Instructions
Handle your new dog sparingly until he gets used to the interaction with you. In the puppy mill, your dog might have had little if any human interaction. He might feel more comfortable with being left alone for a few days to become accustomed to life outside a cage before you begin handling him a lot.
Give your new dog an area in your home that is just for him. This can be a corner of a room that he can call his own, a chair that only he sits on or another quiet, safe place where he can get away from interacting with others. Many dogs from puppy mills need this space to help them adjust to their new home.
Use positive reinforcement when potty training or training your dog to avoid certain areas. The idea during your dog's adjustment period is to get him to interact positively to his new family and surroundings. Negative reinforcement such as scolding or spanking may cause him to become afraid of his new surroundings. Use treats to reward him for good behavior instead of punishing for bad behavior.
Provide a crate for your new dog if he is too fearful to interact with you. Having a place that reminds him of his cage can make him feel more comfortable. This can allow him a slower integration into your family, as he decides when to leave his crate each day and for how long. Dogs that were mistreated often need this space away from humans in order to feel safe.
Keep your patience in your dog's first few weeks with you. He might not understand how to do simple things like climb stairs because of his confinement at the puppy mill. With your guidance and patience, he will slowly learn how to navigate his new world.
How to Care for a Puppy Mill Dog
Dogs that come from puppy mills often come with special needs because of the way they were treated before they were purchased. They are often kept in poor conditions and might have been kept in a small, cramped cage with many other dogs through most of the dog's life. This means an adjustment period might be needed to get the dog used to interaction with humans.