Of course, in the meantime, you will want to protect your carpets by
either removing any that can be rolled up, or confining the dog to a tiled floor when you aren't holding it on your lap.
This should only be done during the training process, as socialization is just as important as house training and often
tiled floors are in areas that we don't spend a lot of time.
Marking:
Puppy mill survivors all have one thing in common...they were all used for breeding. A dog that marks its territory is
'warning' other dogs that this is its area...stay away! However, in a puppy mill situation, the dog's area is normally a
2X4 cage with other dogs in and around their 'territory'. It becomes a constant battle of establishing territory and it is
not uncommon to see male and female survivors with marking problems.
Normally, marking is seen in dogs with a dominant nature. This is good in the sense that these dogs can normally
withstand verbal correction better than submissive dogs. The word 'NO' will become your favorite word as you try to
deal with the problem of dogs that mark. Don't be afraid to raise your voice and let the dog know that you are not
happy. Always use the exact same word and don't follow 'NO' with "now what has mommy told you about that, you
are a bad dog."
Dogs that are marking do not have to potty...taking them outside will not help. You have to teach them that it is not
acceptable to do this in the house. The only way to do this is to constantly show your disappointment and stimulate
their need to 'dominate' by allowing them more time outside, and even to areas where you know other dogs have
been...like the park, or the nearest fire hydrant.
While you and your survivor learn about each other, and your survivor develops a sense of respect towards you, you
will have to protect your home from the damage caused by marking. Here are a few tips that you will find helpful.
1. White vinegar is your best friend. Keep a spray bottle handy at all times. Use the vinegar anytime you see your dog
mark. The vinegar will neutralize the smell that your dog just left behind. Using other cleaning products may actually
cause your dog to mark over the same area again. Most cleaning products contain ammonia...the very scent found in
urine. Your dog will feel the need to mark over normal cleaning products, but normally has no interest in areas
neutralized by vinegar.
2. Potty Pads....your next best friend. These can be found in any pet store, but most 'housebreaking pads' are treated
with ammonia to encourage a puppy to go on the pad instead of the carpet; since we are trying to discourage your dog
from marking, these aren't always the best choice. You might check at a home medical supply store. The blue and white
pads used to protect beds usually work best. Staple, tape or pin these pads (white side facing outward) to any area that
your dog is prone to mark (walls, furniture, etc.). Do not replace the pads when your dog soils them...simply spray them
down with vinegar. These are not a solution to the problem, but will help protect your home while you deal with the
problem.
3. Scotch Guard. Scotch Guard is really nothing more than a paraffin based protector. It puts a waxy substance down
which repels water and spills (and in our case, urine). You can make your own product by filling a spray bottle about
1/2 full of hot water. Shave off slivers of paraffin wax into the bottle (about 1/4 a bar should be fine) and then microwave
until you don't see the slivers anymore. Shake and spray this onto the fabric areas you want to protect, such as the base
of the sofa and the carpet below doorways or areas your dog is apt to mark. It may make the area stiff feeling at first but
it will normally 'blend' in with normal household temperatures and humidity. (note: This is also great for high traffic
areas of your home or along the carpet in front of the couch). After the first use, you will need to microwave the bottle
and emerge the spray mechanism in a bowl of hot water so that any wax residue will melt.
With the use of vinegar and/or homemade scotch guard, you should test a small area of the fabric/fiber that you will be
using the product on and make sure it does not discolor, stain, or bleed. I have never had any problems, but it is always
best to check beforehand.
4. Belly Bands. Sometimes these can be a (male) mill dog owners best friend. Belly bands can be easily made at home
out of things you probably already have. Depending on the size of your dog you can use the elastic end of your
husbands tube socks, the sleeve of sweatshirt, etc. Simply fit the material to your dog and then place a female sanitary
napkin under the penis. Another easy way is to measure your dog, cut the fabric and sew on Velcro to hold it in place.
There are also many sites on the internet to order these if making them yourself is just not up your alley. Just remember
to take the belly band off every time you bring your dog out to potty. Again, this is not a solution, but a protective
measure.
Quirks:
Poo-poo, shoo-shoo, ca-ca, doo-doo, #2, feces, poop, stool...whatever 'pet' name you give it, it's still gross! But nothing is
more gross than owning a dog who eats poop!
Coprophagia is the technical term, but for the purpose of this article, we're just going to call it the 'affliction'.
Dogs of all breeds, ages and sizes have the affliction but in puppy mill rescues, it is not uncommon at all to find dogs
afflicted with this horrible habit. As in any bad habit, the cure lies in understanding the unacceptable behavior.
There are three primary reasons that a puppy mill survivor is afflicted. We'll start with the most common, and easiest
to remedy.
1. It tastes good and they are hungry! Rescues that have come from a mill where dogs were not fed properly often resort
to eating their own or other dog's feces as a source of food. These types of situations will usually remedy themselves
when the dog realizes that he is always going to get fed. It is also easy to discourage this behavior by adding
over-the-counter products to their food which are manufactured for this purpose. Ask your vet which products are
available and you will normally see results in 2-4 weeks.
2. Learned behavior. This is usually the cause of puppy mill dogs that have the affliction. There are several reasons
why a dog learned to behave like this, but the most common cause is being housed with dominant dogs who fight over
food. These dominant dogs will often guard the food dish and prevent the more submissive dogs from eating even if the
dominant dog is not hungry. Food aggression in caged dogs is usually fast and furious and often results in severe injury
to the submissive dogs. Because the dominant dog is often eating much more than is needed, the stool is virtually
undigested and contains many of the nutrients and 'flavors' of the original meal; therefore almost as tasty to the
submissive dog as if he'd ate the real thing. Puppies that were raised with a dominant mother or dominant litter mates
also pick up this habit very early--in this case, it is a little harder to treat, but it can usually be done.
This eating pattern is usually maintained throughout the dog's life, so the age of your dog will play a big role in how
hard it is to correct the behavior. It's become habit...and as the saying goes, "Old habits are hard to break".
Dogs with the affliction will actually go hunting for a fresh stool when you take them outside. The key is to give your
dog something better to hunt for. Pop some unbuttered/unsalted microwave popcorn and sprinkle it on the lawn before
taking your dog out in the morning. You may find something that he likes better and is as readily available and
affordable. The good thing about popcorn is what your dog doesn't eat, the birds will. We can almost guarantee that
once your dog has learned to search out the popcorn, he'll pass those fresh turds right up, LOL! It may take weeks or
months before your dog 'unlearns' to seek out stools but most dogs are receptive to this training. You may have to
sprinkle the lawn with popcorn the rest of your dog's life...but the trouble is well worth just one 'popcorn kiss' as
opposed to a lick on the face right after he eats a tasty turd.
3. As mentioned above, Coprophagia means 'eating poop'. Coprophagia is a form of a much more serious problem called
Pica. Pica is the unnatural 'need' to eat foreign objects. Dogs suffering from Pica will eat not only stools, but rocks, dirt,
sticks, etc. Remember the kid in school who ate paste and chalk and 'other unspeakable'? Pica is a psychological
disorder which is much more in depth and serious than anything we can discuss in this guide.
A good rescuer will observe dogs prior to placement and will recognize the seriousness of this problem. A dog suffering
from Pica should never be placed in an inexperienced home or any home that is not aware of the problem and the
dangers. Dogs suffering from Pica will often end up having surgery--.often several times--for objects they have eaten
that can not be digested. If you are the owner of a dog which you believe suffers from Pica, I suggest you consult your
vet; these dogs often require medication for their disorder and only your vet can guide you on the best way to proceed.
Before we close this section on Pica, we want to say that true Pica is rare. Most dogs will chew on sticks or rocks--or
sofas and table legs. However a dog suffering from Pica will not just chew on these items...they will eat these items any
chance they get. Just because your dog is eating his own stool...and also the bar stool at the kitchen counter...does not
mean that he is suffering from Pica. If in doubt, consult your vet.
The "special" ones:
Occasionally, we see the survivor who has survived the mill, but at such a great cost that they can never be "brought
around". These are the dogs that have endured so much suffering that they remind us of children who are abused, and
survive by separating their mind from the body. These damaged dogs will never fully trust anyone. So where does that
leave these poor souls? Most are still capable of living out a wonderful life. They need a scheduled environment but
most importantly, a home where they are accepted for who and what they are. They may never jump up on a couch
and cuddle with you, or bring you a ball to play catch, but you will see the joy that they take in living each day knowing
that they will have clean bedding, fresh food and water, and unconditional love. To them, those small comforts alone
are pure bliss.
These "broken ones" are the ones that normally never leave their foster homes. Ironically, these types of dogs normally
do very well in a group-dog setting. They seem to have shunned the world, and most certainly mankind, and have
created their own little world without humans. Whenever we suspect that a mill rescue may be "too far gone" for a fast
paced family, we try to place them in experienced homes; quiet homes; or homes with other dogs. These are by far the
hardest ones for our hearts to accept, but they are also a constant reminder of why we do what we do.
The educators:
Finding forever homes for mill rescues is not all we do; we are constantly reminded of the horrors of puppy mills and the
commercialization/farming of dogs when we see the neglect and abuse these dogs have suffered. We work not only to
adopt dogs, but to educate their new owners about the truth behind that puppy in the pet store window. We hope that
you will keep a journal or blog on the reform of your puppy mill dog, and we hope that you will join us in our campaign
to educate the public--through the eyes of the survivors--by always taking the opportunity to further educate others.
Together we have made a difference in the life of just one dog, but together we can also make a difference in the lives of
hundreds of thousands of dogs still caged in puppy mills. It is only when the public realizes the connection between pet
stores and puppy mills that we will end the demand; end the supply; and end the abuse!
Updated 4/1/07
Disclaimer: The following is the opinion of the authors (Michelle Bender and Kim Townsend) and is based on years of experience with puppy mill dogs; we are not
veterinarians or professional trainers. Please note that an adopted puppy mill rescued dog may be at different stages of rehab so we have tried to start this from the
beginning. Permission is granted to use this article, unedited, on your website or in print, as long as credit is linked to this page. Info provided by: A New Start on
Life
ADOPTING A PUPPY MILL DOG?
What to Expect with your New Puppy Mill Dog
What to Expect with your New Puppy Mill Dog
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| A 501c 3 Non-Profit charity organization located in Alabama, dedicated to rescuing, rehoming and providing sanctuary care for abandoned, abused and homeless toy breeds. Focusing on shelter dogs and breeder/mill dogs. |
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