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Can A Dog Be Put Down For Biting Someone?

It is possible that a dog can be put down for biting someone, but it won’t happen in most cases. When a dog is put down, it’s usually because there is a history of aggression including the dog having bitten in the past. The exact rules about how dog bites are handled vary by city, county, or state, and it’s important to fully understand the laws where you live. It’s even more important to never ignore signs of aggression and to take whatever steps you can to prevent your dog from biting.

Do The Circumstances Matter? 

The circumstances surrounding the bite do matter, but in some jurisdictions they matter more than in others. Even if you live in a jurisdiction with strict liability laws, it will be taken into account whether the victim had a lawful right to be where the bite occurred and whether the victim provoked the dog.

Being Declared a Dangerous Dog 

In some jurisdictions, animal control or the victim of the bite can petition to have your dog declared dangerous. If this goes through, you’ll need to muzzle your dog in rehome_legacy and follow other guidelines. You may also have to place signage in your yard warning of a vicious dog. Some locations even require you to move the dog out of the jurisdiction where the bite occurred.

Depending on the severity and circumstances of the incident, your dog may be placed on a bite hold. He’ll be seized by animal control and held until a determination is made about what will happen to the dog. At this point, you should hire a lawyer who can help guide you through the process and, if appropriate, fight a dangerous dog determination and/or fight a ruling to euthanize.

Most dogs who bite will not need to be euthanized, but each situation is different and the decision is made on a case-by-case basis. If you’ve noticed signs of aggression, NOW is the time to work with a qualified animal behaviorist to give you the best chance of avoiding a tragic incident.   

Where Can I Take A Cat I Found?

It’s not easy to know where you can take a cat you found – in fact, it can be quite flustering! The first place you should go is to your veterinarian to get the cat checked for a microchip.

Make An Appointment With Your Vet

Most cats, if they were adopted at a shelter, through a rescue organization, or from a breeder, will have a microchip. This chip, when scanned, will show the cat owner’s name and contact information. If the cat you found is microchipped, you can obtain the contact information from the veterinarian and reach out to the owner. If the cat does not have a microchip, it’s time to take further action.

Post Signage Around Your Neighborhood

You should post signs for a lost cat in your neighborhood in case the cat’s owner is looking for her or him. You can also post signs at your veterinarian’s office and at your local animal shelter. The signs should have a photo of the cat, a description of where you found her or him, and your contact information. To learn more about the do’s and don’ts of creating lost pet signage, check out this blog post on our website.

Post On Rehome

If no one claims the cat you found and you do not have the ability to keep her or him, there’s still hope! The next step you should take is using Adopt-a-Pet.com’s Rehome program. Through Rehome, you can post the cat you found for millions of potential adopters to view! The process of posting a pet is easy and free!

The Rehome Process

Upon creating a Rehome account for your found cat, you will be asked to answer questions such as if the cat is spayed or neutered, their medical history, and what their personality is like. If you don’t have all these answers, it’s okay! You will fill in all the information that you can and share the cat’s story with any potential adopters so they know why there is limited information. Then, you’ll take clear, bright photos of the cat to post along with a bio that describes the cat as best as you can. Once you take these steps, you’ll be able to post the cat and you will begin receiving applications from people who would like to adopt her or him. For more information about Rehome or to get started, go here.

How Do I Find a Good Home for My Great Pyrenees?

You can find a good home for your Great Pyrenees when you know what your dog needs and take the time to find the right new owner. Although you probably never thought that you’d have to give up your dog, now that you do, you need to find her a wonderful new home. Keep the below tips in mind.

Know What Your Dog Needs

You know your dog better than anyone else, which means you know what she needs from a new home. You know her quirks and all of the good and potentially troublesome qualities that she might have. Before you start to think about who should get your dog, you need to write down all of the needs she has.

Does she like to get out and go hiking? Does she have a lot of energy that she needs to burn, or does she like to have lazy days most of the time? Does she hate cats? Does she have any medical issues?

All of this information will be important when you’re choosing an owner for your dog. After all, you don’t want to give her to someone who can’t provide what she needs.

Does the New Owner Have Everything Your Dog Requires?

You need to make sure that the owner has enough space for her, and that they’ll be capable of providing her with plenty of exercise. If she doesn’t do well with small animals, you won’t want her to go to a house that has rabbits and cats, for example. Learn as much as you can about the people who want to adopt before you make your choice.

Charge a Rehoming Fee

If you’re going to be letting someone you don’t know adopt your dog, it’s important to charge a rehoming fee. This money isn’t used to line your pockets, of course. Instead, it’s used to help deter the wrong people from getting your dog. It can help to keep your dog safe from people who might be looking for free dogs they can sell to labs or who have other nefarious purposes in mind.

Even shelters and rescues charge these fees, although they typically call them adoption fees. The only time you don’t need to charge a rehoming fee is when you’re giving your dog to someone you know.

Use a Quality Rehoming Service

If you’ll be giving your dog to someone you don’t know, be sure to use a service like Rehome. This can connect with you to people looking to adopt. Fill out your dog’s profile, add photos, and then wait for applications to start coming in from potential adopters. It’s easy to use and free for owners. Rehome will charge the new owner a rehoming fee, so you don’t have to worry about it.

Consider People You Know

Of course, you might have a family member or a friend that’s looking to adopt. If you feel they’ll be a good fit for your Great Pyrenees, let them adopt her. You’ll like knowing that your dog is going to a great home where she’ll be loved.

How Can I Find a Home for My Pit Bull?

If you’re asking how can I find a home for my pit bull, you’ve likely made the decision to give up your pet. Coming to this conclusion is not easy and figuring out the next step can cause anxiety. One of the best ways to put your mind at ease, and ensure your pit bull ends up in the right home is to rehome him yourself. There are other options, but this one lets you choose your pet’s new home and make sure he finds the right fit. You might not know where to start, but there are available resources, such as those on the Rehome website to help you every step of the way.

Giving Your Dog a Second Chance at a Forever Home

There are many reasons people choose to give up their pit bulls, including everything from allergies to behavior problems. In many circumstances, these issues can be resolved with additional training, a trip to the vet, or other professional help. If possible, see if there are other steps you can take to keep your dog home with you.

If you find that giving up your dog is the only option, be sure to give him the best chance at happiness in a new home. Here some tips to keep in mind:

  • Don’t List Your Dog Free to a Good Home:Instead charge a small rehoming fee of at least $50. This will eliminate people who search through online classifieds looking for pit bulls to use for dog fighting, or other ill intentions.

  • Be Realistic When Surrendering to a Shelter: While most shelters do their best to find homes for every dog they take in, the sad reality is some dogs become permanent residents or have to be put down.
  • Seek Help from Animal Welfare Professionals: Private rescues are unlikely to have room to take your dog in, but some will do courtesy listings to help you find a good home for your pit bull. Pet adoption experts, like those behind Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com, can also help get your pit bull in front of potential adopters, and provide guidance on properly screening adopters.

Rehome Your Pit Bull Yourself for the Best Results!

It’s not an easy decision to give up your pet, so make the most of a difficult situation by looking for the perfect home. When you create an online profile for you pit bull on Rehome, you’ll be able to accept applications, get tips on how to choose adopters, and much more. It’s the safe, reliable, and free way to ensure your pit bull is adopted into a loving home where he will be well cared for.

Yes, it will take some time, but it will be so worth it when you’re able to hand your pit bull over to a family that you know will give him the love and care he deserves.  

How Long Does It Take a Boxer to Get Used to a New Home?

Many boxers are returned to a shelter or rescue after just a few days because the adopters say the dog isn’t fitting in, but just “how long does it take a boxer to get used to a new home?” It’s unreasonable to expect a dog to come into a home and immediately fall in line with all of the rules and routines. It can take weeks, or even months for a boxer, or any pet, to become comfortable in his new environment and to become his best self.

Why Does it Take So Long?

Typically when adopting from a shelter, the new owners don’t know the history of the dog. It’s important to remember that the dog was taken from his home and placed in an environment that was likely very frightening to him.

Then you came along and gave him a home, but he doesn’t understand that it’s permanent. It will take some time for him to understand that he is safe now.

Be patient with the boxer and understand that it will take the dog time to learn your routines and to know what is expected of him. 

You can help by:

  • Providing a crate or other spot where the boxer feels safe
  • Being realistic in your expectations
  • Working with a trainer, if necessary 

In It for the Long Haul

Some new pet owners give up on their dogs after a week or two while the dog is in an adjustment period. This is sad both for the dog, who now has to start from scratch with a new family, and for the family who gave him up too soon. With a bit more time, the right guidance, and a little patience, the boxer likely would have blossomed into a wonderful family pet.

If the boxer you adopted isn’t progressing as you’d like, don’t give up on him. Ask the shelter or rescue for advice or to point you to resources to help in training the dog. In the end, you’ll be happy you did! 

Do Wireless Dog Fences Work?

Though some people report that wireless fences work for their dog, we never recommend using them. These fences require a shock collar that shocks the dog anytime they cross the barrier of the wireless fence. There are other alternatives to this negative reinforcement technique that are more humane and work better in many cases.

Alternative Solutions  

  • Putting up a physical fence.
  • Only taking your dog outside on a leash.
  • Working on off-leash commands such as “stop” and “no.” 

We never recommend using a shock collar or any form of negative reinforcement. Finding an alternative to a wireless fence is the kinder choice.  

How Much Does It Cost To Surrender A Dog?

It usually costs somewhere between $50 and $150 to surrender your dog. The cost varies based on several factors such as your location, the type of facility, and the age of the pet. Certain facilities charge less per pet for those surrendering entire litters. Some private rescues do not charge a fee if they accept a dog for surrender, but this varies by organization.

Surrendering a Dog to a Shelter 

There are many reasons that pet owners may feel their only option is to surrender their dog to a shelter. These include:

  • Behavior issues
  • Financial problems
  • Feeling like they don’t have enough time to spend with the pet
  • The birth of a baby
  • An impending move

But is surrendering a dog to the shelter the best solution? Many times, the above issues can be overcome or something can be worked out that allows the dog to remain in the home. If that’s not possible, and every resource has been exhausted, consider rehoming your pet instead of surrendering the dog to a shelter. 

Benefits of Rehoming vs. Surrendering 

Once a dog is surrendered to a shelter, her or his fate is out of your hands. The truth is that many surrendered pets have a hard time finding new homes because the stress of being in a shelter or rescue alters their personalities. In the best cases, they find a new home—but wouldn’t you have more peace of mind if you had input into the type of family that adopted your dog?

Finding a new home for your pet is a better solution that allows you to be sure your dog goes to a good home, and there are tools that make the process easier. Rehome is a website devoted to helping responsible pet owners find new homes for their cats or dogs. It’s easy to use and in just a few minutes, your dog’s profile will be available to potential adopters all over the country. 

One of the many resources on Rehome is an application with detailed questions that will help you screen adopters to find the perfect situation for your dog. Rehome also provides an adoption agreement that allows you to specify what should happen to the pet if the adoption doesn’t work out.

The cost of surrendering a dog includes more than just money. Consider rehoming instead so you’ll have peace of mind about the final outcome. 

How Long do Dog Bites Take to Heal?

A dog bite can take anywhere from several days to several months to fully heal. The length of time depends on the severity and location of the bite. Treatment may include home care as well as treatment by a doctor. The exact treatment will depend on many factors and will be determined after carefully evaluating the patient. Preventing infection is of the utmost importance in order to speed healing and to avoid secondary issues.

Dog Bite Treatment 

For minor dog bites, some prefer home treatment, but it’s always recommended to see a doctor anytime the bite punctured the skin. That’s because the doctor may need to prescribe antibiotics, a tetanus shot and, in cases of a dog with an unknown history, rabies shots.

Keeping the wound clean and dry will help speed healing and prevent infection. For minor wounds, you may be able to do this yourself. For more serious bites, wound care may have to be performed by a professional.

It’s worth repeating that you should visit a medical professional any time a dog bite breaks the skin. If possible, bring the dog’s medical records to show the doctor. This may eliminate the need for rabies shots and can help guide treatment.

Since dog bites range from mild to life threatening, it’s not possible to make a general statement about how long dog bites take to heal. Following all directions from the doctor will help to speed healing and is a must in order to ensure proper healing and minimize the chance for infection. 

How Long Does It Take A Dog To Get Used To A New Home?

It can take weeks or even a few months for a dog to get used to a new home. It takes some dogs longer than others, and pets who have spent time being shuffled around between homes and shelters may take longer to settle in. The good news is that in time and with the right guidance from you, your dog will learn to be comfortable with his new family.

The Sad Truth: Many Dogs Are Quickly Returned 

Shelter and rescue employees will tell you that one of the frustrating things about the work they do is the number of dogs that are returned within a week or two because the adopter says they aren’t fitting in.

It’s unrealistic to expect a dog to walk through the door and instantly know all the rules or understand what behavior is acceptable. When a dog has lived in several homes, like occasionally some shelter/rescue dogs have, the challenge can be even greater.

It’s your job as the pet parent to teach your new dog how to behave in the home and to teach him what is and what is not acceptable.

Most shelters will provide instructions on how to properly integrate a dog into your home. It’s extremely important to follow these guidelines in order to facilitate a smooth transition for you and your new pet.

These instructions will often be customized based on what the shelter or rescue organization knows about the dog’s behavior and background. If a reasonable amount of time goes by, you’re following the instructions, and still not seeing progress, talk to someone at the facility where you got the dog for additional support.

Most dogs are going to take a while to acclimate to a new home, but with patience and the right guidance, they’ll be a wonderful addition to your family in no time! 

Will Mothballs Stop Dogs From Digging?

Mothballs may act as a deterrent to stop some dogs from digging, but they are toxic to dogs and should not be left in a place where a dog can access them. Instead, find a repellant that isn’t potentially harmful to your pet. In order to effectively stop digging, you should first try to figure out the reason for the behavior, as that will help you address the cause rather than the digging itself.

Mothballs and Dogs 

Mothballs are poisonous to moth larvae (that’s kind of the point!), but they are also harmful to dogs and cats. Symptoms include:

  • Vomiting and Diarrhea
  • Lethargy
  • Fluid Accumulation
  • Tremors
  • Seizures
  • Excessive Thirst
  • Loss of Appetite 

In the most severe cases, death can occur. This is obviously not something you want around your dog. Instead, here are a few tips to help you stop your dog from digging:

  • Boredom is a common cause, so make sure your dog gets plenty of walks and playtime.
  • Some dogs dig to cool off. If your dog must be left outside in the heat (which is never ideal,) make sure he has access to shade and plenty of water.
  • Have you seen signs of burrowing animals in your yard? If so, your dog may be digging to hunt. Call a humane exterminating company that will safely remove such animals from your yard.
  • If your dog is digging around the fence, he’s probably trying to escape. In this case, you need to keep him safe by either not leaving him alone in the yard or by shoring up the fence with chicken wire or by burying it one to two feet beneath the ground. 

Mothballs are not the answer, but there are many other ways to stop your dog from digging. Don’t give up! With a little patience, you’ll find the solution that works for you.