Saturday, November 12, 2011

Dog Rehoming - Some Things to Think About

When you rehome a dog this is a time of joy but if you miss a few vital elements then this can very quickly turn into your biggest nightmare. And if you are having to give up your dog because of situations beyond your control then you want to know they will be safe and you would also like to know how to cope with the sadness and emotions at losing your cherished friend.

Adopting a Dog:

SPAYING YOUR DOG

Although many people consider that dogs that need to be re-homed must have something wrong with them, such as a health or behavioural issue, this is very often not the case. A lot of people decide they cannot cope with their pet dog whether because of a change in housing, a new baby, because of a relationship break up, or because the owner suffers ill health, goes into hospital or dies. A lot of dogs come from very loving homes, and are well trained, gentle animals that are just in need of a new home. Often their previous owners haven't mistreated them, and don't want to have to part with them - but circumstances make it impossible for them to keep their faithful friend. One of the benefits that people often overlook when they adopt a dog is that most centres take a detailed description of your circumstances and match you to the ideal dog. Older dogs have more developed personalities, and it can be difficult to know -if you are merely visiting a breeder to see a litter of puppies - whether your chosen puppy is the right one for you. Matching a dog, and a breed, to you and your family is a service that is unique to rehoming centres and can ensure that you get exactly the right dog for you. Older pets can be more tolerant than younger animals, and don't require the constant attention that a young dog or puppy needs.

Although getting a dog from a centre or re-homing facility can cost less than buying a dog elsewhere, don't expect that it is entirely free. Kenneling, veterinary checks, food, and staffing costs for the rescue centre are all costly and you will be expected to pay a contribution that is usually between £70 and £120. This may be more if you are adopting a dog from a pedigree breeder. Re-homed dogs are usually micro chipped, have their full set of injections and may have been neutered. If your dog is not old enough at the time he is re-homed, come with a voucher for neutering later on. Dogs that are rehomed are often potty trained, identify and respond to commands, and require less attention than a new puppy.

When thinking of rehoming a dog or adopting a dog you should consider the following things:

- Is there anything in your tenancy agreement or lease that does not allow you to have a pet?
- Is your home secure enough to keep a dog? For example, does your garden have a fence that would prevent the dog from escaping?
- How long do you spend out of the house each day? If you are away from your home for more than ten hours per day, you will need to employ the services of a dog walker to take your pet for a walk in the middle of the day.
- If you have children it is worth researching the breeds that are more suited to children and choose a dog accordingly.
- Do you, or does anyone in your family, suffer from allergy to dogs? If so it is worth spending some time with the dog before you commit to make sure no one suffers an adverse reaction to him. There are also allergy prescriptions available from your doctor.

Rehoming Your Own Dog:
If you can't look after your dog anymore, it is important to ensure that you get help as soon as possible. If you have an urgent need to re-home your dog ask whether a member of your family or friend will foster him until such time as you can find a permanent home for him. If it is the case that re-homing is the best option in your particular circumstances there are numerous options open to you. Have you asked your friends and family whether they would like to re-home your dog? This may be more difficult if your dog has problem behaviour, especially if that behaviour is aggressive towards people.

Be Responsible:
It is vitally important that you behave responsibly when re-homing your pet. Dumping your dog somewhere, leaving him in an empty house, on someone else's doorstep, giving him to the first person that says they'll take him are all potentially harmful for your dog.

Here are some responsible ways to re-home your dog:

o Place him with a trusted friend or family member
o Find a reputable rescue centre who will take him and re-home him
o Find a reputable shelter that has a 'no-destroy' policy - however make sure that the shelter is well-staffed, not overcrowded and has sufficient facilities and financial resources to be able to look after your dog until a suitable new home can be found for him.
o Advertise for a new owner online, and ensure that you properly vet every applicant for their suitability as a dog owner. Will they have enough time to be able to look after him properly? What type of accommodation do they live in? Do they work long hours? Are they committed to dog ownership and do they fully understand the time and cost implications?

Dog Rehoming - Some Things to Think About

Grab The Only Independent Guide To Dog Rehoming at [http://www.Dog-Rehoming.org.uk] today.

SPAYING YOUR DOG

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