Rehoming a dog with behavior problems isn’t easy, but there are ways to make it easier. The following tips will help you make finding a new home that’s best for your pup a better than expected experience.
What to Know When Rehoming a Dog with Behavior Problems
Do NOT keep the behavior problems a secret. Rehoming a dog with behavior problems should be a positive situation for your pup. One that will help your pup resolve his issues in the best way possible, so he can live a happier and calmer life.
DO NOT think just because your dog has behavior problems you won’t be able to find him/her the perfect home. It may take a little extra leg work, but it will be worth it.
How to Find a Home for a Dog with Behavior Problems
The following are some great tips on rehoming a dog with behavior problems. Use the ones that apply to you and your pup and leave the rest of them.
Contact Breed-Specific Rescue Organizations
Rescue centers often have connections to other organizations and people looking for dogs they can adopt. Even if your dog isn’t purebred, contacting the rescues can help you network with possible adopters. The Bark website has a directory of rescue organizations according to breed.
You can also search the Internet for “dog rescue centers” or your dog’s breed “rescue” for a few others to try. Add your city or state for local ones.
Add Your Pup to Petfinder
Petfinder is a website many shelters, humane societies, and rescue organizations use to share information about dogs available for adoption. Be sure to include details about your pup – positives and negatives along with many pictures.
Post Adoption Flyers Locally
Create a flyer for your pup that has his/her picture at the top and details on the bottom with contact information. You can post flyers in many places around your community:
- Veterinarian Offices
- Shelters / Humane Societies
- Libraries
- Grocery Stores
- Community Centers
- Pet Stores
- Pet Training Businesses
- Pet Grooming Businesses
Think of all the places where people who like dogs go and post the flyer on a bulletin board. Be sure to ask for permission before doing it, so you don’t violate any rules.
Use Social Media
Post a picture and information about your dog on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Request that people share the post so it gets as much visibility as possible.
Spread the Word
Tell everyone you meet you’re rehoming a dog with behavior problems. People care deeply about dogs and will tell others, especially people who love animals.
Be Consistent and Patient
It may take a long time to find the right new owner for your dog. Don’t quit! Be consistent in your effort. Continue to reach out to as many people and outlets as possible. The more you do it, the more likely you’ll find someone who will truly want to and has the time to help your pup.
What to Do In the Meantime
We understand that you’ve been coping with behavior problems for a while and you’re likely at your wit’s end. Don’t give up just yet. Your pup still needs you to love and care for him/her until you find someone new.
Ask for help when you need it from friends and family. You may want to consider hiring a pet sitter who can take care of your pup for some time so you can get a break.
You’ve done all you can do for your pup. You’re making a good decision in rehoming a dog with behavior problems. You and your dog deserve to be happy. Rehoming doesn’t mean you don’t love your furbaby, it means that you want to give your furbaby the best home possible – and that’s really what love is all about.
We wish you good luck with rehoming your dog with behavior problems. Feel free to comment below for support. We’re here for you.
You may want to read this article: Does My Dog Know I Rescued Him? It may not be exactly what you’re going through, but it explains how dogs feel towards their owners and why showing your pup love right now and finding a new owner that will do the same will have a huge impact on your pup for the rest of his/her life.
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