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Why Does My Dog Eat Lying Down?

If your dog is lying down while eating, it could be due to a medical condition that makes it painful to bend his neck down to the bowl. If it’s a tall dog, it could simply be uncomfortable to stretch his neck down to reach a bowl on the floor. If the behavior started suddenly, you should schedule a visit with your vet to rule out an underlying medical condition.

What To Do Next If Your Dog Eats Lying Down 

As mentioned above, if your dog suddenly starts to eat lying down, you should bring him to the vet to rule out problems such as arthritis or joint pain. If you suspect discomfort may be the issue, you can try to curb the behavior by purchasing a raised bowl that makes it easier for your pet to eat standing up.

If there is no medical condition, is it really a problem if dogs eat lying down? Not usually. In the wild, dogs are often seen lying down why eating prey and domesticated dogs often enjoy a treat lying down.

While eating meals in that position isn’t common, it’s not necessarily cause for concern once a medical condition is ruled out.

How Do You Get A Dog To Stop Whining?

In order to get a dog to stop whining, you’ll need to figure out why he is being vocal. Dogs use whining to communicate, so if you learn what your dog is trying to tell you, you’ll be better able to stop the whining. That doesn’t mean you’ll give him whatever he wants when he whines—that could only make the problem worse—but it means you’ll be able to figure out a way to tackle the issue. 

Possible Reasons Your Dog Is Whining 

There are many reasons your dog may be whining. Here are a few examples of why dogs whine:

He’s not feeling well.

A visit to the vet may be in order if the whining started suddenly. 

He’s in a new environment (i.e. when you first bring a puppy home).

Normally, the whining will stop once the puppy realizes he is safe.

He needs to go outside.

Some dogs whine when they need to relieve themselves.

He wants something such as more food or a treat.

Don’t reward whining with a treat. Instead, wait until your dog is quiet and then give him the treat.

He wants to play or go for a walk.

As with giving food or treats, wait until your dog stops whining before getting his leash or tossing the ball around.

He’s trying to alert you to something.

If he’s whining and trying to lead you to a certain spot, he’s likely trying to alert you to something. Check things out. Once your dog sees you’re not concerned, he’ll probably calm down. 

Keep in mind that whining is communicating. If you can figure out what your dog is trying to say, you’ll be better equipped to stop him from whining. 

Is It Cruel To Crate A Dog At Night?

It is not cruel to crate a dog at night as long as he is properly crate trained, enjoys being in his crate, has had plenty of out-of-crate time during the day, and was given a potty break before going to sleep.

How Long Should I Crate My Dog?  

As a rule of thumb, your dog should not be crated for more than 8 hours without a break. Older dogs or puppies will need more frequent breaks. Also, they shouldn’t be spending the majority of the time in a crate. If you crate your dog during the day and then again at night, consider doggy daycare or a pet sitter as an alternative for the daytime. This way, your pup won’t be spending all his time crated.

A Safe Space For Your Pet 

Crating is useful for training because it draws on your dog’s natural instinct to be in a den. For that reason, if your dog is properly crate trained, the crate will be a comfortable place that he likes spending time and where he feels safe. 

Another option once your dog is trained to act properly in your home is leaving the crate door open so he can come and go as he likes. This allows him to have his comfortable “den” without being forcibly confined for most of the day.

It is not cruel to crate your dog at night. In fact, many dogs happily enter their crate at night and enjoy the safety the space provides. 

How Much Does It Cost To Surrender A Cat?

The cost to surrender a cat varies from organization to organization, but it is typically between $30-$100. If you are considering surrendering your cat to a shelter or rescue, you may want to consider rehoming your cat through a no-cost service and that may also cause your pet less stress.

What alternatives do I have to surrendering a cat I can’t keep?

Rather than bringing your cat to a rescue or shelter, you can post him online to help find a new home! With this option, both you and your cat can remain in the comfort of your home while you search for someone to adopt your cat.

Begin With Your Network

The first step to take is asking people you know if they would like to adopt your cat. Call your friends and family, ask your neighbors, or post to social media to see if anyone is interested in adopting your cat. This option will give you peace of mind, because your cat will be with someone you know and trust.

Create A Profile On Rehome

If no one in your network can adopt your cat, it’s time to make a profile on Rehome! This peer-to-peer service helps you to find a suitable new home for your cat by posting them on Adopt-a-Pet.com for millions of possible adopters to see. Making a profile is quick, simple, and there is no cost. Once you fill out all necessary information, your cat’s profile will be available for people to view.

What happens after I post my cat to Rehome?

Shortly after posting your cat to Rehome, you may see questions coming in. If you signed up for mobile alerts, anytime someone asks a question or applies for your cat, you will be notified, keeping you in the loop. When someone asks a question, you can respond rehome_legacyly so other potential adopters can see the answer as well.

You will also begin to receive applications for your cat. This can sometimes be overwhelming, so you’ll have access to pointers on how to pick the strongest applicants and how to avoid red flags.

Once you’ve narrowed down your applications, it’s time to meet the applicant in person. You’ll also have access to tips on how to set up a successful and safe in-person meeting. From here, you’ll choose a new family for your cat and finalize the adoption. You can sign and access a contract through the Rehome portal as well as transfer all medical records.  

How Do You Stop A Dog From Digging Holes?

You can stop your dog from digging holes by training him to not dig and to create physical barriers that will stop your dog from digging in certain areas. When your dog is a digger, it’s more than just annoying—it can also be dangerous. No pet owner wants to think about what could happen if their dog managed to dig his way out from under a fence, so it’s important to learn how to stop the behavior.

Why Do Dogs Dig?   

Understanding why your dog is digging is the first step to stopping the behavior. There are several reasons your dog may spend his time digging holes in your yard. These include:

It’s Fun

Active dogs in particular use digging as a way to keep busy and make the most of their time outdoors. Other reasons your pet may dig for entertainment include:

  • They are left outside alone for long periods.
  • They are of a breed that digs by instinct (terriers are one example).
  • They need some toys to keep them occupied.

    Fixes:

    • Take your dogs on at least two long walks per day.
    • Provide toys that engage them physically and mentally. 
    • Spend more time each day playing with them.
    • Give your dog his own “digging pit” in your backyard. That way, he can have his fun digging in a place that isn’t harmful to your landscape.

      They’re Hunting

      If your dog tends to dig in the same spot, he may be hunting prey that lives in your yard.

      Fixes:

      • Call a humane pest control specialist to search for and then safely and humanely remove burrowing animals from your yard.

      To Cool Off 

      If you live in a warm climate, your dog may be digging himself a spot where he can cool off. This may be the case if:

      • Your dog does not have proper shelter or other protection from the sun.
      • Your dog sits or lies in the holes he creates.

      Fixes:

      • Don’t leave your pet outside for extended periods—especially when it’s hot out.
      • If you must leave him outside, make sure he has proper shelter that provides relief from the heat.

      Plotting Their Escape 

      It’s easy to tell if this is why your dog digs as the burrowing will be confined the fence line. Since this can lead to harm for your pet, it’s important to stop the digging as quickly as possible. Rather than relying on behavior modification alone, you’ll want to place physical barriers.

      Fixes:

      • Burying the fence one to two feet below ground.
      • Burying chicken wire along the length of the fence.
      • Partially burying rocks along your fence line.

      Until such precautions are taken, never leave your dog alone in the yard. You can also work on behavior modification with a dog that uses digging to escape, but you’ll want a barrier in place in the meantime.

      Take your yard back by implementing the suggestions above. If you’re still not able to curb the digging, call on the services of an animal behaviorist. 

      What is the best way to rehome a Yorkie?

      The best way to rehome a Yorkie is to find a new owner who will love and care for your dog as much as you did. Of course, you need to be sure that you’re using the right options and methods when it comes to rehoming. Below are some tips that can help to make the process easier, along with some things to keep in mind.

      Do You Really Need to Rehome?

      One of the first questions that you need to ask is whether you truly need to rehome him or not. Sometimes, what seems like a major problem currently can be handled with a little bit of work. For example, if your dog has behavioral issues that are causing the problem, you could look for a trainer in your area, or you could find online videos from professional trainers that may help.

      If you need some help walking the dog and playing with him, you could hire a dog sitter or have someone you know come over and help out. Maybe you have to go out of town for work for a month or so. Rather than rehoming, you could ask a family member to take care of him for that time.

      Always take the time to look for some other options that could be better than rehoming. You might be surprised at the resources and choices available.

      Family and Friends Could Be a Simple Solution

      Just as family and friends may be able to watch your dog when needed, they could also be a good option for adoption. You might have someone you know who wants to adopt a dog. Your Yorkie might be a good option for them, especially if they already know and like your dog. Since you already know the people, it means less rehome_research and less worry on your part. You can be sure they’re a good fit for your Yorkie immediately.

      Why Should You Charge a Rehoming Fee?

      Another way to rehome your dog is by advertising that he’s available for adoption through online pet adoption sites. You’ll want to find a site that allows for rehoming fees to be charged, or that has them built into the system. Rehoming fees help to dissuade the wrong people from trying to get their hands on your Yorkie. People who have bad intent, such as those who sell animals to labs or those who buy bait dogs for training fighting dogs, don’t want to pay for dogs. Charging a rehoming fee helps to reduce the risk for your dog.

      Consider Using the Rehome Platform

      Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com is a peer-to-peer platform that is free for owners to use when they advertise their dog. You can put up a profile along with videos and images, which are then seen by countless people who want to adopt. They can submit adoption applications, which you can then review to find the best home for your Yorkie. The adopter will then pay a small rehoming fee to the site, which goes back into helping more animals find homes.

      What Smells Deter Dogs?

      Citrus and vinegar are examples of smells that deter dogs. When you’re looking for a way to keep your dog away from certain areas in and around your home, one effective method may be applying a scent that dogs don’t like. There are many things you can try, but it may take some trial and error to figure out which deterrents will be most effective with your pets.

      Some Deterrents Are Dangerous 

      When searching for ways to deter dogs, keep in mind that some suggested methods can be dangerous to pets. These include ammonia, some essential oils, and citronella. Since there is so much conflicting information online, it’s a good idea to check with your vet if you’re not sure if a particular item is safe.

      Examples of safe deterrents include:

      • Citrus Peels: You might love the smell of a fresh orange or other citrus fruits, but your dog doesn’t. To try this simple, natural solution, simply pulse citrus peels in a food processor to release the oils and sprinkle them around the area of your yard you want to keep dog-free. You can also bury the peels under some mulch to keep them in place.
      • Vinegar Sprays: Fill a spray bottle with water and add two or three tablespoons of vinegar. You can also place vinegar-soaked cotton balls around the forbidden areas. If you don’t mind the smell, you can also use the vinegar-soaked cotton balls indoors. 

      Another option is to purchase repellent sprays that are available at most retail pet stores. If the natural remedies and store-bought sprays don’t seem to work, seek advice from a reliable animal behaviorist who will be able to give you tips about curbing unwanted behaviors.

      Whether you’re trying to keep dogs from stomping through your garden or from jumping on the furniture, with a little patience, you’ll find the solutions you need.   

      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. 

      Where Can I Surrender My Cat For Free?

      There may be places where you can surrender your cat for free, but this depends on your location. In most areas, animal control charges a fee to accept surrendered animals, but some may not have a fee. Whether or not rescues charge anything varies by organization, but many do try to recoup a small portion of the cost of caring for the pet by charging a surrender fee. Rehoming your cat yourself is your best bet to avoid paying a rehoming fee. 

      Rehoming Your Pet 

      When you bring a pet into your home, it should be a lifelong commitment. Unfortunately, sometimes giving up a pet can’t be helped. Other times, the circumstances that make you want to surrender your pet could be resolved. For example, litter box issues may be a sign of an easily corrected medical issue. 

      If you’ve exhausted all options and still feel that surrendering your cat is the right decision, consider rehoming him yourself. There are many reasons this is a good option including:

      • You don’t have to worry whether or not he’ll be put down at a shelter.
      • You’ll be able to choose the perfect home for your cat.
      • You won’t have to wait weeks or months for a rescue to have an open spot. 

      While rehoming your cat yourself may take a little time, it’s worth it to know that you’re giving your pet the best possible chance of a happy life in a new home.

      Not sure how to get started? Many resources are available to help you, and one of the best is the Rehome website. You’ll find expert advice, have the ability to create a custom profile for your pet, accept applications from potential adopters, and much more. 

      If you can’t keep your pet, don’t surrender him—rehome him instead. 

      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.