Bryndelyn Needs A Home: Image By Beverly And Pack, FlickrNobody wants to give up their loving companion, but in some cases, you don't have a choice. Regardless, your dog depends on you for loving care and a good life. For this reason, you have to be sure that your dog ends up in the right hands. Keep reading to learn what to do if you can't keep your dog.
Why Can't You Keep Your Dog?
If you can't keep your dog, there's got to be a good reason. Some reasons can be potentially avoidable. Knowing the most common reasons that people get rid of their dog might help you pinpoint if it's really necessary. Do any of these reasons apply to you?
Behavioral Reasons
If you have to get rid of your dog because of behavioral problems, be sure to check with your vet. A vet will be able to tell you if the behavioral problems are due to a medical condition. If this is the case, there's likely medical treatment available that can reverse the problem. If it's not due to a medical condition, many behavioral problems can be reversed with time and proper training. A vet may also be able to refer you to a behaviorist or trainer to help get rid of the problem so you can keep you beloved companion.
Health Reasons
Another common reason people get rid of their dog has to do with health problems, such as a family member having an allergy. Before you decide to rehome your companion, talk with a physician to see if there are any other options.
Housing Reasons
Dogs are most commonly relocated because the owner has to move. This usually occurs when the owner has to move somewhere that doesn't allow animals. This usually has to do with restrictions that a landlord has in place, or if the owner is moving in with a roommate or family member that won't allow it. It can be difficult to find animal-friendly housing, but it might be worth the effort for your furry friend.
Financial Reasons
Some owners simply can't afford to care for their dog any longer. If this is the case, they often look to rehome their dog so he can live in a place that will offer him the care he deserves.
When You Can't Keep Your Dog
Talk To A Breeder And Rescue Group
The breeder you bought your dog from might be willing to take him back so they can find him a good home. If you got your dog from a shelter or rescue group, they might also be willing to take him in. Even if you didn't get him from a shelter or rescue group, they might be happy to take him.
Advertise
Advertisements can be a powerful tool when trying to find the perfect home for a dog. Try advertising via word of mouth, through a local vet, with friends, with neighbors, in the local newspaper, or on Craigslist. Be sure to get to know anyone who responds to an advertisement before you let them adopt.
Use Social Networks
Social networks are another great way to advertise. Post that your dog needs a new home via Facebook, Twitter, or any other social networks that you have access to.
Temporary Relocation
If you can, buy time. Avoid relocating your dog until you're sure you absolutely have to. For instance, financial reasons can be sorted out with time. You can put your dog in a temporary home until your problems are solved. A trusted pet sitter, boarding facility, doggy daycare, or a rescue group member might be willing to take care of your dog until you feel you're ready to take him back. Try reading our articles on pet sitting and doggy day care for help finding a good temporary home for your pup.
Finding A New Home
When looking for a new home, it's important that you put your dog's best interests as your top priority.
Never let a person adopt your dog that won't allow you to view the home he'll be living in. When you do go to visit a home, try to get a good feel for your dog's potential new home. If you can, bring your dog with you to view the home to see how he reacts to it. Be sure to screen the home carefully and consider every element, such as if the owner has children or owns a cat.
Get To Know The Adopters
When you visit the adopters, conduct an interview. Ask for references from a job, friends, or a vet, and for identification like a drivers license that you can use for your records. If they have any previous pets, ask about them. Take an interest in how they handle common misbehavior's to make sure that they won't, for instance, hit your dog if he does something wrong. If you're satisfied with their answers, see about creating a contract with them that requires them to contact you if they ever have to get rid of your dog.
Have Your Dog Neutered Or Spayed
It's important to have your dog neutered or spayed before putting it up for adoption for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it will help the new owner by decreasing the chance of behavioral problems and pregnancy. Also, it will increase the chance of your dog getting adopted by a good home.
If Your Dog Has Behavior Problems
If your dog has any behavioral problems, only put him up for adoption if you absolutely have to. Be aware that problems with behavior can lead to painful decisions and potential abuse if in the wrong hands. Be very honest with his potential new owner about your dogs behavior, and try to find a home for him that doesn't have any children, or any other animals, depending on how he reacts to them.
Try to avoid relocating your dog if possible. However, if you absolutely have to, choose his new home with care so that he ends up in the best hands.
Savanna Y Lujan
Featured Blogger
