Stop, in the name of love! There are several options available to you besides putting your dog in a shelter. Keep these points in mind before making a decision.
Every day of the year, devoted family pets end up in shelters all around North America, causing pain for their owners. Right now, you might be debating sheltering your dog. Before you take any action, take some time to comprehend the true motives for your consideration of this alternative. First, try to remember why you initially accepted your dog into your home. Then, consider all the benefits your dog offers to your life. Finally, consider the circumstances surrounding your decision.
If the problem is: Insufficient Training
Is your new pet damaging your shoes or furniture? Or do they meet you after work with an urine stain on the living room floor? Although it could be difficult, this in no way justifies abandoning your dog. The good news is that no dog is born with perfect manners and conduct. It is possible to break any bad behaviors your pet may already have, but that skill must be learned. Unruly conduct just serves to highlight the necessity of leading your dog.
You can either teach your dog yourself or hire a professional to do it for you. Once your dog realizes the house rules and that you are in charge rather than him, his bad behavior will start to change.
If relocation and changing habits are the issue
The most trying periods in a person’s life are generally acknowledged to be when they get married, have a baby, lose their job, get divorced, get seriously ill, start a new job, or move. Dogs also go through the same scenario. You and your family do, after all, reside in the same home as your dog. While the arrival of a new child may excite you, your dog might feel angry, abandoned, or bewildered.
Try to plan one-on-one time with your dog every day to reduce his emotional stress and to show him you still care. After all of these significant adjustments, you might feel as though your dog is a burden, but that isn’t the case at all. All of these problems are solvable. Your veterinarian, other pet owners, or joining a pet group where people who have gone through similar experiences are happy to offer assistance are all good places to start.
When considering giving up their pet, many pet owners must deal with the fact that they are moving to a place that does not accept pets. This can be an especially difficult problem for the military because they are unable to pick where they go. In some rental or housing markets, let alone those that permit pets, it might be challenging to find a home that meets your needs and falls within your price range.
We are aware of it, and all we ask is that you look into all other options, including family members and friends who might be able to “foster” you while you are stationed there.
If you’re thinking about moving for a job where you do have a say, carefully assess the advantages of getting that new job while keeping in mind that you’ll have to say goodbye to a beloved family member.
If time is of the essence
I’m overextended! A lot of pet owners frequently use this phrase. It makes sense that life is hectic. The number of activities on your schedule is a sign of how fulfilled your life is. However, don’t leave your dog behind. He can react badly by tearing up the lawn or maybe even getting melancholy. Just like you would for everything else in your life, make sure to schedule time for your dog.
Saying “he’ll be better off with someone who can spend more time with him” is a cop-out. Getting a dog is a commitment, not a fad. Making time for your dedicated friend is just as important as taking care of your other obligations. When you brought him in, you expected being busy. When you need a helping hand, ask your friends and family for assistance; if required, hire a dog walker.
Listen. We understand. Life is busy, and COVID has been especially frantic. But there’s a problem. Your dog has truly never depended on you in such a way, with the exception of the Spanish Flu in 1918. After spending so much time and effort together, it will be challenging for both of you to split ways. Exchange dog walks with your neighbors and pals if doing so helps you pass the time while you’re busy.
It’s a great way to take care of your dog and reestablish relationships with loved ones.
If there are issues with both money and health
Dogs can be very expensive. The cost of veterinary visits, food, grooming, toys, and other expenses could make you feel stressed. Even if your dog would happily volunteer to save you money by refusing to see a veterinarian for the rest of his life, veterinary care is necessary and essential for his health.
Some dogs have serious health problems that necessitate continuing veterinary care, which drives up vet costs. You can ask the vet about a payment plan or get pet health insurance if the cost of vet visits, shots, tests, and other charges is causing you financial hardship. Create a budget and set aside money for your dog’s unforeseen needs if pet insurance is not cost-effective.
Look into local resources as well. Not just you are having money problems as a result of the pandemic. More people than ever are struggling to put food on their tables, let alone in their dog’s bowls. More choices than ever are also available to help with things like pet food pantries. Ask around at your local pet store or consult with your veterinarian to learn how to get help if you need it. also, sincerity? Tell your loved ones the truth. They share your want to keep your dog and not have to give it up.
If the issue is biting
Biting is a serious issue that affects both you and your dog. However, there are different levels of biting and different ways to cope with them. Determine what caused the bite first. Was the dog violent and bit the intruder when they tried to enter the residence without permission? Did they snarl at you or try to bite you when you took away their food or toys? Biting may occasionally be caused by a lack of socialization and training, which may be totally remedied with the help of a professional.
Other times, when they are hurt or in great agony, dogs may bite out of instinct or fear; this behavior is in no way an indication of the dogs’ character. The second thing you should think about is if this was a one-time occurrence or whether your pet has a history of violent behavior. Before opting to leave your pet behind, make sure to carefully weigh your options. Any aggressive behavior by your dog that culminates in biting must be immediately addressed with professional training and socialization before your dog is taken away from you.
When allergies are the issue
You might need to find your dog a new home immediately away if they start to exhibit unidentified canine allergies. You, your family, and especially your dog are upset by this kind of situation. While some dog owners must distance themselves from their pets, others would rather take allergy medication to ease their discomfort. Before you consider looking for a shelter, you might attempt creating a routine that would reduce the likelihood of an allergic reaction, especially if your allergies are not already acute or severe.
This would mean keeping your dog clean and well-groomed; regular bathing and frequent brushing can lessen the amount of dander and hair that triggers allergies. Try to assign that task to a family member or a professional groomer to lessen your exposure to a potential allergen. Similar to this, you can upgrade your housekeeping practices and replace your carpets with hard surface flooring.
You can manage it if you’re committed and don’t have a serious case of allergies. The key is to avoid letting dandruff or hair set up an allergic reaction. In this case, the proverb “where there’s a will, there’s a way” may truly be true!
A few closing thoughts
Preventative measures are the best way to avoid giving your dog to a shelter. Before getting a dog, think about your lifestyle and the breed that would be best for you and your family. Consider other possibilities before adopting a dog from a shelter if you already own a dog, such as hiring a trainer, enrolling your dog in doggie daycare, purchasing pet health insurance, spending more time with your dog, or finding a family member or close friend who will take your dog in.
Animal shelters are typically overcrowded with dogs just like the one you have, so you owe it to your friend to look into solutions that keep you both together.
And if you’ve tried everything and a shelter still feels like your only option, consider other options for rehoming your dog before giving it up. Make an attempt to personally find a new home and family for your pet, and make sure they follow through on it this time. By getting them fixed and giving them their vaccinations before putting them up for adoption, you can help increase their adoptability.
Adopt-a-Pet.com and other websites like it help responsible pet owners find new homes for their animals. You might also get in touch with rescue groups that have foster homes for their dogs. Even if they frequently have hectic schedules, anything is better than just dropping off your dog at a shelter without giving it any thought for the future.
