The not-so-subtle message that we all should "Adopt--Don't Shop" has become a common slogan around gift-giving holidays. Local humane societies are working to become No-Kill facilities, and they use creative ways to advertise their adoptable animals. Newspapers often carry stories praising the efforts of rescue groups. The pressure to adopt, however, is becoming even more specific. We are now being encouraged to adopt a "puppy mill rescue dog." To say one has a rescue dog is becoming a Badge of Honor. Before anyone adopts a puppy mill rescue dog, however, it is very important to understand the unique set of problems that often come with puppy mill dogs.

Best Friends Animal Rescue of Utah is one of the largest No-Kill facilities in the country. In 2012, they released the results of an extensive study into the physical and psychological issues commonly found in puppy mill and hoarder rescue dogs. The study included 1196 dogs, some rescue and some not, two years after entering their adoptive households. In many ways, the psychological trauma suffered by these dogs, while not as visible, is as bad or worse than the physical trauma.

The following list is by no means complete, but these 5 common behaviors are observed in puppy mill dogs in higher percentages than in dogs not from puppy mills. It is also important to remember that these behaviors are still being observed TWO YEARS afer adoption. In general, puppy mill rescue dogs tend to:

(1) Show More Fear.

These dogs show more fear of other dogs, unfamiliar people, strange noises and sights, and human hands. They are often fearful of or sensitive to touch. They often stare at nothing.

(2) Are Less Trainable.

Many of these dogs, while at puppy mills, develop unusual, repetitive behaviors that are incredibly difficult to extinguish and make other training almost impossible for the average person. Obsessively running back and forth in the yard and constantly running in circles are typical examples of these behaviors.

(3) Choose Flight over Fight.

The average dog, when confronted with a perceived threat, will choose to fight. Puppy mill dogs, however, typically choose flight; which puts them at extreme risk of becoming run-away dogs. They need tall, heavily secured, fenced yards, constant supervision, and complete human control near opening doors, including car doors. This tendency to flight also makes it difficult to find dogs that have managed to break away. They just keep running. They don't know their names and don't trust anyone.

(4) Do Not Bond Well.

If these dogs bond at all, it is generally with only 1 person in the household. Often, only one person is permitted to touch the dog, and that might not include holding the dog. Again, remember that we are referring to two years after adoption. Imagine adopting a dog that still won't let you pick him up two years later.

(5) Are Difficult To House Train.

Because puppy mill dogs have spent anywhere from 2 to 12 years living in a wire cage and are never "let out to go," these dogs go where they are and when they need. They have no other choice. Training these dogs to wait and go outside can often be impossible. Certainly the younger dog has a greater likelihood of success. Some of these dogs can eventually be trained to go on a pad in the house. To expect these dogs to signal you and then wait for you to let them out, may be expecting too much. Again, remember that we are talking two years after adoption.

At this point, I want to clarify. Just as two soldiers can be in the same troop and share experiences in war and, yet, have very different reactions to that war; the same is true for puppy mill dogs. Many factors are involved in how a puppy mill dog reacts to life in a puppy mill. These factors can include the age of dog, amount of human contact, severity of conditions in the mills, individual make-up of the dog, as well as many other situations. Some dogs will be fine. Others dogs will never be fine.

I believe that people who understand the puppy mill dog and can successfully deal with all the associated physical and psychological problems these dogs bring deserve a special place in Heaven! It is also true that we need more people who can adopt or foster these dogs. The key to success with these dogs is knowing what to expect and then being trained in how to work with these problems.

If you are looking to adopt a family dog that loves everyone in the family, is well-behaved, is easily house-trained, etc., then a puppy mill rescue dog may not be the right dog. A dog at your local humane shelter will probably be a better choice.

On the other hand, if you have a huge heart bursting with love and infinite patience to give a troubled dog, then a puppy mill rescue may be your perfect companion.