[buttonsfamily]

My parents just adopted a maltese mix from a shelter that came from a puppy mill and there are strange behaviors that we thought we could modify but not having much luck. Will not give up on her. She is sweet and can not even imagine what this poor baby went thur. Is there anyone who can help. Please.

[Lara's mom]

What strange behaviours are you referring to?

[buttonsfamily]

She paces back and forth for hours along the fence. Dont know how to help her. Do we eventually take her thur trainning classes or what. We only want to give her the best.

[Corky/Max]

Originally Posted by buttonsfamily

She paces back and forth for hours along the fence. Dont know how to help her. Do we eventually take her thur trainning classes or what. We only want to give her the best.

No expert here but was trying to think what I would try. I really don't have much to go on here though---How old is this little girl? Sounds like she has been caged all her life and the only thing she could do was this pacing! Is she old enough to take on long walks? Get her use to not being behind a fence and lessen her energy by the long walks and maybe she will gradually stop pacing the fence. Is she outside in this fenced yard all the time. I take it that you must have her in the house as part of your family? Forgot, but did you say how long you have had her--few days-wks?
If you haven't had her for only a couple days--You have to be patient and let her get use to everything. Give her a lot of love and play with her. I don't know how she reacts to you or your family but you have to win her trust. Never ever yell at her or this will be hard to do. Be very gentle with her at this time. If you offered her treats when she was pacing the fence--would she stop pacing to come and get the treats---Don't make it easy for her--Make her have to come to you to get the treat--away from the fence. If she can be distracted this way--Find things to do with her in the fenced yard--like throwing a ball---Put some things outside for her to be distracted by--favorite toys. Make a 'trail' of several treats that go into center of yard--away from fence. If this works--take her inside before she starts pacing again---Take her for a long walk or play gently with her. There are plenty of experts in here on dog behavior and trainers that can answer the question on the training lessons. good luck! Can you post a pic of that little girl?

[buttonsfamily]

Her name is buttons and we think she about 2 yrs old. Very sweet, not interested in toys. We love her very very much, will not give up on her. We have only had her for about 3 wks. When she paces if you approach her she gets very nervous and goes a different direction. We approach her slowly and often wait for her to come to us but that doesnt happen often. Still trying to get pictures of her to post. Dont want to freak her out any more than she already is. She pretty much likes to stay in the house, the only time she goes outside is to potty and get fresh air. We are taking our time with her but just need advise on making her feel more comfortable so she doesnt pace or run from us and hide under the bed. Any help would be great.

[Lara's mom]

Puppy mill rescues come with their own unique issues. My guess is that this girl was meant to be a breeder - litter after litter until she could no longer produce. She probably knows nothing of life outside of a cage and has likely had very little positive human interaction.

She isn't interested in toys because she has no experience with them and has no idea what they're for. Likewise, her only activity was likely to be pacing so, she continues to do it.

Sit quietly on the ground at her level and call her name. Have some treats - chicken works wonders. Let her come to you. Offer her some chicken and allow her to sniff your hand. Attempt to scratch her under the chin. If she backs off, let her. In time, she will associate you with food and affection. The key word here is patience.

This dog lived a very limited existence so, the world is probably a frightening place for her. How does she do on walks? Does she appear to enjoy them or is she nervous? Chances are, she will have to be very slowly introduced to the world beyond your house and yard. Again, treats are helpful. Begin with short walks and pay attention to how she is behaving. If she's nervous or frightened, she isn't enjoying herself so, take her home. Try and go just a little further each day.

Toilet training may be another difficult issue. If a dog has no choice but to "soil their den", that behaviour becomes normal and it will take time to get her used to the idea that you want her to go outside. Don't scold her for accidents. Clean the area with white vinegar to remove the smell of urine. Make sure she gets lots of trips outside and stay with her until she either pees or poops and then offer loads of praise and some treats. Eventually, she'll catch on.

Just remember that this girl had a terrible beginning and her problems aren't going to be fixed overnight. She will need a lot of love, patience, kindness and understanding.

[buttonsfamily]

Thats what I was looking for, how to help her. We know we have a long road ahead of us but she is so worth it. We adopted her knowing that we had a long road ahead of us, but we knew she truley need to be rescued. Potty trainng is going pretty good we are right on top of that we do not yell or make any loud noises aroud her as they frighten her. We try to let her come to us and yes she does pretty good on walks and we do stop the walk if it seems as though she is not enjoying it. Any thoughts you may have to help out would be great I thank you for the help you have given. We just want to try to heal old wouds (figure of speece) and make an enjoyable life for our new addition to our family.

[Lara's mom]

One of the things that I find helpful with my fosters who've come from bad situations is to whenever possible, sit on the floor and let the dog come to you. You have to remember that dogs like these have precious little reason to trust humans and you will be much less intimidating sitting on the floor than you would be standing over the dog.

As much as possible, let her come to you as opposed to you going to her. This is again where some cooked chicken works wonders! When you are sitting, call her in a quiet but friendly voice and show her the treat. If she comes and takes it, you can attempt to stroke her as long as she's comfortable with it. Don't hold her against her will. The more often you call her, she responds and good things happen, the more you'll build up trust with her.

The key here is patience, patience and more patience! Remember that what we'd consider ordinary life for a dog is new to her. It's going to take time for her to truly understand that she is in a good and safe place with people who love her and that she's found her forever home.

[mickii]

hi and welcome.

[lil mutt]

Hello and welcome. Thanks for rescuing Buttons, I really hope someday, there will no more puppy mills.

When she's to due to her shots, you can drive her to the dog park where she could meet a lot of people and dogs, you can ask people there to give her some treats, that would slowly build her confidence. Things will never happen overnight but soon surely she will be out of her shell.