Home  Articles and tips How To Rehome A Rescue Dog |
How To Rehome A Rescue Dog |
|
|
Many of my clients have a rescue dog – or sometimes a number
of rescue dogs (It seems that one is never enough!). That’s great because there
are so many dogs in dog rehoming kennels who deserve a better life.
Often the cost of taking on a rescue dog is very little – the cost of a donation – and
many come already vaccinated and microchipped and may be neutered too, saving
you even more.
The catch is that some rescue dogs come with their own
quirks and dog behaviour problems that you might need to overcome. Rehome dogs
aren’t alone in this respect, of course, but many either have issues before
they were put up for pet adoption, or developed them in kennels because - despite
the best efforts of the caring staff at the dog rescue centres – unfortunately kennels
aren’t usually the best environments to help fearful or aggressive dogs.
The good news is that almost any dog behaviour or dog training problem can be
remedied (or at least controlled) if tackled in the right way. If you are
interested in rehoming a rescue dog, here are my top five tips for you:
- Choose your rescue dog carefully. Make sure your energies and that of other pets in your household match. Are you
looking for a ball-of-fire of a dog to match your hectic lifestyle or a laid
back moocher to share your life and home? How much exercise do you both need?
(Hint: If your dog is putting on weight, experts agree that YOU aren’t getting
enough exercise!). Do your homework on dog breeds and their temperaments and in
the case of cross breed dogs, simply assume you’ll have a combination of the
behaviours typical of the breeds that may be in the mix. If you'd like to know more, check out my article Choosing The Right Dog For You
- Consider what age of dog suits you best.
If you want a puppy, there may be some around, although they often find homes
more readily. Older dogs are easier to find, are often more mellow, are
frequently trained and are the ones that find it harder to find forever homes.
Could you share your home with an older dog? Incidentally, I’ve found from
experience that the old adage “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” simply
isn’t true. You certainly can train an older dog
- Think with your head, not your heart. I
know, it sounds so cold and clinical, doesn’t it? The trouble is, it’s
difficult not to get carried away when you’re looking at rescue dogs, but you
really must make your decision based on what you can and can’t cope with and
not on your feelings as you gaze upon the sad eyes looking out of the kennel at
you. If you choose the wrong shelter dog because you weren’t thinking clearly,
then you didn’t really do them any favours after all, did you? My top tip:
Sleep on it before you commit to taking on your rescue dog!
- Don’t feel sorry for your new rescue dog.
He/she’s just found a lovely new home and a caring owner. Whatever happened in
the past is just that – in the past. Dogs live in the moment and whatever
dog behavioural problems they may have been left with will not be made any better
if you treat them with pity. Good leadership in combination with sensitivity
and understanding is the best way to rehabilitate dogs. Let the good times roll
– Starting now!
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help with dog
behaviour issues. If you're lucky, there may be a dog behaviourist at the dog rescue centre who
can help, or you may prefer to ask a local professional dog trainer or dog
behaviour expert. Either way, if you’re struggling don’t feel like a failure –
Sometimes it just takes a little more dog training and behaviour experience and
knowledge than most people have access to in order to kick start your dog’s new
life. We all need a little help sometimes and you owe it to your rehome dog to
give it your best shot.
Rehoming a pet dog could be one of the most satisfying things
you ever do. It may take a little effort - like all the best things in life -
but it’s a great feeling to have a happy well behaved rescue dog. (Don't take my word for it, ask a Dogfather client, or check out What Clients Say!)
Graeme
For more free articles and tips exclusive to this website, click here!
I’m Graeme Hall MGoDT, an
independent professional dog trainer and dog behaviour expert based in
Northamptonshire, covering the UK. I'm a Master Dog Trainer with the Guild Of Dog Trainers. I
can come to you wherever you are – and
wherever there is a dog behaviour problem to fix or perhaps dog advice
or
dog help needed. Contact me here
|
|
