Puppy mills can have a disastrous emotional and physical impact on your dog. The puppies are often abused, neglected, and given poor shelter in a mass-breeding organization. They often live in cages, deprived of human tenderness and companionship, and spend their entire lives breeding. It is a given that these pups do not receive ongoing care from a veterinarian.

When you get a dog that lived in a puppy mill you will need to take special care to assimilate him into your household. It's likely that he will be distrustful of you in the beginning due to how others have treated him in the past. Be patient. He’ll learn to not only trust you, but look forward to being with you. Here are a few helpful tips to help you care for your new canine friend:

Give Him Some Space

When you bring your pooch home for the first time, give him an area in which he can spend time alone. Remember, he has likely learned to dread contact with people since that contact often led to abuse in the past. Let him eat his meals and rest in his private sanctuary. Give him treats. He may need time to understand that he can roam your home freely without fearing consequences. Keep an eye on him, but give him plenty of space.

Give Him A Lift

It's likely that your puppy mill dog has never jumped up on a couch, climbed stairs, or leaped into a car. He’ll likely need your encouragement (and more than a little patience) to make the attempt. In some cases, his fear will hold him back. In other cases, his muscles and limbs may not be able to withstand the impact. Be gentle and help him when he needs it.

Introduce Him To His New Environment

A dog who has spent his whole life in a puppy mill will need some time to adjust to things that are unfamiliar to him, like appliances and small children. The sounds of your television, toaster, and vacuum can frighten him (it’s unlikely he has been exposed to these things). Also, if you have young kids in your home, instruct them to avoid rushing up to your pooch. It may be weeks before he is comfortable around strangers.

Visit A Veterinarian

As noted, puppy mill dogs receive very little (if any) care from a veterinarian. There is a high likelihood that your canine is suffering from dental and eye problems, diseases, ticks, and other issues. Make an appointment with a veterinarian as soon as you bring your new pooch home (it’s a good idea to let your vet know your canine’s past).

Adopting and caring for a puppy mill dog requires a lot of attention, patience, and tenderness. He’ll need time to become comfortable with his place in your life. Before long, he’ll see you as his trusted friend and companion.