Tag: First Batch

How Long Does the Humane Society Keep American Bulldogs?

The length of time the Humane Society keeps American bulldogs will vary based on several factors. One of the main factors is the location of the shelter. In some areas, the hold times for the dogs will be longer than in others. For example, if there’s a stray dog that is brought to the shelter, they may have a longer hold time, so the owner will have some time to locate and claim their pet.

Other factors, such as the health of the dog and the dog’s temperament, can play a role. The amount of space available in the shelter can affect how long they keep the dog, as well. The goal of shelters is to ensure that dogs get adopted whenever possible. However, this is not always a reality. Sometimes, it’s difficult to find homes, even for great, adoptable pets.

Fortunately, there are some other options that you can consider.

Other Options

Rather than bringing your American bulldog to a shelter, you can ask if anyone you know might want to adopt your dog. If they already know her, and they have the room and the money to care for the animal properly, this could be an ideal solution. It also means that you will know that your dog is going to a home where they will be loved.

If you don’t know anyone willing to adopt your pet, there is still the option of a rescue. Some confuse these and shelters and believe they are the same thing. That’s not the case. Rescues will keep the animals until they find an adoptive home. However, because people prefer rescues over shelters, it often means that it’s difficult to find local rescues that have enough space to take your pet.

Rehoming Your Dog

You could also rehome your dog yourself. This will let you find a home where your dog will be cared for well and loved. Doing this on your own can take a lot of time, but it does give you control over who gets your dog. The peace of mind is well worth it. However, when you are rehoming on your own, you will want to be sure you are charging a rehoming fee. This ensures that the person who is getting the pet has an investment in the animal.

Trying to find new owners by yourself can take a long time, and you might not have that luxury. Consider using Rehome from Adopt-a-Pet.com. You can create a profile for your dog, upload photos and videos, and then review applications from people who want to adopt. This will put your American bulldog front and center so people looking to adopt can find them. You can sort through the applications, and then meet with applicants to get to know more about them before you make your choice. One of the best features of Rehome is that it’s free for owners who have to give up their pets. Check it out now.

What Are Signs of Anxiety In Dogs?

Signs of anxiety in dogs include excessive barking, hiding, shaking, panting, excess energy, aggression, and destruction. Anxiety is a common problem among pets, and the results aren’t just inconvenient—they can be dangerous. Fortunately, these symptoms and the underlying anxiety are often treatable through medication, behavior therapy, or a combination of the two.

Knowing What to Look For In An Anxious Dog 

There is no one list of symptoms that will apply to every dog with anxiety. The condition is a sliding scale that includes very mild cases, extremely severe cases, and anything in between. Some of the things to look for include:

  • Hiding During a Stressful Situation: Take note of dogs who cower under a bed or in a corner.
  • Shaking and Panting: Panting without a reason is a common symptom of anxiety. 
  • Excessive Licking or Chewing: Some anxious dogs lick and chew at their fur to the point that they create hot spots.
  • Nonstop Barking and Howling: Barking at a knock on the door or other stimulus is normal, but if the barking continues after the noise has stopped, that can signal anxiety.
  • House Trained Dogs Urinating or Defecating in the House: An anxious dog who is house-trained may respond to change by going to the bathroom in the house.
  • Destructive Behavior: Destroying toys and shoes may be normal, chewing through a door or wall is not.
  • Panic Attacks: A panic attack will manifest as a combination of the above symptoms.

    If you think your pet has anxiety, talk to your vet right away. Left untreated, canine anxiety will usually become more severe and, therefore, harder to treat. There are many causes for anxiety but, no matter the root, effective treatment is possible.

    Can An Aggressive Dog Be Cured?

    In most cases, and with the right treatment, an aggressive dog can be cured—or at least the behavior can be brought under control.

    Dealing with Aggression  

    Determining the reason for the aggressive behavior is the first step. Two of the most common reasons include:

    Pain 

    If the aggression started all of a sudden, there is a good chance it’s due to pain or an illness. Schedule a thorough vet exam to determine if there is a medical cause for the behavior. In most cases, once the medical condition has been dealt with, the aggression will cease.

    Fear 

    When dogs become afraid, they may run or they may stand their ground and fight. Of course, some fear is healthy, but when your dog becomes aggressive every time someone visits your home or he encounters other animals at the vet’s office or park, you’ll need to take action. Hire a reputable trainer or animal behaviorist to work with your dog. It may take some time, but it’s likely that your pet’s fears can be brought under control.

    Other reasons for aggressive behavior in dogs include:

    • Resource Guarding: Your dog becomes aggressive when anyone approaches while he is eating or playing with a favorite toy.
    • Leash Aggression: If the only time your dog is aggressive is when the leash goes on, it’s likely because he feels a sense of frustration with being restrained. 

    Whatever the cause for your dog’s aggression, with the right help from a talented animal behaviorist, the behavior can be brought under control. Do not, however, ignore aggression. Instead, get help at the first sign.

    As you work on figuring out a cause for the aggression and finding a resolution, it’s important to keep your dog away from anything that triggers his aggression and to keep him away from children, other people, and other pets in order to ensure your dog doesn’t cause harm.

    An Important Note

    There is no such thing as a dog breed that is more aggressive than another. Pitbulls and Dobermans are not more likely to display aggressive behavior than Chihuahuas or Labs. In the right circumstances, any dog can become aggressive. 

    What is the Fastest Way to Rehome an American Staffordshire Terrier?

    Have you decided to give up your pet and you’re wondering, “what is the fastest way to rehome an American Staffordshire Terrier?” The route you’ve chosen (to rehome him yourself instead of surrendering him to a shelter) is a responsible one as it gives your dog the best chance of finding a home where he’ll be happy—but it will take some time. The fastest way is to get him in front of as many potential adopters as possible. Here are some ways to do that.

    Classifieds 

    This method should be used with extreme caution, if at all. People look for dogs on classified pages and then pretend to really want a family pet when what they really want are dogs to use as bait dogs or for other objectionable purposes. If you do decide to list your dog that way, always carefully vet the adopter and make sure to always charge a rehoming fee.

    Work with a Rescue 

    Some rescues are willing to list your pet on their social media which will be seen by all of their followers and, hopefully, by someone who will want to adopt your American Staffordshire Terrier. Some rescues even take it one step further and will assist in the screening process, providing home visits, and other services to ensure your dog ends up in a good home. If you’re able to find a rescue that offers these types of services, consider making a donation to them in exchange for their assistance.

    List Him on an Adoption Website 

    Excellent online resources, such as the Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com website, allow you to create a profile for your pet, communicate with potential adopters, and more. This is one more way to get your pet seen by as many people as possible.

    No matter how you choose to advertise your dog, always be totally honest about any issues. For example, if he is rough with kids or aggressive towards cats, the posting should say “Must be a child-free and cat-free home.”

    There isn’t really a fast way to find the perfect home for your pet, but knowing your American Staffordshire Terrier ends up in a place where he’ll be safe and loved is worth every bit of effort! 

    How Do I Give Up My Corgi?

    You can give up your Corgi by letting someone you know adopt, finding someone online to adopt, or by surrendering him to a shelter or a rescue. You’ll want to understand what each of these entails and which options will be best for your dog. After all, you want to make sure that she has a wonderful and happy life even though you’re no longer taking care of her.

    Rescues and Shelters 

    While many people think of these facilities first when they have to give up their dog, there are other options available that could be a better solution. These organizations do their best to take care of the dogs that come to them, and they work hard to get them adopted. However, there is no guarantee that your Corgi will be adopted after being surrendered to one of these facilities.

    Rescues are no-kill facilities that are popular with people who have to give up their dogs. Because of this popularity, it means that the rescues are often filled up and won’t have room. Shelters will have room because they make room by only keeping dogs for a limited period. They’ll sometimes have to euthanize the animals in their care to make room for incoming dogs.

    When you surrender your Corgi, you’ll also have to pay a surrender fee. The price of this fee varies, but it’s usually at least $50. When you contact the facility, they can let you know about all of the various policies they have and the cost.

    Give Your Corgi to Someone You Know

    Rather than surrendering your dog to a shelter or rescue, you might want to have more control over who gets to adopt her. A good option is to choose someone in your life that’s been looking to adopt. You might have a friend or family member that has been looking for a great furry companion and your dog could be a perfect choice.

    However, you still need to be sure that this is the right person to become the new owner. Will they have enough time to spend with your dog? Can they provide a stable and happy home? Will they take her to the vet when needed? Always make sure you’re choosing the best new owner for your dog.

    Rehome Using an Online Pet Adoption Site

    Maybe you don’t know anyone who’s looking to adopt right now. If that’s the case, you still have the Internet to help you find a home for your Corgi. There are sites like Rehome that are dedicated to helping you find the perfect owner for your dog. You can create a profile that includes a bio, videos, and pictures of your Corgi.

    The bio should be clear and honest about everything your dog needs to do well. If she snaps at children, for example, this should be in the bio. You want to be sure that the adopters have all of the information they need to know whether she’s the right dog for them. You’ll appreciate that you have control over where your Corgi goes when you have to give her up.

    How Do I Rehome My Catahoula Leopard Dog?

    You’ll rehome your Catahoula Leopard Dog by taking the time to find an owner who matches well with your dog. This might be someone you know or someone you find online. Before you can just give her to someone, though, you need to be sure that you understand what she needs. This allows you to find the perfect new home where she’ll be happy and loved.

    What Makes Your Dog Unique? 

    Before you can find the right owner when rehoming your dog, you have to know what your dog needs. What is it that makes her unique? Think about the good things along with some of the less than stellar traits. It’ll be easy to think about all of the great things about your Catahoula Leopard Dog. However, you have to think about some of the things that could cause problems for new owners. Does she bark a lot? Does she have any temperament problems? Is she a cat chaser? Does she have any health issues?

    This is information that you’ll need to provide to potential adopters whether in-person or online. They need to know these things to determine whether she’s the right fit for their home or not. If you aren’t transparent with the new owners, it could mean that they have to end up giving her up later. You don’t want her to go through another family loss.

    Talk with Some Friends and Relatives

    When you’re looking to rehome your dog, the first thing you’ll want to do is talk to people you know. Perhaps one of them is looking to adopt a dog, and they might be interested in yours. If they already know your dog and get along well with her that’s even better. Of course, you still need to consider all of those good and bad traits to ensure that she’s the right fit for the new owner.

    If you don’t know anyone, there’s also the option of finding a new owner online through a pet adoption site. When you’re rehoming on your own, be sure to vet the owner as best as possible. Also, charge rehoming fees, as this can reduce the risk of having people with bad intentions trying to get your dog.

    A good way to find a new owner for your dog is to use Rehome. This platform is part of Adopt-a-Pet.com, and it makes it much easier for you to find qualified new owners for your Catahoula Leopard Dog. The site is free for owners to use, and the adopters will only have to pay a small rehoming fee.

    You can create a profile for your dog that includes pictures, videos, and a bio. The bio is the perfect place for you to put all of those traits about your dog. Give the potential adopters a good indication of the great things about your dog, as well as the issues she has. This ensures that only those who are truly interested and capable of caring for her will apply to adopt.

    Photo Credit: Phae

    How Do I Find a Good Home for My Pit Bull?

    Do you need to give up your dog and are wondering how do I find a good home for my pit bull? The best way to ensure he goes to a good home is by taking the time to rehome him yourself. This will take more work and effort than surrendering him to a shelter, but is well worth it. There are many resources and tools available online, such as Rehome, where you’ll find expert advice, be able to set up a profile, and accept applications from potential adopters.

    Things to Keep In Mind When Rehoming Your Dog

    Remember that the point is to find the right home, not just any home. With that in mind, here are some important tips:

      Never List Your Dog Free to a Good Home:

      Charging a rehoming fee filters out people who look for free dogs to use in dog fights, sell to labs, and other activities that would not end well for your pit bull.

        Do a Home Visit:

        This may not be possible, but if you can see the home where the dog will live, it adds another layer of security for your pet and peace of mind for you.

          Partner with animal welfare professionals:

          Pet adoption experts, like those behind Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com can help you to find and screen potential adopters.

          Be Patient:

          Finding a good home for your pit bull might not happen overnight, but he deserves the time it takes to ensure he’ll be safe, happy, and loved.

          It’s not easy for pet owners who love their pets to give them up. If you’ve exhausted all options to keep your pit bull, taking the time to find them an excellent home is the next best thing.  

          What is Nuisance Dog Barking?

          Nuisance dog barking is barking that interferes with the comfort, peace, and convenience of other people. How much barking constitutes nuisance barking is largely open to interpretation. If your neighbors are complaining to animal control, you’ll likely need to look into ways to minimize the barking. Even if your pet’s barking doesn’t meet the legal definition of nuisance barking, you’ll want to keep the peace with your neighbors.

          How to Stop Your Dog from Barking

          Some dogs bark more than others no matter the stimulus. If yours is prone to excessive barking, there are some things you can try to curb the behavior such as: 

          • Keeping A Daily Routine – Many dogs will find a daily routine reassuring, which can reduce anxiety-driven barking. Keep their feeding, walking, training, playtime, and your arrivals and departures at or near the same times every day. 
          • Changing Your Dog’s Environment – If you normally leave him outside (which is not a safe solution,) try crating him. If he’s normally crated, try securing him in a single room instead. If you know what triggers the barking, such as the mailman, confine your dog to a part of the house where he won’t be able to see the mailman coming. 
          • Making Sure Your Pet Gets Plenty of Exercise – Some excessive barking is just about boredom. Give your dog plenty of exercise, long walks, and playtime. If possible, have a dog walker come by mid-day to break up the time your dog is alone. Don’t forget mental exercise as well – it is just as important as physical exercise. Obedience, agility training, or playing with puzzle toys are great intellectual exercises that can be practiced daily.
          • Talking To Your Vet About Anxiety –  If nothing helps, your dog may have anxiety. In that case, your vet may be able to suggest calming products or, in severe cases, medication that will help. 

          What is considered nuisance barking varies by location as does how strictly such laws are enforced. If your neighbors are reasonable, let them know you’re sorry and that you’re working on curbing the excessive barking. If you can’t talk to your neighbor and they call animal control on you, tell the officer the same thing.

          Don’t panic and try to rehome your pet. In most cases, you’ll be able to find a solution for your dog’s barking. You may need the help of a vet or animal behaviorist, but it will be well worth it in order to be able to keep your dog in your home and maintain a good relationship with your neighbors. 

          Where Can I Put a Catahoula Leopard Dog Up for Adoption?

          You can put a Catahoula Leopard Dog up for adoption with people you know or online. It’s also possible to surrender your dog to a shelter or a rescue, and the facility will put your dog up for adoption. However, this leaves you with no control over who adopts or even if your dog is adopted at all. Since you likely want to have some say over where your dog goes to ensure she’s going to a great family, you’ll want to consider some of the other options discussed below.

          Use Online Sites to Find a Home for Your Catahoula Leopard Dog 

          Today, it’s easier than ever to find someone to adopt your dog, as long as you’re using a quality pet adoption site. They tend to be easy to use, and many have success finding an owner for their dogs using them.

          It’s important that you stay away from sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, though. These aren’t geared specifically toward pets, and you never know who might be looking at your dog. It might be someone that just stumbled across your ad and decides on a whim that they want a dog. They aren’t prepared to have a dog and would likely not be the best owner for her. Also, some people troll these sites looking for free or cheap dogs, which they then sell to labs or use for fighting.

          Consider using Rehome from Adopt-a-Pet.com. This site is a peer-to-peer platform that is easy to use. The people who are looking for pets on this site are already interested in adopting a dog and aren’t getting one on a whim. They also have to pay a rehoming fee to the site and will have to fill out an adoption application that you’ll then review. This helps to ensure that you can find the perfect new owner for your dog.

          The site allows you to create a profile for your Catahoula Leopard Dog. You can add photos and videos to show people what a great dog she is. You can also complete a bio for her, which highlights everything that a new owner will need to know about your dog. This includes the good traits she offers, along with any issues that she might have. For example, if she doesn’t like cats, this is something you’ll want to mention. Any health issues should be mentioned too.

          You can then review the applications that arrive and choose an owner. You can even send your dog’s medical records to the new owner when they adopt.

          Rehoming Your Dog with Someone You Know

          Of course, another good option for adoption is finding someone you already know to become the new owner. If you have a friend or a family member that has mentioned they would like to adopt a dog, they might be interested in your Catahoula Leopard Dog. Having someone you already know adopt ensures you know she’s going to a great new home.

          Are Shock Collars Safe for Dogs?

          Shock collars are not always safe for dogs and we never recommend using them. Using pain, however mild, fear, and other punishment tactics aren’t the best methods of training your pet. Instead, consider positive reinforcements and other methods that won’t instill fear in your four-legged family members.

          Alternatives to Shock Collars 

          Instead of delivering an electric shock to your pooch, there are plenty of other options that are effective, safe, and humane. These include:

          Clicker Training 

          This popular method of dog training is simple and effective. When your dog exhibits the desired behavior, you click the clicker and immediately give a treat. This helps the dog understand exactly what he did right and makes it much easier for him to pick up on your training efforts.

          Distracting Your Dog 

          Instead of yelling at your dog when he’s doing something wrong, distract him. If you catch him chewing your shoe, calmly take it away and replace it with an appropriate chew toy.

          Ignoring Bad Behavior 

          Some of your dog’s inappropriate behavior is probably a bid for attention. Completely ignore him when he displays such behaviors. Don’t talk to him. Don’t yell at him. Don’t even look at him. Only when the behavior stops should you acknowledge him.

          Professional Training 

          If what you’re doing isn’t working or if the issues seem too big to handle on your own, call on the services of a highly rated animal trainer or animal behaviorist. They’ll help to put your dog on the right track and give both you and your pet the skills you need to continue successful training on your own.

          With so many available alternatives, there is no reason to choose shock collars as a training method for your pet. Whatever you’re trying to achieve, it can be done without physical punishments. Whether on your own or with the help of a trainer, positive training is the way to go.