Question2/3 yr. old dachshund I got from foster mom after she was spad..had 2 pups adopted. Likes her kennel but has started going from kennel to doggy door,which she just learned,about 50 times day and night.If you try to catch her she BITES and runs.Will let you pick her up out of the kennel but not from the floor.Also doesn't make any sounds. No growl, bark. Eats well and drinks. Afraid of everything and won't come to my husband or I. Have 9 yr.old dachshund that she watches..no contact. Any help with problems would be appreciated.
AnswerSounds like it is going to take a lot of patience and time. She sounds like she is very afraid. She might not realize this is her permanent home and thinks she needs to get out of there. Do not try to catch her - give her treats and talk to her and let her gradually come to you. Sit on the floor with her, give her a treat, and let her know you will not grab at her or hurt her by being gentle and letting her adjust. It usually take several days for a dog to adjust to a new home and one that is afraid will take longer. Puppy mill dogs are not used to contact - we have had several. Most of the time they do not know what it is to be loved or spoiled or treated well. She will learn to love it but you have to be patient and understand that she has been through a lot with being in a cage all her life, then having pups and them being taken away, and now in a strange home. It is stressful. We have had puppy mill dogs that did not know what stairs are, what a leash is, etc. but they learn and come around. Let me know her progress and best of luck - I have 5 puppy mill dogs and they are the best pets I could ask for but it took months for them to learn to trust me and now they run up to greet me, sit on me, give me kisses and love....
