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How do you socialize and train an adult dog rescued from a puppy mill?

This four year old female Papillion was rescued from a puppy mill, spent one week boarded in a DVM Clinic, followed by one week at Austin SPCA before I adopted her. She cowers whe I try to pick her up, shakes when I hold her, will not come when called and acts as if I am torturing her when on a lead. I have rescued and rehabilitated many dogs but never from a mill where there was little human contact.


Asked by Member 645342 on Jun 21st 2008 Tagged puppymillrescue, socialization, neglect, training in Behavior & Training
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Lily

Love and discipline. No 'Poor baby.' Praise her for every positive thing she does, no matter how small. Lay down on the floor with her so you aren't standing over her. Four is young enough to come around.

A basic obedience class is a good confidence builder. 11 months ago Lily was afraid of anything bigger than a fingernail. This week she started running beside a bicycle. What a difference time and love make.

Good luck and thank you for rescuing this precious liitle one.


Lily answered on 6/21/08. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


~Sophie~

I'd give her some space for a little while. Sophie is a puppy mill rescue. She cowers when new people try to pick her up and she shakes and gets nervous in new situations. She is so much better than she was when she came home, though. You just have to give it some time. Stop trying to pick her up and hold her close. She doesn't understand that as being affectionate. She thinks probably that someone is going to throw or hurt her. So just leave her be. Eventually she will start coming closer to you, and wanting to be petted and loved on. It just takes time. This is a whole new life for her and right now she doesn't understand what is happening.

I wouldn't jump into any classes immediately. Give her a few weeks to settle in. Then start taking her places and having her meet new people so she can see that she is safe in new situations. Even just trips to the pet store will be good for her. Then you can go on to classes.

Good luck and thank you so much for adopting he


~Sophie~ answered on 6/22/08. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


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