Free Dog Training Tips for Puppy Mill Dog Behavior Problems

During this Omaha dog behavior training session, we assisted 8 year-old German Shepherd Sam in overcoming her fear of approaching humans, stemming from typical puppy mill dog behavior problems as she had spent her entire life in such conditions.

I was asked to help with what seemed like Separation Anxiety. But when I arrived, I discovered that Sam didn’t know any commands. Her guardian was at a loss to teach her any since she was such a fearful puppy mill dog. It took quite a while for the dog to relax and not compulsively move away from her guardian when she was first adopted.

We love to work whenever a puppy mill dog is adopted into a new family. The people want to open thier heart and help the dog learn that they are safe and on solid ground. In time they learn that eye contact can be a good thing (never stare at a fearful dog in the eye unless you know them). Some of these dogs need exercises like hand feeding to adjust to a new or foster home. This is far more important than crate training, basic obedience or leash training.

What Behavioral Problems Can Puppy Mill Dogs Develop?

Rescued dogs often exhibit severe anxiety and trust issues, typical of puppy mill dog behavior problems. Puppy mill dogs confidence is often low aorund things they werent exposed to when they were puppies.

This is why its so common for dogs from puppy mills to have behavioral issues. The lack of stimulation, isolation, and poor socialization around new people and experiences can create a lot of behavior problems. These can include compulsive behaviors such as spinning, pacing, chewing, or barking, which are ways to cope with stress. They may also exhibit heightened phobias, fears, sensitivity to touch, aggression, anxiety, and difficulties with potty training.

It’s heartbreaking to witness how puppy mill dogs’ spirits are shattered by years of neglect and abuse. Confined to tiny cages, they live in constant fear, denied basic freedoms like exercise and relief. No dog should endure such cruelty. Avoid buying from pet stores to stop supporting these inhumane practices. Sadly puppy mill survivors suffer as people think they are rescuing a puppy mill dog. While they are helping that dog, the money made results in many more dogs having to suffer the same aweful experience.

Combating Puppy Mill Dog Behavior Problems

Early in the session we worked on teaching Sam to go to the dog bed. This is a great exercise and handy cue to have available. Since Sam spends most of her time on the couch, if a guest visits and sits there, Sam wont have a comfortable / familiar place to go. Training a dog to go to the dog bed can help them build a positive association as the dog gets all kinds of treats for going to the bed.

I used soft body language and a number of dog behavior tricks to help Sam feel relaxed and comfortable. I knew I was making progress when she took a few treats from me. The guardian said she never takes treats from people she doesn’t know well. This isnt unusual for puppy mill dogs as they usually have limited or negative interactions with humans.

That is why when you are dealing with a fearful dog, often ignoringt them and giveing them space and time to approach you is a better approach. This is even more important when you are working with puppy mill dog behavior problems.

To help Sam learn to trust people, she needs to practice with people who understand sometimes it’s better to give her space than try to pet her right away.

I went over an exercise to help fearful puppy mill dogs that I call the front sit approach game. This is a great way to help a scared dog feel comfortable around people. This happens because the person approaching is combined with something positive happening. If you have a scared puppy mill rescue dog or just a dog who isnt a fan of new people, check out the free positive dog training video below.

It was great to see how well Sam took to this easy way to help a puppy mill dog’s confidence around new people. The key is to practice in short sessions that end on a good note. While it doesnt look like this secret to fixing puppy mill dog anxiety is challenging if you do it right, it can be intense for the dog. So short 2-4 minutes of practice is a good length to start.

Working on puppy mill dog behavior problems takes a lot of patience, compassion, and kindness. Keep in mind the dog is scared, so the reactive behavior isnt persoanlly directed at you. Thats why its important to remember to respect the dog’s space, work on building their confidence, and don’t try not to pet them too soon. We’re working at the rescued puppy mill dog’s speed and we don’t want to overwhelm them.

Rehabilitating a Rescued Puppy Mill Dog

Helping a dog get over a fear of people is one of the most rewarding things any dog behavior expert gets to do. You know you are making a major improvement in the dog’s quality of life as a fear of people is something that impacts the dog every day.

Teaching a dog to trust humans is all about setting the dog up for success. Meeting outside can be a great first step as the distractions can help the dog avoid focusing on its fear of humans. Taking the dog for a walk with the new human can also pay off big time as dogs get over fears by literally moving forward.

The physical damage can be shocking, but the psychological toll is even greater. Adopting a puppy mill survivor requires a special person willing to accept and love them. Rescue begins the journey, but true rehabilitation hinges on a dedicated, loving family.

I gained the trust of a rescued puppy mill dog using dog psychology and positive reinforcement. I believe the owner can help her get over her fear of new people.

To help the guardian remember all the positive dog training tips I shared in this in-home dog training session, we filmed a roadmap to success video.