ArcaMax

Dear Cathy, I recently adopted a seven-year-old male poodle rescued from an out of state puppy mill where he spent his entire life. Since then, he wakes me every morning at around 4 a.m. to relieve himself. After coming back inside, he howls until I feed him. He then gets hyper, running around until he settles down around 6 a.m. I have tried walking him at 5 a.m. to settle him down but he is exhausting me. He has no interest in balls, dog toys, or doggie treats. Any suggestions?

– Eileen, Lindenhurst, New York

Dear Eileen, Thank you for giving this dog a second chance. Your poodle spent seven years in a puppy mill without a normal family life, regular routines, toys, training, or opportunities to explore the world. In many ways, you are not just adopting a seven-year-old dog, you are helping him discover things most puppies learn during their first year of life.

Before assuming this is entirely behavioral, however, I would schedule a veterinary exam to rule out digestive issues, parasites, or other medical conditions that could be contributing to the early morning bathroom trips.

If he is healthy, I would focus on changing the routine gradually. Right now, your dog's internal clock is still set to his previous schedule, and he has learned that waking you up at 4 a.m. leads to a potty break, breakfast, and the start of the day. From his perspective, the routine works perfectly.

If he needs to go outside at 4 a.m., take him out on a leash, be very quiet, and then come straight back inside. Avoid feeding him immediately or turning it into the start of the day. Instead, gradually move breakfast later by 10 to 15 minutes every few days until you reach the time you want your morning to begin. He will probably howl during this transition, but sometimes, the only way out is through. As he learns that howling does not make breakfast arrive any sooner, he should gradually begin adjusting to the new routine. It may also help to feed dinner a little later or offer a small bedtime snack to see if that reduces his early morning hunger.

As for enrichment, do not be discouraged that he ignores toys and treats. Many puppy mill dogs have never learned how to play. Balls, squeaky toys, and chew toys are likely unfamiliar to him as they were never part of his day. I have shared my life with several dogs who never became interested in toys, yet they loved walking, sniffing adventures, and simply being part of the family.

Instead of focusing on traditional toys, encourage him to use his nose. Scatter part of his breakfast on a snuffle mat, hide kibble around a room, or take slow "sniff walks" where exploration – not exercise – is the goal. You can also try food puzzles, cardboard boxes with kibble hidden inside, or short training sessions using praise and gentle encouragement. Mental exercise can be just as enriching as physical activity.

Most importantly, remember that your poodle is still learning how to be a dog. Progress with puppy mill survivors is often measured in months rather than weeks. Celebrate the small victories, be patient with the setbacks, and know that every positive experience helps him discover the life he should have had all along.

Dear Cathy,

In reference to the question that ran on June 30 about the dog that grabs a toy, runs, and then cries, our 6-1/2-year-old goldendoodle does this too. He cries if we don't chase him. We chase in slow motion, because that is what he wants. Maybe their dog wants the same thing.

– Sharon, Dix Hills, New York

Dear Sharon,

Your Goldendoodle may indeed be inviting you to play. Many dogs grab their favorite toy and run off in hopes their family will chase them or join a game of "keep away." The crying or whining may reflect excitement and anticipation. The fact that your family chases him in slow motion suggests it is not about how fast you run – it is about the fun of interacting with you. For many dogs, the game itself is the reward.

Of course, every dog is an individual, so it is impossible to know whether the reader's dog was motivated by play without seeing the behavior firsthand.

Looking at the dog's overall body language and what happens before and after the behavior often provides important clues about what they are trying to communicate. A loose, wiggly body and repeated invitations to interact often point toward play, while stiffness accompanied by signs of stress may suggest anxiety.

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(Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, columnist and pet expert who has more than 25 years in the animal welfare field. Send your pet questions, stories and tips to cathy@petpundit.com. Please include your name, city, and state. You can follow her @cathymrosenthal.)

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