Month: January 2024

How Do I Give Up My Mastiff?

You can give up your Mastiff to someone that you know, someone you find online, or to a shelter or a rescue. It’s important to know the options that are available, how they work, and what you need to consider when giving up your dog. 

Do You Need to Give Up Your Mastiff?

One of the first things you’ll want to consider is whether you need to give up your dog at all. Think about why you need to give him up and whether there might be a way to ease whatever problem you might be having. If he has some behavioral issues, for example, working with a trainer could help. If you don’t have time to walk him each day, you could hire a dog walker to help. Try to exhaust all of your possibilities before giving him up. Of course, we know that sometimes you may not have any other choice.

Shelters and Rescues

These organizations are available for those who need to give up their dog. The shelters and rescues will require that you first contact them to set up an appointment. They’ll want to know the temperament of your dog, any medical needs that he might have, etc. Additionally, they may want to know why you have to give up your dog. They want what’s best for him and may have resources that could help you, such as information about low-cost vets, trainers, and more.

If you give up your Mastiff to a shelter or rescue, keep in mind that you’ll have to pay a surrender fee, as well. The price will vary, but it typically starts at around $50 and goes up from there depending on where you’re located.

People You Know

A great option for giving up your dog would be to talk with the people you know, such as your friends, family, and coworkers. Let them know your situation and that you need to give him up. You might find that one of them might be looking for a dog and would love to give him a home. Of course, you need to be sure that whoever you give your dog to can care for all of his needs, whatever they might be. When you give your dog to someone you know, it also gives you more peace of mind.

Online Options for Giving Up Your Mastiff

Another option would be to use an online service like Rehome to find a new owner for your dog. This is a platform from Adopt-a-Pet.com that makes it easy to find potential adopters. You’ll create a profile for your dog, which the adopters can see and review. Those interested in adopting will send applications to you for review. You can then sort through the applications and choose the best new owner for your Mastiff.

It’s an easy to use platform and it’s free for owners to use. The adopters will only pay a small rehoming fee to the site, and the money goes back into helping more animals find a new home.

Photo Credit: Eran Finkle

Are Bark Collars Cruel?

Bark collars are cruel in that they inflict discomfort and/or pain as a method of stopping barking. There are better and more humane ways to deal with barking that don’t hurt your dog and also will address the root of the problem. Bark collars do not address the reason for the barking. Barking is a normal behavior, so punishing your pet for just being a dog is a cruel choice.

How Bark Collars Work 

Bark collars react to the sound of barking or the vibration of your dog’s vocal chords by spraying the dog with citronella, emitting a high pitched sound, or shocking the dog. All of these punishments fail to address the reason for the barking. In the best cases, they make the dog fearful and uncomfortable. In the worst cases, they cause pain.

Alternatives to Bark Collars 

Inflicting pain and discomfort shouldn’t be a method any pet owner is willing to try. Fortunately, there are plenty of humane ways to stop excessive barking such as: 

  • Ignore It: If your dog is looking for attention by barking, ignore him completely. Don’t say “no.” Don’t act annoyed. Just walk away. When the barking stops, give your dog the attention he craves. He’ll learn to associate barking with being ignored and being quiet with getting attention.
  • Find the Cause: If you can figure out what is triggering the barking, you can deal with that directly. For example, if he barks at people walking by, consider keeping him in a back room or blocking the windows during high traffic times of day.
  • Professional Training: If the methods you try at home don’t do the trick, invest in professional training. You’ll learn how to use positive reinforcement to stop unwanted behavior.
    If you suspect the barking is due to separation anxiety, seek the help of a vet or animal behaviorist at once. The problem will only get worse if left untreated. 

Whatever is causing excessive barking, punishing your dog isn’t the way to go. Rather than inflicting pain with a bark collar, find a training method that is positive and healthy and that will bring out the best in your pet. 

Where Can I Put a Boxer Up for Adoption?

You can put a boxer up for adoption both online and locally. If you have a boxer that you can no longer take care of, you might find that putting them up for adoption is the best course of action.

Maybe you will be moving soon, and the new location will not allow pets or larger dogs. You may find that you can’t provide for the dog’s needs any longer. For example, boxers are a fun-loving and active breed, and you may not be able to give them enough exercise. Regardless of why you need to relinquish your pet, it is important that you find the best home for them. Fortunately, there are several that you can consider.

Shelters and Rescues

One of the first places that people consider when they are looking to give up their boxer for adoption is a shelter. Many people choose to visit rescues and shelters when looking for a new pet. Some rescues specialize in boxers, which could be a good fit. While shelters try to provide care for dogs, they are not always capable of ensuring adoption.

Do You Have Friends or Family that Could Adopt?

You might be fortunate enough to have someone that you know in your life already that might be willing to adopt your boxer. If you have a friend or a family member who has room for your dog, and that can properly care for your pet, then you might want to allow them to adopt. If they already know your dog, it can help to make the adoption easier for the pet, and you.

Of course, not everyone will have enough room for a boxer or the ability to provide them with the exercise that they need. You want the best for your dog, and sometimes that means considering other options for adoption, such as Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com.

Consider Choosing Rehome When Putting Your Boxer Up for Adoption

Rehome is a platform from Adopt-a-Pet, which can provide you with a safe, effective, and simple way to put your boxer up for adoption. The platform allows you to create a bio for your pet, and to upload photos and videos. You can provide potential adopters with all of the information they need regarding your dog to help ensure a good fit for a new home. If your boxer doesn’t get along with cats, for example, you will want to let people know in case they already have cats in the home.

The system works easily for the owner, as well as the adopter. Additionally, when you are putting your pet up for adoption on Rehome, it is entirely free. The adopter will pay a small fee that is in line with what they would pay at city or municipality shelters.

If you have a boxer that needs to be adopted, take the time to check out Rehome and see just how easy it is. You can find the perfect new home for your boxer.

How Do I Find a Good Home for My Australian Shepherd?

When pet owners decide they can no longer keep their dog, questions like, “how do I find a good home for my Australian Shepherd,” are usually top of mind. While surrendering to a shelter is an option, the best way to find the right home for your dog is to rehome him yourself. It takes a bit of time and effort, but if finding the right home is important to you, this is the easiest way to see exactly where he ends up.

Where Do I Start?

If you’ve never rehomed a dog before, the idea can seem overwhelming and stressful. The good news is an Australian Shepherd will be easier to rehome than some other breeds. Once you get your dog in front of the right people, it probably won’t take long to find him a loving new home.
The more potential adopters who see him, the better the chances of finding a good fit. Here are two things you’ll want to do:

  • Contact breed-specific rescues and ask if they will list your dog as a courtesy listing. These groups may even know people who are actively looking for an Australian Shepherd.
  • List your pet on the Rehome website. You’ll be able to create a pet profile, communicate with potential adopters, upload medical records, and more. This site is a valuable resource for anyone trying to rehome a pet. Your pet will also get more rehome_legacyity than you would with other sites because his profile will be published directly on Adopt-a-Pet.com. Once the bio is live, your dog could be viewed by the millions of people that visit Adopt-a-Pet.com every month.

    Vet References and Rehoming Fees

    Remember that the goal isn’t just to find a home; it’s to find a great home. That means you won’t want to just hand over your dog without learning a bit about the potential adopters. Make sure you:

    • Ask for Vet References: If the adopter has had pets before, ask for vet references. You’ll want the vet to verify that proper medical care was provided.
    • Charge a Rehoming Fee: Giving your dog away as free to a good home is never a good idea. Charging a rehoming fee weeds out people who look for free dogs to resell or use in nefarious ways. It also lets you know they are willing to invest in your dog. If they balk at a rehoming fee, what will they do when a sick dog needs to go to the vet?

      It’s always a sad thing to give up a pet, but taking the time to find him a perfect home at least gives your Australian Shepherd the best chance at a happy future.

      How Do I Make My Dog Stop Licking Everything?

      To stop your dog from licking everything requires identifying the reason for the behavior, which can be either medical or behavioral. From there you’ll be able to either treat the medical condition or work on behavior modification. It’s important not to rule out a visit to the vet—especially if the behavior started suddenly.

      Tips for Stopping Excessive Behavioral Licking 

      Unlike cats who gracefully sit in the sun and silently groom themselves, the sound of a dog’s sloppy licking is enough to drive even the most patient pet owners a little crazy.

      If your dog is licking everything and your vet has ruled out fleas, allergies, or another medical cause, the reason could be as simple as boredom or because the act calms him. Other dogs lick out of habit, when they are anxious, or, in the case of licking their owners, out of affection. If you’d like to curb this behavior, try:

      • Training: So many pet behavior problems can be solved by training your dog to obey the “leave it!” command. Work on this so when you see your dog start to lick, one simple command will put a stop to it.
      • Ignoring: Your dog could be licking just for attention. Try ignoring the behavior completely.
      • Playtime: If boredom is the cause, extra playtime and daily long walks could be the cure.
      • Bitter Spray: If the rest fails, you can try spraying the areas he licks with an unpleasant tasting spray that is designed to stop dogs from chewing and licking. Note that some dogs find some of these sprays to be pleasant, so you might have to try more than one. 

      Obviously, the above won’t work if the reason is medical. Dogs who lick themselves excessively may be dealing with fleas, allergies, parasites, GI issues, or infections. Some dogs lick so much that they lose hair and create hotspots.

      If your dog is licking floors, furniture and other objects, another possible medical cause is nausea as the licking can help to soothe that feeling. Once the underlying cause is treated, the behavior will stop pretty quickly.

      Whether the cause is medical or behavioral, if your dog is licking to the point that he is damaging his skin, you’ll want to see your vet right away. Fortunately, licking isn’t usually harmful and it’s fairly easy to stop through some trial and error. 

       

      What is the Best Way to Rehome a Dog?

      The best way to rehome a dog is to try to find him a new home yourself. This way, you will have full control over who your dog’s new family is and can ensure it will be a good fit. You’ll find many resources are available to help you along the way and to make it easier to match your dog with a family that will love her as much as you do.

      Not Sure Where to Start? 

      There are many ways you could go about searching for a home, but some aren’t as safe as others. Instead of listing your pet on a classified site or Facebook yard sale site, consider using a website called Rehome. 

      This website was created just to help pet owners like you who are faced with the need to give up their pet and want to do so in a safe and responsible manner. Rehome puts a host of resources at your fingertips, all of which are designed to simplify the process of locating a great home for your dog. Here’s how it works:

      1. Upload a Pet Profile: You can even include a video to help your pet get noticed.
      2. Review Applications: Rehome will notify you every time someone shows interest in your pet. They even offer screening guidance to help you choose the ideal home.   
      3. Meet Adopters: Rehome provides tips for a safe meet-up and advice about what to look for in potential adopters.

        Once you’ve found a home, the new family will be able to access the pet’s medical records (that you’ll upload) right from the Rehome site. 

        Rehoming your pet should always be a last resort. Whether the pet has behavior issues, you’re having financial problems, or you just think you’re too busy to keep your dog, there are resources available to help you work through those problems. Check the Keep Your Pet section on the Rehome website for advice.  

        Why Is My Dog Barking At The Wall?

        Your dog may be barking at the wall because he hears animals or pests scurrying about or because he is experiencing cognitive dysfunction. The latter is more likely to occur when the dog is older. If he only focuses on one area of the wall, pests are more likely the cause while those with a medical problem typically stare and growl at various places on the wall.

        So It’s Not Ghosts? 

        The internet is fun. It’s given us dancing babies, social media, and information about how to tell if your dog barking at the wall is due to paranormal activity he’s sensing. The truth is that it’s much more likely that he hears mice or other animals or that he has a medical condition. Here’s what you need to do if you dog is barking at the wall:

        Set Up An Appointment With The Vet

        Anytime your pet exhibits strange behavior, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment just to rule out any medical concerns.

        Call The Pest Control Company

        If your pet is barking because some uninvited guests have taken up residence in your walls, the behavior will cease soon after they are removed. Call a humane pest control company that will safely relocate your visitors.

        Another possible reason your dog may bark at the wall, especially if he’s never done it before, is because he senses an outside threat. Whatever the cause, it’s important not to ignore unusual behavior in your pet. Whether he’s trying to warn you, detects pests, or is suffering from a medical condition, it’s vital to address the underlying cause of barking at the wall. 

        Should You Feed A Stray Cat?

        Before you feed a stray cat, you should check with your neighbors that the cat does not belong to them. Some cats are allowed to wander outside at their leisure and though they are fed, they will still beg for more. If the cat does not belong to your neighbors and does not seem scared of humans, the cat may be lost. You can feed the cats if you have the means to do so and it is legal in your area. You should also refer to our lost pet guide on the next steps.

        Know The Laws In Your Area 

        It is illegal to feed stray or feral cats (cats who have lived their entire life outdoors and do not tolerate human interaction) in some locations, so it’s important to know the laws in your area. It’s also important to know that many communities have groups of animal lovers advocating against such laws—and they have been successful in several places.

        Talk With Members Of A Local TNR Group

        If you notice a cat or multiple cats that are extremely scared of humans, it is likely a feral cat. Find a local group of feral cat advocates who will be happy to give you advice specific to your area. They will know if it is legal to feed these cats and whether or not it will be helpful for them. They’ll likely also encourage you to get the cat or cats TNR’d (trapped/neutered/released), which is another great kindness to these cats. 

        How Long Does It Take an Australian Cattle Dog to Get Used to a New Home?

        The amount of time that it takes for an Australian cattle dog to get used to a new home can vary based on a range of different factors. Australian cattle dogs are known to become attached to their owners, and they may have separation anxiety. As long as the dog feels safe and cared for, and they have owners who understand and accommodate their needs, they should start to acclimate within a week or so. However, it can sometimes take longer.

        Understanding some of the factors that affect the adjustment period and taking steps to make the transition to a new home easier will help to speed up the process. Below, we will be looking at these factors and what you can do to make the dog feel safe and welcome.

        The Age of the Dog 

        The age of the dog could be a factor when determining how long it will take them to get used to a new home. Puppies and younger dogs tend to have an easier time adapting than older dogs in many cases. Older dogs might feel a bit skittish at first, but as long as they are treated well and their needs are met, they will adjust relatively quickly. With older dogs, it tends to be a good idea to continue calling them by the name their previous owner gave them. This is what they are accustomed to.

        Making the Dog Feel Welcome and Part of the Family

        Those who are adopting the dog should make sure that they learn as much as possible about the personality of the dog. Knowing the likes and dislikes of the dog when they come to the home for the first time helps to ensure they feel more at home. Make sure that they are on a good schedule for their walks, playtime, and bathroom time. Give them time to adjust and love and encouragement along the way.

        Be Sure to Choose the Right Dog and the Right Home

        If you are going to be adopting an Australian cattle dog, or if you are an owner who needs to put their dog up for adoption, considering using Rehome. This is a platform from Adopt-a-Pet that helps to make it easier to find the right homes for the dog. Owners who have pets they need to put up for adoption can add photos, videos, and information about their dog’s personality and temperament.

        This information is highly valuable to those who are considering adoption. It can help them to determine whether they are getting the right Australian cattle dog for their home. The information also lets them create an environment that will be comfortable for the dog when it arrives.

        Australian cattle dogs tend to be an energetic and loving breed. Some might adjust to their new life almost immediately. Others will be nervous, and it will take more time for them to become comfortable. Don’t pressure the dog. They will adjust in their own time and become a loving member of your family. 

        Does PetSmart Take Cats?

        PetSmart does not take cats, though you are allowed to bring your cat into the store if you are shopping. If you attempt to surrender a cat at a PetSmart location, you will be turned away and given other options.

        What About All the Cats I See For Adoption In Store?

        The adoptable cats you see in some PetSmart locations are available through a specific organization that has a partnership with PetSmart. These cats are brought in daily so that they can gain more exposure and hopefully more potential to be adopted. Each of these cats undergoes a health and behavior evaluation with the organization they are available through to make sure that they are good with other cats and ready to be adopted to a new home. Adding a new cat to the mix can potentially cause extra stress for the cats and therefore, the cat you would like to surrender would not be allowed to stay with these cats.

        What Options Do I Have For a Cat I Can’t Keep?  

        There are some great options to help you find a new home for a cat you can’t keep. It’s best to try to find the cat a new family to live with rather than bringing them to a shelter. Shelters can be very stressful for any animal, so finding a new home for your cat yourself will help make the transition easier on him. Here are the steps you can take to find your cat a new, loving home:

        Start With Friends and Family  

        Talk to the people that you are closest with and see if they can adopt your cat. You can post pictures and a description of your cat on your social media channels to cast a wider net as well. If your cat can live with someone you already know, it will give you peace of mind and allow you to remain in contact with the owner.

        Create An Account On Rehome  

        If your friends and family are unable to help give your cat a new home, you can turn to another online resource called Rehome. This no-cost program is easy to use and gets your pet posted on Adopt-a-Pet.com. Once your pet is posted, millions of potential adopters will be able to view him, giving you the best chance of finding a great new family!  

        All you need to get started is a clear, bright photo or two of your cat and some basic information about their behavior and medical history. Then you’ll be able to create your account and craft a bio about your cat to give potential adopters more details.