Fostering a Puppy Mill Survivor Yorkie - Page 2

NycVixen · ‎10-15-2010

From your post, I think the little guy has made good progress. He's 4 and from a puppy mill. In only 8 weeks he allows you to touch him and he follows your dogs outside sometimes.

I have a lovebird I rescued in August 2016 and to this day I cannot pet her or touch her. She flies to me but it's on her terms. I'm sure this bird was not abused. Yet, the yorkie is making much progress IMO. I know one is a bird and the other a dog but I just wanted to give you a comparison of how long it takes to get an animal accustomed to humans when they've lived without proper or limited human contact.

I have a good feeling he will become part of your family. Please give him more time. He's trying the best he can but everything is so new and overwhelming. Thanks for rescuing him.

~Live with Intention~

mistyada · ‎03-09-2010

@staciesmom I have adopted 2 aussie puppy mill breeders. Both of them turned into wonderful dogs after a lot of care and training. I suggest you take your dog to dog friendly stores like Petco, Petsmart so they can see the world. It is a slow process. You may want to contact your rescue group and ask them if they have a trainer that works with them. A good trainer specially one that works with puppy mill dogs can offer wonder ful suggestions. It takes time and determination to socialize a puppy mill dogs. Good luck.

drizzellla · ‎03-14-2010

As Goldielocks said - it takes time.

We adopted our collie sight unseen from a Collie Rescue. Collie Rescue got a group of 10 collies from a "backyard breeder".

I think our guy was kept in a cage for much of the time. His jaw and the bridge of his nose have considerable damage from him trying to get out of the cage. He had very little contact with people.

We have had him for 4 years. He is still not a "people dog". But he is devoted to my husband and me. He won't go up to people but doesn't seem to care that people are always petting him. Loud noises and sharp sounds sends our dog into a panic. So I am guessing they are not pleasant sounds to him. So we "hide" him on 4th of July. And I make sure I pit the cherries when he is out of the house.

Collie Rescue has a picnic every year. So we get together and compare notes. One dog could be a show dog. He has the walk and presence. He seems to know he is Hot Stuff. And then on the other side one dog after 4 years is still not house trained. The owner has 4 other collies and they all get along very well - except for the bladder issue.

I would say all the collies have adjusted quite nicely. We know what stresses our guy and try and make sure we make things comfortable for him. He is such a sweetheart (with a stubborn streak) but you just talk to him with your sweetest voice and he will do what you want.

Your Yorkie has a whole new routine he has to learn. And they are not dumb dogs.
He probably was not touched. Like our dog. Our dog will still flinch sometimes when you touch him - mostly if he doesn't see you are going to touch him. They will get it - eventually. It takes time and lots of it.

staciesmom · ‎04-13-2010

I haven't tried the harness/leash idea yet, but it's a good one. Maybe if he gets used to going out every time the others go, he'll get into a routine. He can be very charming and does cute things. I can't say it's all bad having him around. I really think he will have to go to a home where there are no men or kids and have someone who doesn't work and can be around to "remind" him to go out. We were only going to foster for 30 days, but they are encouraging us to keep fostering for a while longer. I think they would like us to adopt him, but I really want to go back to our life with just 2 dogs. I feel bad for him because even though he had a horrible life, he can be sweet at times. Thanks for the advice!

staciesmom · ‎04-13-2010

Thank you, my husband keeps reminding me that he came from a horrific situation, and we can't expect miracles.

staciesmom · ‎04-13-2010

I will do that. Thanks!

staciesmom · ‎04-13-2010

Thank you. I will update.

staciesmom · ‎04-13-2010

About how long did it take before you noticed an improvement in behavior? I know every situation is different, but I have no frame of reference.

staciesmom · ‎04-13-2010

Reading about our situation gives me hope for him. People have said that Yorkies are a skittish breed anyway. I don;t think he will ever be a "people dog", but I'm still holding out hope for potty training. One good thing for us is that we had all of our carpet in the living room and dining room taken up a couple of years ago and had Duramax vinyl flooring installed, all I do is wipe up the accidents and follow with a Clorox wipe. We try to be understanding and give him his space.