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

Dogs are creatures of habit, they like to have their routine, and it can take time to adjust to new settings. Every dog is different, but it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for a dog to get used to a new home. Exactly how long it will take depends on your dog’s age and temperament, as well as his history. While there is no one answer, you should prepare for it to take a considerable amount of time—up to several months—for your Australian Shepherd to fully acclimate. Unfortunately, many people adopt a dog and then return him when he doesn’t fit in right away. If you’ve brought an Australian Shepherd into your home, be sure to give him the time he needs before giving up on him.

He Doesn’t Follow My Rules 

 Wouldn’t it be great if you could bring a new dog home, point him to the dog bed, tell him not to chase the cat, and have that be that? Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. Dogs need time to get used to new rules and routines, and it’s up to you to help him do that.

If a few weeks go by without progress, it could be because you haven’t taken the proper steps to help your dog acclimate and establish a routine. It’s not always easy, but getting help from a vet or a trainer can make the process a lot easier.

Don’t Give Up On Him!

If your Australian Shepherd was adopted, you probably don’t know his background. It’s unsettling for dogs to change homes, and if he wasn’t adequately trained or was treated poorly in his last home, he’s coming to you at a disadvantage.

The good news is that with enough time and the right kind of encouragement from you, he’ll soon be a well-behaved part of the family! Don’t give up on your pet. Give him the time he needs, and the reward will be a loyal canine companion!

Can I Drop My Pit Bull Off at an Animal Shelter?

If you have a pit bull you can no longer care for, you may wonder, “Can I drop my pit bull off at an animal shelter?” More often than not, the answer is no. Many municipal facilities do not take owner surrenders at all, and the ones that do usually require an appointment, so you can’t just walk in and drop off your dog. Instead, you’ll work with an intake specialist who will guide you through the process of surrendering your pit bull (or American pit bull terrier).

Will My Pit Bull be Put Down If I Surrender Him to a Shelter?

Depending on where you live and which shelter you choose, the answer is either no, maybe, or almost certainly yes. That answer isn’t the most beneficial, but the truth is, some shelters must euthanize pets the same day they get them. Often it’s because of limited space to house incoming animals. No-kill shelters, on the other hand, only euthanize animals with severe medical conditions or aggression, but they may turn away pets due to limited capacity.

That’s why it’s important to rehome_research the specific shelter you’re considering so you are aware of what might happen to your pit bull. There are many wonderful shelters throughout the country, if you’re lucky, you’ll find one near you. If you cannot find one that satisfies your needs, consider another option.

Rehoming your pit bull yourself allows your pet to remain in a stress-free environment while you find him the right home, and gives you peace of mind knowing where your pet ends up.

While it will take some time and effort to find the perfect home, a host of resources are available to guide you. One great example is Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com. The peer-to-peer adoption service allows you to create a profile for your pit bull and share his story with millions of potential adopters. You’ll find information and easy-to-use tools that will help you find and screen applicants.

Giving up your pet isn’t a decision to take lightly. Surrendering your pit bull to the animal shelter is only one of many options. If you feel more comfortable being in control of where your pet goes, Rehome is the perfect tool to help you ensure your pet lands in a loving new home.

How Do I Rehome My Golden Retriever?

You can rehome your golden retriever in several ways, including online and finding someone you know who wants to adopt. When you rehome your dog, you’ll be taking the time to find someone who will love and cherish him just as much as you have. Although it might take some time and effort on your part, you’ll be happier knowing that your golden retriever will be going to a great home.

Letting Someone You Know Adopt

If you are lucky, you might already know someone who has been considering adopting a dog. If that’s the case, you’ll want to talk to them and let them know that you need to give up your golden retriever. There’s a chance that they might be willing to become the new owner. It’s fast, easy, and convenient for both the owner and the person who wants your dog.

Of course, even though you know the people, you don’t want to just give your dog to them. You need to make sure that it’ll be a good match and that the new owner has the means and space to care for him properly.

Rehoming Using Online Services

Not everyone is lucky enough to know someone who can adopt, of course. In those cases, there are still rehoming options that you can try. Find online pet adoption sites that allow you to post information about your dog to help find a new owner. You’ll want to be sure you’re using a high-quality site meant for pet adoption rather than Craigslist or a similar site, though.

Pet adoption sites like Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com make the entire process much easier and safer. The site is free for owners to use, and those who adopt will only pay a small rehoming fee similar to what they would pay to a shelter or rescue.

With Rehome, you can create a profile for your dog that includes pictures, videos, and a detailed bio. Be sure to be transparent and honest in the bio regarding your golden retriever’s behaviors, temperament, likes and dislikes, etc. You need to be sure the new owner understands as much about him as possible. When people start to send adoption applications, you can review them and choose the best new home for your dog.

Are Shelters and Rescues the Same as Rehoming?

While it may be possible to bring your dog to an animal shelter or a rescue, it’s important to remember that it’s not the same thing as rehoming your dog. Instead, when you bring the animal to the facility, they’ll have to wait for adoption. Although they may be fortunate enough to find a loving new home, it’s not always a guarantee.

You’ll also want to keep in mind that you’ll have to pay a surrender fee when you bring your dog to the shelter or rescue. Additionally, you can’t simply bring your dog to one of these facilities unannounced. Instead, you need to get in touch with them over the phone to set up an appointment and learn the procedures you must follow.

How Long Does It Take a Jack Russell Terrier to Get Used to a New Home?

The answer to “how long does it take a Jack Russell Terrier to get used to a new home” varies, and every dog is different. The time it takes depends on his age, temperament, and his experiences leading up to entering your home. It can take several months for some dogs to acclimate, so don’t be disheartened if your Jack Russell isn’t coming around as quickly as you thought he would. In the vast majority of cases, a dog that’s having trouble getting use to his new home just needs more time and, perhaps, help from a trainer.

Are You Thinking of Surrendering a Dog Who Doesn’t Fit In? 

Here’s the deal: With very few exceptions, a responsible owner will be able to help their Jack Russell become more comfortable in their home. When a dog is having a particularly hard time, enlist the help of your vet or a qualified trainer.

If your dog is a rescue with an unknown history, he may have been traumatized in the past. It’s understandable why this would make him hesitate before relaxing in his new home. The way to overcome his fear and doubt is to earn his trust. Doing so may take some time, but it will be well worth it in the end.

Give Him a Fair Chance 

You fell in love with your Jack Russell Terrier when you brought him home, so make sure you give him all the tools he needs to become part of your family. Some pet owners get frustrated after a month—or even sooner—and return or rehome the dog. This is going to make it even more difficult for the dog in his next home.

With the right help, your Jack Russell will learn to follow your rules. Don’t give up on him! All the patience and work will be well worth it. 

How Do I Rehome My Pomeranian?

You can rehome your Pomeranian by offering her to someone you know or finding someone to adopt. Of course, before you find an owner, you need to be sure you understand what your dog needs from a new home. 

What Does Your Pomeranian Need?

One of the first things that you need to think about when you’re going to rehome your dog is what she needs from a new owner. This includes more than just love and a warm place to stay, of course. All dogs are different. What is it that makes your Pomeranian different? Does she have a predilection for chasing cats or larger dogs? Does she have any health issues?

Before you can choose a new owner for your dog, you need to know and understand what that owner needs to be capable of providing. Do they have the time and capability to ensure she gets enough exercise? Can they afford to feed her well and take her to the vet when needed? Can they provide everything that she needs to have a happy and healthy life? Only when you can answer these questions to your satisfaction will you have found an ideal place to rehome your Pomeranian.

Rehoming with a Friend or Relative

One of the best options for rehoming is to speak with people you know. Maybe they or someone in their circle would like to adopt your Pomeranian. Rehoming your dog with someone you already know is a great choice since you’ll have a much better idea of whether they’re a good choice or not. It also tends to be a fast way to rehome, which can be helpful for those who are running out of time and who don’t want to bring their dog to a shelter.

Rehoming Online

Of course, you’ll also be able to rehome using online services. Pet adoption sites like Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com can be a wonderful option. Through Rehome, you can create a profile for your dog complete with pictures, videos, and a bio. The bio is where you’ll put all of the pertinent information about your dog including any health or temperamental issues they might have. You want to be honest in the bio, so the prospective adopters have a good idea of whether she’s a good option for their family.

Is Rehoming the Same as Surrendering?

Surrendering your dog to a shelter or a rescue is different from rehoming her. When you surrender, you’re giving up your legal rights to your dog to the facility. You don’t have any control over who adopts them, and there’s a chance they won’t be adopted at all. Even though the shelter and rescue try to ensure that the dogs under their care are adopted, it’s not always possible.

Charging Rehoming Fees

If you’re going to be rehoming your dog with someone you don’t know, it’s important to charge a rehoming fee. These fees help to reduce risks for your Pomeranian. People who have ill intentions toward pets, such as selling them to labs, don’t want to pay for the animals they get.

Play the Purina® Prize Bowl

Purina-Prize-BowlGetting ready for the big game this weekend? Or have no idea what we’re talking about? Either way, you can have some super fun and a chance at scoring big in the Purina® Prize Bowl Instant Win Game! The Game began at 12:00:01 p.m. ET on 1/22/14 and runs through 3:00:01 p.m. ET on 2/12/14 so there’s plenty of time to play, and you can play once a day too, for some pretty paw-some prizes to pamper your pet and help you clean up after your pets and your party! Visit PureLoveForPets.com and follow the on-screen instructions to register for the Game. Once registered, you’ll be invited to play the Prize Bowl Instant Win Game, where you use the mouse or touch pad on your computer or mobile device to click or rub off the shaded area of the interactive game piece on-screen to reveal whether or not you are a potential winner. If you have more questions, visit the game site’s FAQ click here for more information! Game on!

Party Animals: How to Party with Your Pets!

party-poodleOur friends over at Petcentric are ready to party with their pets! They say, “Love to party but want to get your fun-loving “party animals” involved, too? From novel ideas to pet safety, we’ve got the lowdown! Parties aren’t just for humans. From birthdays to parades, pets enjoy dressing for special events, and we enjoy seeing them dressed up. Are your pets party animals?

Let’s Play Dress-Up

Since gathering with friends and family is one of our favorite ways to celebrate a special occasion, the dogs also get in on the action. Over the years they have sported decorative dog sweaters or seasonal-printed bandannas to get into the party spirit.

When choosing clothing for your party animals, keep these tips in mind:

  • Don’t obstruct the pet’s ability to see, walk, or breathe.
  • Choose an accessory or clothing made specifically for pets.
  • Pick a quiet outfit (without bells and squeakers) that won’t startle or annoy your pet.

Special Party Treats

Although I look forward to indulging in a piece of celebratory cake or a tray of cookies, these sweet treats aren’t good for pets. In fact, chocolate is poisonous to both dogs and cats.

Commit to keeping your pets healthy and happy during a party. I like to keep all candy out of reach and head to the pet store to pick out something special for my dogs. I enjoy selecting a variety of soft, chewy, and crunchy treats.

Going Out on the Town

There are many ways to get involved in the community for seasonal celebrations. Local shelters and rescue groups often host holiday party-themed fundraising events. For a small entry fee that helps adoptable pets, you can take part in a parade, costume contest, or pet party — or even wander through a corn maze in the fall.

In the past, I have served as the emcee for a local costume contest for pets. I think the pet owners were having just as much fun as the party animals. There were many “ooohs and ahhhs” coming from the crowd as each pet took its turn on the runway.

Whether you dress up your pets with colorful bandannas or surprise them with special party treats, your four-legged family members will love the extra attention during a celebration — and you’ll cherish all the funny snapshots of them indulging in the moment!

Join the party online here by posting your comments on Petcentric’s article !

Photos of smiling pets

smiling-cat-JackWe love photos of smiling pets! Our friends over at Petcentric posted pics of 7 smiling pets here, and we have to agree, pet smiles are contagious! We’ve added a seven smiling dog and cat photos of our own below. Pets sometimes smile with their eyes, but in these photos we think their grins are pretty visible too! Petcentric says, “Check out their adorable warm, furry grins, and get ready to smile. Whether it’s getting a new toy, taking a long walk or enjoying a little extra cuddle time on the couch, pets have a lot to smile about. The best part about pet smiles is that they make people smile, too. Check out these adorable cat and dog smiles that are sure to leave you grinning.” If you have a photo of your adopted pet smiling, why not share with other pet people to inspire them to adopt a pet too! You can do that on the Petcentric Facebook page here.
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All photos above are of adopted pets taken by me, Jennifer Warner Jacobsen, Director of Shelter Programs, Adopt-a-Pet.com.

Pop a Cork. Save a Life.

Badgerhound_wine
Daylight Wine Co. is donating $1 for every bottle of their Badgerhound 2012 Zinfandel Sonoma Valley sold through their website to Adopt-a-Pet.com in hopes of being a small part in more amazing transformations just like Winnie’s, an amazing comeback story. One of their resident dachshunds, Winnie, transformed from the fearful and anxious dog they rescued, into a confident, beautiful and loving office hound.

Daylight Wine Co. has this to say about this particular wine offering: Looking for a tentative Zinfandel? You won’t find it here. Just like the dachshund himself, this wine leads with a great nose. A tenacious Zin in every sense of the word, it is HUGE in character. Candied fruit leads the charge, and is perfectly balanced with black pepper. Soft and velvety tannins provide great mouthfeel without overwhelming the big fruit flavor. Tarragon and fennel notes at the tail end.