Locomotory behaviors

Many puppy mill survivors have an anxiety disorder known as stereotypic locomotory behaviors which can encompass circling, pacing, wall-bouncing, tail chasing and obsessive licking. It seems the more time a dog has spent in the confined area of a puppy mill, the more anxiety develops.  Let’s face it, puppy mill survivors are psychologically different when compared to the general dog population. 

A study performed by the Center for Shelter Dogs showed that “ex-breeder puppy mill dogs displayed significantly higher rates of fear (to unfamiliar people, to other dogs, and to noises and motions in their surroundings). They also showed about one-half the level of aggression that typical pet dogs do toward unfamiliar people, other dogs, and to their owner. While this might be seen as a good thing, it appears to be due to the overwhelmingly high levels of fear in the dogs, which then suppresses normal aggressive behavior. So it seems to be a good thing, but only because of very bad reasons.”

Overall, the results of the study show that dogs kept in puppy mills develop extreme and persistent fears and phobias, altered mental functioning, compulsive behaviors which is why they need us to be patient and kind but firm and in-charge.

The first thing that anyone wants to do with a fearful dog is to comfort it. This is not always the best thing depending on the behavior the dog is exhibiting. For a dog who enjoys human companionship, that cooing and cuddling is a signal to the dog that it is doing the right thing. If the dog is behaving fearful, there are mixed messages being sent and the dog may believe that you want this behavior to continue.  There is a very fine line between comforting and condoning.  

Anxiety can be another form of fear and displays as pacing, circling or excessive licking. This is the physical activity of the mental state. It can be occasional, occurring only when the dog is stressed.  We first try to figure out what is stressing the dog.  It could be anything from a moved piece of furniture or a new person in the house.  At that point, do nothing. I know, this sounds cruel, but by letting the dog figure things out on its own will alleviate some of the anxiety and build their confidence. Picking them up at this point and “comforting” them will only cause them to be more anxious about change. Once they have calmed down and are less anxious, the praise and cuddling begins. Celebrate the successes. It is almost like having a child, although you want to do everything for them, you know there are things – no matter how hard – that they must figure out on their own. 

In the following video you can see Chloe in her circling and pacing mode. You may think my voice is too stern, but it is what works for her, I am not asking but telling her.  She is still submissive and cowers when reached for no matter what tone of voice is used.  After she is in my arms and still tense, I do not immediately start the praise. I wait for her body to relax to begin the praise and petting thus teaching her that the relaxed mode is what I want from her.

Puppy Mill survivors are always a work in progress. Dealing with their fears in the right way can help them become less fearful and more confident. Be patient and try different approaches to find what works best for your mill baby.