I am the owner of a rescued puppy mill Yorkie. The transition time was much quicker than we thought it would be, but we don't have another dog in the equation. We have learned to read her body language to signal us when she doesn't like a situation, person, or another dog. The key to acclimating her into any situation needs to be on her terms, not ours. Given enough time and exposure to the afore mentioned seemed to calm her fears over a period of time. She still has some quirks, but they are livable and we continue to work on them. She was easy to potty train, or maybe she has us trained. We started her out in a pen in the center of our home, the kitchen. We left the gate open and she was free to venture out or not. At first she retreated often to her bed in the pen. That was her safety zone. Once she became accustomed to the "workings" of our home, she retreated less and less. Eventually the pen came down but her bed was left where it was. Once we had gained her trust, she sought us out if she couldn't see us from her bed. We let her set the pace. Within 2-3 weeks she was adjusted pretty much to her new home. New situations still arise and we deal with them as they come along. We poured on the praise and treats when we saw acceptable behavior whether it was playing with a toy or going to the door to be let out. We tried to limit our scolding, which was the word "NO" to the most flagrant situations. She is now, for the most part, a confident dog that loves naps in our laps, play times, etc. She will even initiate play with us by bringing us a toy. She is the joy of our lives. We've never once regretted taking her in. Was it easy, for the most part, I'd have to say yes. It's a work in progress, but isn't that the case with every dog? Would I take in a rescued dog from a puppy mill again? Without hesitation, yes.
All our dogs, before Zoyie, were rescued dogs of questionable lineage with the exception of one little Yorkie we named Gracie. Back problems dictated the fact that I needed a small dog. We bought her online. If you'd like to read about that experience, you can read my story on the link below. It's a sad story, but hopefully will enlighten others. There is also a picture of Zoyie, who is our puppy mill dog on the same link. We are really proud of Zoyie, even though she doesn't have the standards of most of the Yorkie pictures I have seen on YT, but she isn't loved any less.
Ashley Anderson aka Nicole Methvin. BoutiqueTeacuppuppies.com - MSPuppyConnection.com, PuppyPetiteBoutique.com consumer compl...