Tag: First Batch

How Do I Find a Good Home for My Pug?

You find a good home for your Pug by making sure that you put in the effort needed to choose the best new owner. You’ll want to take the time needed to sort through the potential owners and ensure that they have the qualities needed to provide your dog with the best possible life once you give her up.

Consider What Your Pug Needs

You never thought you’d have to give up your dog, but life can throw many twists at you that you can’t control. Regardless of the reason that you can no longer keep your Pug, you need to be sure that you help her go to a home where she’ll be adored and live a safe and happy life.

The first thing you have to do is make sure that you consider all of the most important parts of what makes your dog special. This includes all of the wonderful things about her and some of the things that you wish were different. For example, does she have any dietary restrictions or health problems? Does she dislike small children after having a bad experience with them? Consider all of the things that the new owners would need to know before they decide to bring her home, and always be honest with those who are considering adopting. Otherwise, they might end up having to give her up if she has issues that you didn’t disclose.

Talk with Your Circle of Family and Friends

You might be fortunate enough to have people you already know who are looking for a dog to adopt. They might love the idea of bringing home your adorable Pug when you’re no longer able to keep her. Of course, you still need to be sure that they have the means and ability to provide her with everything she needs to have a good and happy life.

When you allow someone that you know to adopt your dog, it gives you a nice sense of security. You can be sure they’ll treat her well. You also won’t need to charge a rehoming fee if you know them. These fees are used to ensure that the dogs don’t go to people that will turn around and sell them to labs or use them as bait/training dogs for fighting.

Online Services Help Find Good Homes for Dogs

Pet adoption sites on the Internet can be a good option for finding a new home for your Pug, too. You should be sure to use sites that are made specifically for pet adoption, though, rather than simple want-ad sites. Rehome from Adopt-a-Pet.com is a good option to consider. It’s easy to use, it’s reputable, and it makes it easier for owners and adopters to find one another.

The site is free for owners to use, and the adopters will pay a rehoming fee similar to what they would pay to adopt at a shelter. You’ll have control over who gets to become the new owner of your dog, making it an ideal way to ensure that she goes to a loving home.

Can I Crate My Dog for 8 Hours?

You can crate your dog for 8 hours per day total, but should be offered a potty break every 4-6 hours. If your dog is older or still a puppy, that time will be shorter as they may not be able to hold it as long between potty breaks.

What Should I Do If I’m Gone Longer Than 8 Hours?  

Many people’s work schedules require that they be away for longer than 8 hours. If you’re away longer than 8 hours, here are some things to consider:

  • Instead of crating, consider letting your house-trained dog be loose during the day or confined to a pet-safe area inside your home, with access to a potty area be that potty pads or outside
  • Enroll your dog in doggy day care.
  • Hire a dog walker to stop by in the middle of the day to let your dog out and to give him a little play time.
  • If you work close to home, use your lunch break to let your dog out.
  • See if a family member who stays home during the day would like some canine company. 

Crating for 8 hours is fine for most dogs, but he must get a potty break every 4-6 hours. If it gets much longer than that, you may have to find an alternative to ensure your pet is happy and healthy. 

How Do I Keep My Dog From Escaping The Yard?

There are many tips to keep your dog from escaping the yard including reinforcing the fence and not leaving the dog unsupervised for long periods. When your dog escapes the yard, it puts him in danger, and could put you in legal jeopardy for not keeping your pet under control. To prevent both possibilities, it’s important to do whatever it takes to keep your dog from escaping.

Why Dogs Escape And How To Prevent It 

Your dogs may try to escape for the following reasons:

  • They are left alone in the yard for long periods of time.
  • They are bored and have no playmates or toys.
  • They have abundant energy and doesn’t have the opportunity to use it.
  • They are visiting a neighbor’s dog or have found something fun to do outside the yard. 

Knowing the reasons dogs escape can help you work on ways to prevent it. Some things to try include:

  • Ensure your dog gets plenty of exercise every single day.
  • Spend time playing with your dog daily.
  • Complete obedience school with your dog and spend time working on behaviors each day.
  • Provide puzzle toys that require your dog to work for a treat.
  • Consider a doggy day care or hiring a dog walker instead of leaving him alone in the yard for extended periods.
  • Spay or neuter your pet to reduce their temptation to roam. 

Those are ways to make your dog less likely to want to escape, but it’s just as important to make it more difficult for him to escape by:

  • Shoring up any weak spots in your fence.
  • Burying wire or rocks along the fence line.

Note: Tethering your dog all day is NOT an acceptable way to stop escaping—and in some locations, tethering for more than a few hours a day is illegal.

Bring Your Dog Inside 

If your dog spends most of his time outside, make him an inside dog instead. If you worry about him making a mess, you could properly crate train him for the time you’re not home and then let him hang out with the family once you get home. 

Keep in mind that your dog isn’t “being bad” when he escapes. He may just be trying to escape boredom or loneliness—both of which you can help alleviate. 

Why Would A Dog Start Peeing In The House?

The most common reason your formerly housebroken dog may start peeing in the house is due to a medical condition such as diabetes, kidney disease, or bladder issues. You should also consider if there has been a change in the dog’s routine, such as being left alone at different times of day or for longer periods of time. It’s also possible that your dog may need a housetraining refresher course.

It’s Frustrating, But Don’t Punish Your Dog For Peeing In The House 

You know what’s worse than having to clean up dog urine in your house? Smelling urine and being unable to find it. That’s what you may be faced with if you punish your dog urinating in the house, because next time he’ll try to hide it.

Instead, you need to determine the cause or, in some cases, start again with potty training.

Medical Conditions

If your housebroken dog starts peeing in the house, there is a good chance it’s due to a medical condition. That’s why any sudden changes to your dog’s bathroom habits should be reported to the vet as soon as possible. The good news is that once the problem has been addressed, the dog will usually return to his proper bathroom habits.

An exception to that would be if the problem has caused long-term incontinence. In that case, you’ll need to consider installing a doggy door or having your pet wear diapers while in the house. 

Changes In Routine

If your dog is left alone more than usual or at different times (i.e. you changed shifts or started working overtime), it can be difficult for his body to adjust to the new routine. One possible solution is hiring a dog walker or having a neighbor come over to let him out. 

Aging

As is the case with humans, some dogs start to lose control of their bladder as they get older. If this is determined to be the problem, more frequent trips outside is often the simplest solution. If that isn’t enough, consider restricting the pet’s access indoors to rooms that you can easily clean up, or some dogs do not mind wearing a dog belly bands or diapers.  

When a dog suddenly starts peeing in the house, don’t ignore it. Even if you suspect it’s due to aging, it’s best to visit your vet just to be on the safe side. 

How Do You Keep Your Dog From Running Away?

A combination of denying access, proper training, and decreasing your dog’s desire to leave are how to keep your dog from running away. There’s lots of fun stuff to see and do outside of your yard, so you need to make being home as fun as possible. Of course, you also need to make escape impossible in order to keep your dog safe and to protect yourself from any legal consequences.

Training 

Proper training is a must. If your dog obeys even the most basic commands, you’ll be able to stop him from running away—even if the stimulus is hugely tempting. Of course, this only works when you’re with your dog, so you also need to consider how to stop your dog from running away when you’re not there.

Preventing Escape 

Search your fences and gates for weak spots and shore them up. If your dog digs, you’ll also want to bury chicken wire or rocks to stop him from getting out from under the fence.

Make Home More Appealing

The reasons your dog runs away could be boredom, loneliness, or lack of exercise—and those are all things you can easily fix. Take your dogs on two or three good walks a day, spend more time playing and interacting with him, consider a dog playmate, and provide lots of interactive toys.

If your dog spends most of him time outside, consider bringing him inside. You could work on crate training for the times that you’re away. Another option is doggy day care rather than leaving him outside alone all day.

Finally, if your dog is not spayed or neutered, doing so will reduce his or her urge to roam.

If all your attempts fail, talk to an animal behaviorist who can help you develop a plan to keep your dog safe and prevent him from running. 

How Do I Stop My Indoor Cat From Escaping?

You can stop your indoor cat from escaping by distracting him before you leave or by adding barriers that make it hard for him to dash. It is also good to get yourself in the habit of always knowing where your cat is before you open a door so he can’t surprise you and dart out. Taking these steps will help your cat stay safely indoors without escaping.

Create A Barrier 

There are many different ways to create a barrier that will disable your cat from escaping. The right solution for you depends on your home. Here are some things you could try:

  • Blocking the front door entrance: If there is a door you can close to keep your cat away from the door you will be exiting, this is an easy solution. Some homes simply do not have this option.
  • Create a barricade: Choose something that your cat can not easily jump over or slip through. You can do this with 36″ or higher folding metal/wire dog exercise pens or extra-tall baby gates or playpens, like the walk through kind designed for stairs.
  • Create a “kitty lock” door: If you’re lucky, your home may already have a hallway or entrance with doors you can keep closed, but you can also build one. If you have a front porch, you could build a second door around that. You could also install a secondary interior door. This may be a more expensive option, but it works 100% of the time as long as one door is closed before opening another. 

Allow For Safe Outdoor Time 

  • A small investment in an outdoor enclosure gives your cat a safe space where he can enjoy fresh air and sunlight. Enclosures are available in many sizes and configurations, so it’s easy to find one that is perfect for your pet. Check out this article from one of our staff members who built her foster cats a “catio”!
  • If you can’t take your cat outside, giving them a wall-mounted shelf by a window can be similarly effective. If you go this route, just make sure that you have secure screens – if you can push on a screen and pop it out, so can your cat. 

Distract and Dash 

  • Try keeping treats by the door for when you are about to leave. Get your cat’s attention and throw the treats as far away from the door as possible. Then, slip out the door as quickly as possible.
  • If your cat tries to escape when you are entering the house, you can also leave treats right outside of your door to give your cat as you are coming in. 

Keeping your cat safe is the first priority, which is why all cats should be microchipped and registered with up-to-date information. That way, should your cat escape, he’ll have the best chance of being reunited with you.  

How Do You Stop A Dog From Whining At Night?

How to stop your dog from whining at night depends on the age of the dog and whether this is a sudden behavior. When you first bring a puppy home, expect whining at night. He’s in a new place and hasn’t yet to figure out if it’s safe. Usually, a puppy will stop whining at night once he becomes comfortable in your home. For older dogs, you may have to change some things about the environment or the dog’s routine. Also consider a possible medical issue if the whining started suddenly.

Puppies! 

New puppies are a welcome addition. They are so cute and cuddly that nighttime whining seems a small price to pay—until you have to go to work with dark circles under your eyes. As mentioned above, most puppies will stop whining once they get used to you and to living in your home, but there are some tips that can help him feel more comfortable. Most of these tips will help with older dogs as well.

  • Give your puppy or dog plenty of exercise before bed.
  • Limit food and water starting about an hour before bedtime.
  • Play soft, calming music.
  • Work on proper crate training so he’ll view the crate as his safe place. Learn more about crate training here.
  • Allow your dog to be in the same room as you. 

Sudden Changes In Behavior 

If your normally quiet dog started whining a lot, make an appointment with your vet. As with any sudden change in how your dog acts, sudden whining could be a sign of a medical condition. Since your dog can’t tell you when he’s not feeling well, it’s important to pick up on signals that something could be wrong.

No pet owner wants to hear their dog whine, but by implementing these tips, you can help them enjoy a peaceful night. 

What Does It Mean to Surrender a Chihuahua?

What does it mean to surrender a Chihuahua? As the word implies, it means that you give up all rights to the pet and no longer have any input as far as what happens to the dog. Surrendering a Chihuahua to a shelter is often the first choice of those who can no longer keep their pets, but there are other options that let you have a say in the final outcome and improve the chances of a smooth transition for your pet.

The Problems with Surrendering Your Chihuahua 

The truth is that most shelters try very hard to find homes for all the dogs in their care, but the sad reality is that it’s just not always possible. When you consider the sheer number of dogs that are surrendered, it’s easy to see why it’s sometimes an impossible task.

Another thing to think about is how your dog will react to shelter life. Chihuahuas (and other small dogs) in particular often have a very hard time. This makes them act fearful and aggressive, and that makes it even more difficult for them to be adopted.

A Better Way 

Instead of surrendering a Chihuahua, more and more pet owners are rehoming dogs themselves. This allows the pet owner to retain control over where the dog ends up, and this gives him the best chance of happiness in his new home.

Not sure where to get started? Most pet owners aren’t. The good news is that there are plenty of resources to help you throughout the process from start to finish.

Since no one can adopt your Chihuahua if they don’t know he’s available, finding ways to advertise is key. Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com is a great resource that provides valuable information and expert advice and also allows you to create a profile for your pet that can be easily found by potential adopters.

While it may take some time to find a great home, the peace of mind you’ll have knowing you did what was best for your pet will be well worth the time and effort! 

How Do I Find a Good Home for My Yorkie?

To find a good home for your Yorkie, you’ll need to put in some time and effort in the search for new owners. You could find people you know, or you might have to go online and advertise your dog to find him the perfect new home. Below, you’ll learn about some of the best ways to ensure your beloved Yorkie finds a new, loving home.

How Do You Find the Right Person for Your Dog?

The first thing you need to think about when you’re looking for a good home for your dog is what your dog needs. It’s not about making your dog fit someone who wants to adopt; it’s about making sure the person already fits what your dog needs. For example, think about the traits and personality quirks of your dog. Is she a cuddler? Does she love children but hate cats? Think about her health and whether there are any potential issues.

These are all things a potential adopter will need to know to ensure she’s the right dog for them. You also want to know more about the adopter. Do they have children or other pets? Do they have the ability to ensure that your dog is walked, provided with love and attention, and given all the care she needs? You need to put in as much effort finding the right person as the adopter does finding the right dog.

Check with People You Know

The right people to adopt your dog might be right under your nose. You might have a family member or a friend who wants to adopt a dog. Talk with them about adopting your Yorkie if you believe that she’d be a good fit for them. You know your dog better than anyone else, so it should be easy to determine whether she’d fit in well with some of your friends and family.

Using Rehome to Find a Good Home for Your Yorkie

Another option is to use the Internet to find someone to adopt your Yorkie. This means finding a stranger to adopt, but it might be the only choice that you have. When you take your time to ensure that you’re using a quality site for rehoming, you won’t have to worry as much. Instead of simply putting her up for adoption on Craigslist, choose an option like Rehome.

This platform is specifically geared toward owners who need to give up their pets and people who are looking to adopt. It charges a rehoming fee to the adopters similar to what a shelter or rescue would charge. This reduces the risk of the wrong people adopting. People who have bad intentions don’t want to pay for animals, so using a platform like this is a good idea.

Through Rehome, owners create a profile for their dog that contains all of the important information. You can also add photos and videos. When people turn in adoption applications, you can sort through them and find the best home for your Yorkie. It’s a safe and easy option that helps to ease your mind. You’ll know that she’s safe.

Do You Have to Pay to Rehome a Rottweiler?

If you need to rehome your rottweiler, you will not have to pay a rehoming fee in most cases, but it really depends on how you go about rehoming your dog. If you take him to a shelter, there is usually a surrender fee that ranges between $50 and $150. If you work with a private rescue, the fees vary from $0 to whatever the rescue chooses to charge. If you rehome your dog yourself, you should actually charge and adoption fee.

It’s important to understand the various options before deciding the best way to rehome your dog.

Paying to Surrender Your Dog

Many people don’t realize that they’ll have to pay a surrender fee when they bring their dog to a shelter or a rescue. These facilities charge these fees to help provide funding to keep their operations running. The cost of the surrender fees will vary based on a range of factors including the location of the facility. You’ll want to get in touch with them to learn the cost.

Paying When Adopting from a Shelter or Rescue

Not only do the shelters and recuses charge surrender fees, but they also charge adoption fees. These can vary just as widely. You can expect fees to be at least $50, but they could be $150 or more. Again, it can be based on factors such as the location, the age of your dog, etc.

Why Are Rehoming and Adoption Fees Needed?

Some might be wondering why fees are charged for rehoming and adoption. After all, they might think that these are dogs that need homes, so they should be given to anyone who will take them. However, this becomes risky for the dogs. The rehoming and adoption fees help to ensure that there aren’t any people with bad intentions getting their hands on the dogs.

Some people look for free animals online so they can use them as bait animals for fighting dogs. Others look for free animals that they can then sell to labs. The fees help to cut down on this because those people won’t be making a profit off the dogs.

When Do You Not Need Fees?

Is there ever a time where you wouldn’t need to charge an adoption fee when you’re finding a new home for your dog? The only time you probably won’t charge a fee for rehoming would be when you already know the people and you’re sure they’ll take great care of her. Just make sure that they’re truly the best home for her.

Consider Using Rehome

If you’re an owner who needs to give up their rottweiler, and you don’t know anyone who is looking to adopt, then look into using Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com. This is a safe and simple platform that allows owners to create profiles for their dog, including photos and videos. You can add all of the most important information about your dog to the profile so adopters can determine whether she might be a good option for them or not. As an owner listing a dog, you won’t have to pay anything. And, when your pet’s profile is complete, it will be uploaded onto the Adopt-a-Pet.com website for millions of potential adopters to see.

Those who want to adopt a dog will pay a small adoption fee that’s similar to what would be paid for adoption at a shelter or a rescue, and your dog will soon be on his way to a loving new home.