Patience Might Undo Harm Caused by a Puppy Mill

Dear Dr. Fox:

My husband and I recently adopted a dog that had been rescued from a puppy mill. She has adapted to our household of two other dogs and two cats. She easily uses a dog door and goes outside on her own to sit or walk around. She had lived in a crate for six years, so it has been normal for her to relieve herself in the crate.

I work at home, so we have made good progress in housebreaking her. We take her outside after meals and periodically during the day, and we compliment her for relieving herself outdoors. When she has accidents, we chastise her without going overboard and then resume the positive reinforcement when she gets it right.

Our issue is that she can't seem to comprehend that she can use the dog door and relieve herself in the same trip. How can we help her understand that she can, and should, let herself outside to relieve herself without waiting for us to lead her?

-- K.W.

Silver Spring

I applaud the fact that you adopted a dog from a puppy mill. She was treated abominably. Six years in a crate -- the inhumanity that so many people are capable of makes me ashamed to be a member of the same species.