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What Can I Spray To Stop My Dog From Digging?

Vinegar and citrus oil are two things you can spray to stop your dog from digging. Commercial dog repellent sprays are also available. These methods will not work for all dogs, so it may take some trial and error to discover what works for your dog. Whether you choose a homemade or commercial product, such sprays are a good starting point for pet owners who want to curb this behavior.

Why Dogs Dig 

The reasons dogs dig are as varied as the methods to try and stop it. If you know why he is digging, you may be able to prevent the behavior even without the use of sprays. If your dog is digging, he may be trying to:

  •  Escape the Yard: If digging is along the fence, it’s pretty obvious what your dog is trying to do. This is one of the most troublesome types of digging because it puts your dog in danger. If your dog is digging to escape, block the area around the fence with chicken wire or rocks to prevent him from getting out of the yard while you work on stopping the digging. 
  • Cool Off: Digging holes and then resting inside them means your dog is digging to cool off. Aside from not leaving your pet outside on hot days, you can also be sure to provide adequate shade and plenty of water.
  • Hunt Prey: If you see signs of burrowing pests near the spots where your dog digs, he is likely hunting. Call a humane exterminator to safely move the gopher, mole, or other animal out of your yard.
  • Relieve Boredom: Digging is fun! At least some dogs think so. If your dog is digging as a game or to relieve boredom, introducing lots of new toys and additional playtime may curb the behavior. 

Are Commercial Sprays More Effective than Homemade?

Not necessarily. Just like humans have different tastes, so do dogs. The spray is simply adding a repellant to the area, and what will repel one dog may not repel another. If you don’t want to spend money for a commercial spray, try the homemade sprays first to see if you get the desired results. 

There are many things you can spray to stop your dog from digging, you just need to find what works best for your pup!  

Why Do Cats Suddenly Attack Their Owners?

There are many possible reasons why cats suddenly attack their owners including misguided play, a show of dominance, fear, or a medical issue. The good news is that, with time and patience, the issue can usually be corrected.

Dealing with an Aggressive Cat 

While a cat doesn’t apply the same lethal force as a large dog, their attacks can be scary, painful, and leave their owners bloody. In other words: Cats attacking their owners isn’t something that can be ignored. The first step in correcting the behavior is discovering the cause. Possible reasons include:

Misguided Play

Cats and kittens love to play, and they need to be taught what kind of play is acceptable and what kind is not. Make sure your cats have plenty of toys, and toss new toys into the mix on a regular basis so your cats won’t get bored. 

Fear 

When a cat is afraid or stressed out, they may attack just because they don’t know what else to do. One way to help your cat deal with fear is to make sure they have access to a place that makes them feel safe. This may be a perch atop a kitty condo, an enclosed bed, or even access to a rarely used room. If their fear seems extreme, consult a vet for advice.

You’re the Prey 

Cats are hunters. It’s a natural instinct. This is similar to play, but look at it more like practice. They are honing their skills for when they are ready to chase their next insect or rodent. Encourage them to stalk other items, such as the dot from a laser pointer or a toy mouse tied to a string. Redirecting this behavior may help to turn their attention to their toys, rather than your legs, the next time they want to practice hunting.

Medical Issues 

If your typically docile cat is suddenly aggressive, there is a good chance that a medical issue is to blame. When cats are in pain, they often show signs of aggression. If you suspect this may be the cause, a visit to the vet should be a priority.

There Is Hope 

 If you can pinpoint the cause of a cat suddenly attacking their owner, a resolution can often be found either on your own or with the help of a vet or animal behaviorist. This isn’t usually behavior that will go away on its own, so deal with the issue head on as soon as possible for the best results. 

What is the Best Way to Rehome a Bulldog?

The best way to rehome a bulldog is with someone that you already know and that knows your dog. This helps to reduce the anxiety and fear of a transition since he is familiar with the other person’s scent. It could be a good solution for both of you. Most consider this to be the best option for rehoming not just a bulldog, but any type of dog.

Is There a Way to Keep Your Dog?

Consider why you need to give up your dog. You might find that there are solutions that will allow you to keep your pet. If you need help to pay vet bills, you could check out RedRover.org to learn more about financial aid and assistance across the country. If you can’t afford to spay or neuter your pet, you could check out the ASPCA to learn more about low-cost providers near you.

Perhaps you have trouble with your dog’s behavior. There is a veritable cornucopia of information online, as well as trainers that you can find and hire to help with these issues. Always take the time to look at some of the other potential solutions, and you may find that you don’t have to rehome him at all. Of course, that’s not always the case. Sometimes, things are out of your hands and you have no choice.

Fastest Doesn’t Mean Best

Keep in mind that there is a difference between the best way and the fastest way to rehome a dog. The fastest way is to surrender your bulldog to the shelter. However, it’s not the best. The shelters do what they can with the dog, but because of a lack of space and funds in many facilities, it does not provide them with the quality of life they deserve. Shelters don’t want to euthanize the pets that are there, but they often have no other options. A shelter should be the last resort.

Why Choose Rehome?

You could also opt to rehome with people that you don’t know. In the past, this was often done online through sites like Craigslist. However, those types of sites can provide more problems than solutions. It’s difficult to know who you’re dealing with and if whether have your dog’s best interest in mind or not.

A better solution, which is even easier, is to use Rehome from Adopt-a-Pet.com. This is a peer-to-peer platform that will provide you with a means of connecting with people who are looking to adopt. You can upload pictures and videos of your bulldog, along with a bio that will give the potential adopters all the information they need. Once they fill out an application, you can review it, meet with them, and determine who gets to adopt your dog.

The platform won’t cost the owners anything to use. The adopters will pay a small rehoming fee, which is then used to help care for animals. It’s a simple and easy way to rehome your bulldog.

How Do I Stop My Dog From Counter Surfing?

Preventing access and removing the temptation of food left out are two ways to stop your dog from counter surfing. A dropped dab of peanut butter, cookie crumbs, and the drippings of a piece of steak are just a few of the many delicious things your dog may associate with your kitchen counters, so it’s no mystery as to why he checks out those counters any chance he gets. While he’s hoping to get lucky and snag a treat, you just want to make the behavior stop. Keep reading for a few tips to help you do that.

Lead Him Not Into Temptation 

It’s kind of silly if you leave food out and then get mad if your dog is tempted by it. Remember that “food” to your dog can be anything from a few crumbs to an entire cake that wasn’t properly covered. When you’re done cooking or getting a snack, be diligent about putting everything away and wiping down the counters. After a while of not finding anything tempting, your dog will stop associating the counters with bonus treats.

Eliminate Access 

When you are preparing food, don’t allow the dogs in the kitchen. It’s too easy for them to slip a snack off the counter while you turn around to grab additional ingredients or stir whatever is on the stove.

Proper Training

The eventual goal is to teach your dog not to jump on the counters even if his favorite kibble is covering it from end to end. Here’s a technique that has been successful for many pet owners:

  • When he jumps on the counter, show him a treat and say “down.”
  • Once he’s firmly on the ground, say “good down” or whatever praise you choose, and give him the treat.
  • Doing this repeatedly when you see him on the counter will teach him he’ll get a treat when he’s on the floor, not the counter. 

Don’t get frustrated if it takes a while for your dog to catch on. Every dog learns differently. Plus, if your dog is already used to snagging snacks from the counter, it will take longer for him to unlearn the behavior. 

 

Why Is My Dog Suddenly Chewing Everything?

If your normally well-behaved dog is suddenly chewing everything, it is likely because he is bored, stressed out, or anxious. If there has been a change in the dog’s environment or routine that could also trigger the sudden chewing. You can try a few things to curb the behavior, but if it doesn’t work, you’ll want to enlist the help of your vet or an animal behaviorist.

Tips To Stop Destructive Chewing

You come from work to find yet another dog bed has been shredded, your favorite pair of shoes has been destroyed, or the sofa you saved up for is now down a cushion. Your dog’s sudden chewing is frustrating for sure, but it can also be dangerous as he could swallow materials that may cause an intestinal blockage or other issues.

Here are some things you can try to stop the behavior:

  • Buy Some New Toys: Provide appropriate chew toys for your pet and redirect them to those toys any time you catch him chewing. Toss toys once they are damaged and refresh the stash with new toys regularly to keep your dog interested.
  • Doggy Day Care: If your dog is chewing everything when you’re away, he could be bored or lonely. Consider sending him to doggy day care, especially if you work long hours. If that’s not possible, hiring a dog walker is another way to break up your dog’s day.
  • Treat For Separation Anxiety: Anxiety is a very common cause of destructive chewing—and it will not get better on its own. Treatments will vary based on the severity of the anxiety, but the first step is to talk with your vet or an animal behaviorist to work out a treatment plan.
    If your dog is chewing everything, don’t just ignore the problem. If simple DIY fixes, such as buying new toys, don’t help, talk to your vet. It might take some trial and error, but with a little patience you’ll be able to correct this behavior and help your dog to be happy and healthy.
  • Preventative Measures: It is also important to keep items your dog may chew out of your dog’s reach. When you are not around to supervise him, keep your pup in a chew-safe area. 

 

How Do I Rehome My Border Collie?

You can rehome your border collie a couple of different ways, including by using the Rehome platform. Although you love your dog and probably never thought that you would have to rehome her, life can throw unexpected complications at us. You might be in a position currently where it isn’t feasible to care for her any longer, at least not the way she deserves. Rehoming could be the best option. Let’s look at some of the things that you can do to ensure she goes to a great home.

Family and Friends

If you have family or friends who might be able to provide a loving home for your border collie, they should be the first people you ask. They might be looking to adopt a dog and would love to bring her into their home. This can be a great solution because you always trust these people.

When you allow someone that you know to adopt the dog, it’s a good idea to get her accustomed to the person and their home before simply dropping her off. Once they have taken her into their home, you should stay away for a while. You don’t want her to think that she’s just going for a visit. Let her become acclimated and realize that she’s in her new home.

Advertising the Adoption

Not all of us are fortunate enough to have people we know who are in a position to adopt. In those cases, rehoming is still an option. However, you’ll have to advertise that your border collie is up for adoption. There are online sites where you can do this, but you have to be careful. You need to be sure that she’s going to a good home. Some people have bad intentions toward dogs, and they’re looking for people who are giving away animals online.

You never want to give your dog away. Always charge a rehoming fee. This dissuades people with bad intentions and those who don’t have the financial means to care for her.

Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com, mentioned above, is a safe way to find a great new home for your border collie. Owners can create a profile for their border collie, or other breeds, on the site. This profile can contain all of the important information about your dog, including any special needs that they might have. For example, if your dog doesn’t do well with small animals, you’ll want to put this into the bio. Be thorough and honest in the profile you write. You can also add photos and videos of her to show potential adopters what a great dog she is.

People who want to adopt can apply, and you’ll receive those applications. You can then learn more about the adopters to determine who will be the best fit for your dog. The peace of mind that you get from this rehoming process is wonderful. You’ll know for certain that your dog will be going to a forever home where she will be loved.

How Do I Rehome My Beagle?

You can rehome your beagle using several different options. Of course, some of those options are better than others are, so you will want to learn more about them. This will help to give you a better understanding of what will be best for your beagle.

Do You Need to Rehome?

Rehoming is an option, but it is not always necessary. It’s always best to try to keep your beagle with you, of course. Just because there might be a problem right now, doesn’t mean there aren’t other solutions than just rehoming. For example, if you worry about health issues with your beagle, consider getting pet insurance. This can help to reduce your costs greatly.

If your beagle has behavior issues, you could always find training courses and trainers that can help to correct the behavior. Maybe you worry that you aren’t able to spend as much time with your dog as you would like and that you can’t walk them enough because of work. There are options for this, too. You could always hire someone to dog-sit during the day or take them to a doggy daycare facility.

There are often options available when you have these types of problems. Of course, that’s not always the case. Sometimes, as much as you might love the idea of keeping your beagle, you can’t. It might be due to having allergies, moving to a home where dogs aren’t allowed, etc. In those cases, you will need to find ways to rehome your beagle.

Shelters and Rescues

One of the first things that many people consider is taking their dog to an animal shelter. While it is an option, it shouldn’t be the first on your list. Although shelters want to take care of the dogs long-term, it’s often not possible. They don’t have the room, and they may have a policy on euthanizing the animals.

Rescues could be a good option since they’ll keep the animal indefinitely. However, there is no guarantee that your beagle will be adopted from a rescue either. Also, many rescues are always full and will not have room for your dog.

Rehoming with Family and Friends

One of the best options to consider is to rehome with people that you already know. Maybe you have a coworker or a family member who wants to adopt a dog. Maybe they already know and love your beagle and would enjoy being her new family. This is often an ideal solution, but we know that not everyone knows someone ready and willing to adopt.

Using the Rehome Platform

In those cases, you can always consider choosing the Rehome platform from Adopt-a-Pet.com. This site makes it easy for you to create a profile for your beagle, add a bio, photos, and more to ensure plenty of potential adopters see them.

Once people are interested in adopting, they will fill out a form for adoption, which you can then review. This allows you to ensure that you are choosing only the right family for your beloved beagle.

How Do I Give Up My Labrador Retriever?

 You’ve come to the realization that you can no longer keep your Labrador Retriever, now you may be wondering: How do I give up my Labrador Retriever? There are many ways you can give up your pet, some options include, surrendering him to a shelter, finding a private rescue with space, or rehoming your dog yourself. Obviously, the outcomes of each method can be very different, so take the time to weigh the pros and cons of each before making your decision.

Surrender to a Shelter

The first thing that comes to mind for many who need to give up their dog is surrendering him to a local shelter.

Pros:

• Dogs can usually be surrendered within a few days.

• The surrender fee is usually small (less than $100).

Cons:

• Many dogs do not to do well in a shelter environment and get stressed out. This may cause them to behave in ways that are not typical for them and may result in them being overlooked by adopters.

• While most shelters do their best to find homes for every dog, it’s not a guarantee for every dog.

Surrender to a Private Rescue

This option has some benefits over surrendering to a shelter.

Pros:

• Since rescues take in fewer pets they are able to commit to either finding a great home for your dog or caring for him as a permanent resident.

• Rescues usually have stricter adoption policies to ensure pets are placed in homes that are a good match for their individual personalities.

Cons:

• It can be difficult to find a great private rescue with space for your dog.

• You may have a lengthy wait even if you are able to find a rescue to take the pet.

Rehome Your Labrador Retriever Yourself

If you want to give your dog the best chance at a happy home, rehome him yourself using Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com!

Pros:

• You can take your time to find the best fit and have the final say on who adopts your dog.

• You’ll have peace of mind knowing that your dog is cared for and loved.

Cons:

• It may take some time to find the perfect home.

If you’re like most pet owners, you don’t even know where to begin when it comes to finding the perfect home for your pet, but a visit to the Rehome website can help. You’ll find tons of expert information and advice and have access to online tools that let you create a pet profile, accept applications from potential adopters, and more.

Give your Labrador Retriever the new life he deserves by investing the time to find him a perfect new home! 

What is a Reasonable Rehoming Fee for a Maltese?

A reasonable rehoming fee for a Maltese can vary but can often be from $50 up to several hundred dollars or more. Many factors can change the rehoming fee that’s expected. These could include whether your dog is a pure breed, the dog’s age, health, etc. Additionally, the location of the rehoming could play a role. Some areas may have cheaper fees than others.

Why Are Rehoming Fees Important?

Some people don’t appreciate the importance of rehoming fees. They believe that the fees are charged by owners who want to make money. However, anyone who needs to give up their dog knows this isn’t the case. You love your dog and wouldn’t give him up if you didn’t have to. The rehoming fees aren’t to make money; they help to ensure the safety of your dog when they go to a new owner.

The rehoming fee shows that the person adopting your dog is serious and committed to providing a good home. They weren’t someone who just happened upon an ad for a dog and decided to adopt on a whim.

The fees also help to ensure more safety for your dog. While people may not like to think about it, the world’s a dangerous place. Some people are looking for free animals to use as training dogs and bait for fighting dogs. Others want free animals that they can then sell to labs. Rehoming fees help to prevent this.

When Don’t You Need to Charge a Rehoming Fee?

Of course, even though you should always charge rehoming fees when someone you don’t know is adopting your dog, they aren’t always needed. For example, when you know someone, such as a family member who wants to adopt, you don’t need to charge a rehoming fee. However, you do still need to be sure they’re the best option for your dog.

Do Shelters and Rescues Charge Rehoming Fees?

Rescues and shelters will charge adoption fees when someone wants to adopt a dog from them. Many of the same reasons for charging fees apply. However, you’ll find that these organizations will also charge for the adoptions to help make money to keep their facilities running. The money often goes right back into ensuring care for the animals housed there.

Rehoming Your Maltese with Rehome

If you worry about charging rehoming fees on your own, you could always use Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com. This peer-to-peer adoption platform is easy to use, and provides the resources you need to find a new home for your Maltese.

The website is free for owners to use, and lets you create a detailed profile of your dog. Adopters can then determine whether your dog will be right for them. If she is, they’ll fill out an adoption application. You review the applications and find the best new owner and home for your beloved dog. 

Are Cats Hard To Train?

Cats are not hard to train if you are trying to teach simple actions such as using a litter box. Training them to stop scratching, walk on a leash, or sleep on a schedule may be more challenging and require more time and commitment. Additionally, your cat’s personality and your training methods play a big role in how easy or hard it is to train your cat. With patience and consistency, most cat owners are able to get the desired results.

They CAN Be Taught 

Don’t buy into the myth that cats can’t be trained. While cats are not as eager to please as dogs, they can be taught. In fact, some of the methods used to train a dog can also be used for cats—although it may take a little longer for a cat to get on board. Some things to keep in mind when training a cat include:

  • Punishment Doesn’t Work: Yelling, hitting, and other behaviors that will frighten or hurt your cat will do nothing in the way of training. Such actions instill fear in your cat, which will diminish your ability to train him.
  • Bribe Him: As is the case when training any animal, finding a reward they like helps to speed things along. Get some delicious treats that are only given as part of training and dole them out for good behavior. You can even use clicker training with your cat in unison with the treats. 
  • Don’t Force It: Let your cat set the time limit on a training session. When your cat gets distracted by a shadow or a piece of fuzz, let him go. If you try to force it to continue, your cat will be less interested.
  • The Old Switcheroo: If you’re trying to eliminate bad behavior, such as scratching furniture or biting at your hands, redirect the behavior by moving him away from your furniture to a scratching post or by tossing a toy to distract him from biting at your hands. 

Make it fun, work at your cat’s pace, and be consistent. You just might be surprised at how many things your cats can learn.