| Puppy mills can leave a disastrous emotional (and | | | | jumped into a car. He'll likely need your |
| sometimes, physical) mark on your dog. Puppies | | | | encouragement (and more than a little patience) to |
| there are often treated badly, abused, neglected, and | | | | make the attempt. In some cases, his fear will hold |
| given poor shelter - all to support a mass-breeding | | | | him back. In other cases, his muscles and limbs may |
| organization. They often live in cages, deprived of | | | | not be able to withstand the impact. Be gentle and |
| human tenderness and companionship, and spend | | | | help him when he needs it. |
| their entire lives breeding. It is a given that these | | | | Introduce Him To His New Environment |
| pups do not receive ongoing care from a veterinarian. | | | | If your dog has spent his entire life at a puppy mill, |
| When you adopt a dog from a puppy mill, you'll need | | | | he'll need to adjust to your appliances, young children, |
| to use special care as you assimilate him into your | | | | and other elements that are unfamiliar to him. The |
| household. It's likely that he will be distrustful of you | | | | sounds of your television, toaster, and vacuum can |
| in the beginning due to how others have treated him | | | | frighten him (it's unlikely he has been exposed to |
| in the past. Be patient with him. He'll learn to not only | | | | these things). Also, if you have young kids in your |
| trust you, but look forward to being with you. Here | | | | home, instruct them to avoid rushing up to your |
| are a few helpful tips to help you care for your new | | | | pooch. It can take weeks before he is comfortable |
| canine friend: | | | | around strangers. |
| Provide Plenty Of Room | | | | Visit A Veterinarian |
| When you bring your pooch home for the first time, | | | | As noted, puppy mill dogs receive very little (if any) |
| give him an area in which he can spend time alone. | | | | care from a veterinarian. There is a high likelihood |
| Remember, he has likely learned to dread contact | | | | that your canine is suffering from dental and eye |
| with people since that contact often led to abuse in | | | | problems, diseases, ticks, and other issues. Make an |
| the past. Let him eat his meals and rest in his private | | | | appointment with a veterinarian as soon as you bring |
| sanctuary. He may need time to understand that he | | | | your new pooch home (it's a good idea to let your |
| can roam your home freely without fearing | | | | vet know your canine's past). |
| consequences. Check in with your dog, but give him | | | | Adopting and caring for a puppy mill dog requires a |
| plenty of space. | | | | lot of attention, patience, and tenderness. He'll need |
| Give Him A Lift | | | | time to become comfortable with his place in your |
| There's a good chance that your puppy mill canine | | | | life. Before long, he'll see you as his trusted friend and |
| has never leaped onto a couch, climbed stairs, or | | | | companion. |