Puppy Mill Information

Unfortunately, Pennsylvania has the reputation of being home to a large number of commercial kennel facilities whose motivation for breeding is strictly profit, with little attention given to the physical or emotional health of the dogs produced. Known informally as “puppy mills,” these often large scale operations serve as suppliers for pet stores or disreputable Internet sites that sell dogs indiscriminately. Living conditions in the puppy mills are frequently horrendous, as the dogs and puppies live in filthy, squalid cages or rabbit hutches, have minimal or no respite from extreme weather conditions, and receive unsatisfactory veterinary care.

The fate of the puppies bred in such facilities is of deep concern. But what happens to the parents – the breeding stock that are used over and over for producing these puppies? After enduring years of miserable existence, these adult dogs, mostly females, reach a point where they are no longer of value to the breeders; they may become infertile, stop producing desirable puppies, or develop medical conditions that render them liabilities due to the cost of needed veterinary care. Having no more use for such dogs, the breeders often readily surrender them to rescue.

These “puppy mill breeder dogs” are typically very fearful or skittish around people. They have never lived in a home, are poorly socialized, and need weeks, sometimes months, of slow, patient rehabilitation before they can be adopted into new families.

Breeder Dogs and DVGRR

At DVGRR, we have been working extensively with puppy mill breeder dogs for the past several years. We can offer adopters a great deal of information, counseling and support, both before and after adoption takes place. Our innovative Project Home Life program, developed in 2009, works as an intermediary between the kennel and the adoptive home, helping to transition the puppy mill breeder dog into his or her new family.

For those dog lovers who are up to the challenge, adopting or fostering a breeder dog can be a tremendously rewarding experience. Assisting with the journey, which takes the dogs from simply enduring a miserable existence to becoming a happy trusting member of the family, is a memorable triumph.

To read more about these special dogs and the progress they make at Golden Gateway, you can also subscribe to DVGRR’s Project Home Life Blog written by Resident Caretaker Heather McDonald.

Working with Rescued Breeder Dogs

Understanding the special needs of rescued breeder dogs begins with understanding their previous living conditions. While the conditions found in breeding facilities vary, some, probably most, breeder dogs have lived in a less than desirable environment. They may never have been allowed to leave their cages and may have had very little contact with humans. Their only contact with humans may have been forcible and unloving, such as being roughly grabbed or dragged along the ground. Repeated exposure to such experiences often leads to a severe distrust of human hands.

The behaviors of breeder dogs vary, but many tend to be understandably shy or fearful of humans. They may not make eye contact with humans or may run away if a human merely looks at them. Some dogs cautiously approach humans, while others cannot be touched. Some cower in fear, while others may even urinate submissively. Some will accept petting, and others freeze at a human touch.

Breeder dogs typically are fearful when their food bowls are placed on the floor, sometimes running in the opposite direction. Their only association with food was when the breeder threw it into their cage; when the food arrived, so did a mean person. Finally, because they have never lived in a house and were forced to eliminate in their cages, many breeder dogs are not housetrained. It is heartbreaking to see the results of the puppy mill existence for these dogs. 

Despite the horrendous lives they have endured, an amazing number of puppy mill breeder dogs are eventually able to overcome most, if not all, of their early trauma. It may take weeks, months, or even years, but with the help of a dedicated, compassionate, and understanding adoptive family, miracles do happen.

DVGRR staff and adopters have learned much about helping breeder dogs succeed. Here are some of the most important factors to keep in mind:

1. Patience is Essential

Breeder dogs must be treated differently than most dogs. Above all, patience is a key ingredient for success. Some dogs may come to you immediately for love, anxious to make up for what they have been missing. Others may take days, weeks, or even months before they are willing to accept affection. It is best to not force your dog to come to you, as this will only reinforce his or her notion that humans are not pleasant to be around. Instead, simply make yourself available for your dog by sitting calmly on the floor, letting the dog come to you in his or her own time.

2. Don’t Be Loud or Startling

A quiet environment is a must, because noise and sudden movements can easily scare these dogs. Never chase your dog. Instead, call him to you and walk the other way. Keep voices calm and quiet, and be sure to coach visitors to not talk excitedly or loudly.

3. Use Consistency

It is critical that all family members, and even visitors, treat your dog in the same way and follow the same rules. Should one person or child behave in a way that frightens your dog, your dog may regress to being distrustful of humans again.

4. Food as a Motivator

Used properly, food can be a way to help your dog become comfortable with you and learn to trust you. Hand feeding is a good idea if your dog shows fear of a dog bowl. It also can entice your dog to come to you, demonstrating that human contact is a pleasant event. Learn the foods that most appeal to your dog and use them to strengthen the bond between the two of you. Dried liver, canned chicken, cheese, hot dogs, bacon, or other types of dog treats are usually well accepted as favorites.

5. The “Mentor” Dog

Because their primary contact at the breeding facility was with other dogs, many breeder dogs derive comfort from the companionship of other canines. Many seem less shy and fearful when they are around other dogs; in fact, the difference can be quite dramatic. Breeder dogs often take their cues from dogs that are more willing to approach and interact with humans. This is why a foster or adoptive home with at least one other dog already in residence to serve as a “mentor” dog nearly always makes the transition easier.

6. Avoid Saying “No!”

Your dog inevitably will do something wrong. Avoid yelling or saying “No!” Instead, if you catch your dog in the act, use an interrupt sound such as “ah, ah, ah!”, and praise your dog when he/she looks at you. If you do not catch your dog in the act of doing something wrong, ignore it. Dogs do not understand correction when it is delivered after the fact.

7. House Training

Most breeder dogs are not fully house trained, as the previous option was to eliminate in their cages. With time and patience, your dog can learn the proper place to eliminate. You can start by taking the dog outside every two hours to a consistent location. When your dog eliminates, softly and happily praise him/her. When inside, keep your dog with you at all times so that you can watch for signs that the dog needs to go out. If accidents happen, do not yell or scold. Simply say “ah, ah!” and take your dog to the designated location, then praise softly when he/she uses it. Make sure you clean up all messes inside thoroughly with an enzymatic pet deodorizer to take away all odors. You may want to try using a crate but some breeder dogs may resist going in a crate because of negative associations. 

8. Everything is New

Remember that your dog has lived a very isolated life with little exposure to the typical household sights, sounds, and experiences that most well-socialized dogs take for granted. Many ordinary aspects of living in a home may be completely new for your dog and arouse stress or anxiety. These factors might include going up and down stairs, the sounds of a washing machine, a hair dryer or similar objects, walking on unfamiliar surfaces, riding in cars, etc. In addition, being on a leash may cause your dog to “freeze up” and be very reluctant to walk. Try to anticipate things that may be new for your dog and introduce them slowly. Build positive associations and encourage exploration using treats. Think in terms of “baby steps” and let your dog take as much time as needed to achieve a comfort level with new sounds and sights.

Adapted from material originally written by Chris Shaughness.

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