Can You Train An Outdoor Cat To Be An Indoor Cat?

Sometimes an outdoor cat can be trained to be an indoor cat. If you’ve noticed an adorable cat hanging around your yard, you may want to bring it inside and make it your pet. If the cat is feral, this will prove a more difficult task than if the cat is a stray. That being said, there are stories of even the most aloof feral cats becoming loving indoor pets.

Outdoor Cats: The Difference between Stray and Feral 

Did you know that there is a difference between a stray cat and a feral cat?

Feral Cats 

These cats were born outside or were abandoned at a very young age without having had much human contact. Feral cats typically do not trust humans and will not allow you to get close enough to pet or handle them.

Many kind people care for colonies of ferals (also called community cats) by providing food, water, and shelter, and getting the cats TNRd (trapped, neutered, released) to prevent more kittens from being born. You can spot a feral cat that has been TNRd because one of his ears will be tipped. This is done so that other cat caretakers will know the cat has already been fixed.

Feral cats make their life outside, but it is possible to bring them in—if you have a lot of patience. You’ll start by providing food and water. Over time, the cat may allow you to come closer, and may in time allow petting. You can then try moving the food closer to your door and, eventually inside.

The process can be quite slow, and some feral cats will never be won over. There are varying degrees of “feral-ness,” so you may eventually come to the conclusion that the indoor life isn’t for that particular cat.

Stray Cats 

A stray cat is a cat that is either lost or has been abandoned. Many times, these cats will walk right up to people and allow petting and other contact. Stray cats are often in danger outside as they don’t have the same fight in them as do feral cats. These cats have been around humans and probably lived inside, at least part time, at some point. 

Before you fall in love with the cat, it’s important to note that it could be someone else’s pet. Perhaps the pet owner allows the cat to come and go, or maybe the cat got lost. The right thing to do when you find a stray is to look for an owner. Check out more tips about what to do if you find a stray cat in this article. 

Once you’re confident the cat has no owner, you’ll find that bringing stray cats inside is a much easier process than bringing bring feral cats inside. A stray that has already spent time inside will likely take right to the litter box and may become a loving pet right away.

Whether feral or stray, it is possible to turn an outdoor cat into one that appreciates life inside. Thank you for caring enough to try! 

How Do I Give Up My Bull Terrier?

You can give up your bull terrier using several different methods including to people you know or people you find through a pet adoption site. You’ll find a range of options available that could work to help your dog find a great new home where he’ll be happy and loved. Below are some of the options you can consider.

Consider Alternatives to Giving Up Your Bull Terrier

First, you’ll want to make sure that you have exhausted all of the possibilities of keeping your dog. In some cases, you might be able to keep him or only give him up for a short time. There may be options that you can use to keep your dog, so keep an eye out for resources that you could use.

For example, if you have to leave to work in another state for a month or so, see if you can find or hire someone to watch him during that time rather than giving him up. If he has some behavioral issues, look into the possibility of hiring a trainer and sending your dog to classes.

Of course, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, you have no other choice but to find your bull terrier a new home.

Understand What Your Dog Needs

When you need to find a new home for your bull terrier, always make sure that you understand what your dog needs prior to giving him to someone. If he has to take medication, make sure that the new owner can afford the medicine and is responsible enough to ensure he takes it. If he doesn’t like cats or has snapped at children in the past, be sure that the new owner doesn’t have cats or children and is aware of the problem.

You know your bull terrier better than anyone, and it should be your goal to find him a home that’s right for him.

Give Your Dog to Someone You Know

One option that you may want to consider is giving your dog to someone you know. If you have anyone in your life that you trust and who has the means to care for your dog, and who has expressed that they’d like a dog, it could be a good fit. Giving him to someone you know can help you rest easy at night.

Use Online Pet Adoption Sites

You can also use pet adoption sights like Rehome from Adopt-a-Pet.com, which can make finding a new owner easier. This site is a peer-to-peer platform that connects owners like you with adopters looking for dogs. It’s free for owners to use, and the adopters only pay a small rehoming fee that goes right back into helping more animals get adopted.

Rehome lets you create a detailed profile for your dog, too. You can provide all of the most important information about your bull terrier, making it easier for the right adopters to find the dog, fall in love, and submit an adoption application.

How Do I Surrender My Yorkie?

Typically, you’ll surrender your Yorkie to an animal shelter after making an appointment with them. However, you’ll have to consider many things when you are surrendering your dog. It’s not as simple as showing up at the shelter’s doors with your dog in hand. Instead, you need to be sure that you are following their guidelines, and that you’ve considered some of the other available options.

Contact the Shelter or Rescue

If you need to surrender your Yorkie to a shelter or a rescue, you’ll need to contact them first. Get information from their website and call them to set up an appointment. They’ll let you know how much the surrender fee will be, which is generally between $50 and $150. They can provide you their address and a time for the appointment, and let you know everything that you need to bring.

Could You Keep Your Yorkie?

Don’t be surprised if they ask you why you have to give up your dog. They want to know if there are any temperament or health issues, for example, before bringing him in with other dogs. Additionally, they want to see if there might be a way for you to keep him. Sometimes, what feels like an insurmountable problem with behavior or the amount of time you can spend with the dog can be rectified. They may have resources for trainers, pet sitters, doggie daycare, and more. Ultimately, they want what’s best for your dog, and that often means staying with you.

Different Options to Consider

Even with the resources provided by a shelter or rescue, it doesn’t mean that everyone can keep their dog. If you still need to find a place for your Yorkie, before you bring them to a shelter, consider finding someone to adopt them. You might know a family member, friend, or coworker that you trust and who has been looking for a dog. They could be a perfect fit for your Yorkie.

If you don’t know anyone looking to adopt a dog, you can always advertise. There are online sites that you can use to find people who are looking for a dog. However, you can’t simply give him to just anyone. You need to rehome_research the people and ask for references. After all, you want to ensure he’s going to a good home where he’ll be loved and cared for properly. Additionally, you should charge a rehoming fee. This helps to weed out those who may have bad intentions toward your dog.

Why Choose Rehome?

To make matters somewhat easier, check out Rehome. This is a platform from Adopt-a-Pet.com that aims to make it easier to find the perfect family to adopt your Yorkie. It’s easy to use, and you can set up a profile with photos and videos quickly. This information can be viewed by people who are looking to adopt. Best of all, the service is free to owners and only costs a small rehoming fee for adopters.

You can then review adoption applications to ensure you’re choosing the right home for your Yorkie. He’ll love his new home.

Can You Call The Police On A Barking Dog?

You can call the animal control department of your local police on a barking dog, but it should only be used as a last resort for excessive barking. If your neighbor’s dog barks a lot, it can be annoying, but you should address it with a measured response rather than going straight to the law. There should be a few steps between the dog barking and you calling the police.

How to React to a Barking Dog 

When a responsible pet owner’s dog starts barking, they either get the barking to stop or bring the dog inside—but not everyone is a responsible pet owner. Some people have no problem letting their dog bark all night. While that is inconsiderate, you need to ask yourself if it’s worth having an ice-cold relationship with your neighbor. Here are some things to do before calling the cops:

Ask Yourself If The Barking Is Really Excessive

When you live in close proximity to neighbors, you can’t expect total silence. Whether it’s a kid banging on his drums or an especially enthusiastic game of kickball in the street, some noise is part of life in a populated area. With that in mind, consider if the amount of barking is really worth involving the police or animal control. 

Know The Law

Laws regarding dogs barking vary by location, so take the time to learn the law where you live. You could bring a copy of this information along when you talk to your neighbor. Knowing the law can also help you decide if calling the police is really the route you want to take. For example, if you learn the homeowner will get a $500 fine and possibly have the dog removed from her home, would you still want to call? 

Talk To Your Neighbor

Your neighbor might not realize how her dog’s barking is affecting you. Approach her in a polite manner and tell her how it’s affecting you, i.e. you can’t sleep at night, it’s hard to have a conversation on the phone, etc…

If the neighbor seems receptive, offer ideas about how to reduce the barking such as letting the dog spend more time indoors or providing extra walks and lots of playtime. If she’s not receptive, tell her that if things don’t change, you may have no choice but to call animal control.
Police and animal control should not be used as a weapon against your neighbors. Instead, calling them should be reserved for when all else has failed or when the dog appears to be in distress.  

How Do I Find a Good Home for My Dachshund?

You can find a good home for your dachshund when you take the time to rehome him on your own. It’s the best way to ensure that he’s getting a good home with people who will love and care for him. Although it may take some time and effort, many owners who love their dog and wish they could keep him will put in the work.

What to Look for When Rehoming Your Dachshund

When you have to rehome your dog, you naturally want to find the most suitable, loving home for him. You may already know someone who is looking to adopt a dog. They could be a good solution, as long as you believe your dog’s personality will mesh well with their lifestyle and family.

If you don’t know anyone looking to adopt, you can always find online sites that allow you to list your dog. However, you want to be careful with these sites, since you don’t know who might be on there trying to find a dog. You don’t want to give your dog to anyone who might have ill intentions toward him. To reduce this risk, you can charge a rehoming fee. This helps to ensure that only those who want to give your dog a good home reply.

What About Other Options?

For those who are unable to rehome the dog on their own, there are some other options to consider. Shelters are often one of the first choices for most people. Shelters do their best when trying to find homes for dogs. However, it’s not always possible and sometimes, the dogs are euthanized.

Rescues are another option to consider. They can keep the dogs for the remainder of their lives if a new owner isn’t found. However, rescues are often full and unable to take on more dogs.

The best option is to rehome, and there is a platform that can make it much easier for you.

Make Rehoming Easy with Rehome

Rehome is a platform from Adopt-a-Pet.com that provides owners with the tools needed to put their dog in front of people who are looking to adopt. You can create a profile for your dachshund and let everyone know what a great dog he is and how much joy he can bring into their life. Of course, when you’re completing the profile, you need to be honest about any issues he might have. If he doesn’t like cats, for example, this needs to be indicated in the profile. After all, you want to be sure that he’s going to a home that knows his personality as best as possible.

In addition to the profile, you can also add videos and photos, so potential adopters can see him. Once someone adopts, you can use the platform to send them his vet records.
Rehome is free for owners to use, and the adopters will pay a small fee comparable to what shelters charge. This fee is then used to help other animals find adoption. 

Can You Get Fined for a Barking Dog?

Most locations have noise or nuisance laws that allow a dog owner to be fined for a barking dog. Many such laws also include jail time, so it’s possible that a dog owner could spend time in jail, although this would likely only occur in very extreme cases. The ordinances vary by location, so it’s important to know the laws where you live.

How To Deal With A Barking Dog 

Dogs bark. No reasonable person expects complete silence. Unfortunately, many pet owners have unreasonable neighbors who call the police at the first sign of a bark. While most police officers are understanding in such situations, the more they are called, the more likely you’ll end up having an issue.

If your dog’s barking isn’t excessive, try reasoning with your neighbor. If that does no good, it will be more important than ever to have a full understanding of the local laws regarding the matter. From there, talk to the police and let them know what’s going on. Some pet owners dealing with problem neighbors go so far as installing security cameras to eliminate the chance of the neighbor lying about what’s going on.

If your dog’s barking is excessive, you’ll need to find ways to manage that. This may include:

  • Changing The Environment: If you normally leave your pet outdoors, try crating him instead. If he’s normally crated, try leaving him loose in one room.
  • Exercise Him More: Make sure your dog is getting plenty of exercise. Lack of exercise can lead to stress, and stress can lead to barking.
  • Rule Out Separation Anxiety: If your dog barks excessively when left alone, he may be suffering from separation anxiety. Speak to your vet to determine if this is the case and, if so, work together to identify effective treatments.
  • Soothing Music: Classical music can have a calming effect on dogs, so leave it playing when you go out. You can also try leaving the television on.
  • Back To Training: When you’re home, you should usually be able to stop your dog’s barking with a command. If not, invest in more training with a qualified professional. 

The bottom line is that in most locations, you can be fined for excessive barking. Avoid any issues by taking the time to learn what triggers your pet’s barking and then find a solution. The result will be a happier dog, happier neighbors, and a happier you.  

How Do I Give Up My Doberman Pinscher?

You can give up your Doberman Pinscher by rehoming her on your own or by surrendering her to a shelter or a rescue. You’ll want to know more about these choices, so you can determine which options will work best for you and your dog. Let’s take a closer look. 

Surrendering Your Doberman Pinscher

Surrendering your dog means that you’re turning her over to a shelter or rescue. Before you do this, you need to learn more about the facilities you’re considering. Rescues, for example, have no-kill policies, but this makes them popular with pet owners who have to give up their dog. This means they’re often at capacity and can’t take on any new dogs.

Shelters only have room for so many animals, and this means when new dogs are brought into the facility, others may have to be euthanized. They can only be held for a certain period. The shelter doesn’t want to have to do this, but they don’t have any other choice.

In both cases, you’ll also likely need to pay a surrender fee. This can vary, but it’s usually at least $50. The facility staff will want to know more about your Doberman Pinscher including any temperament issues, health problems, etc. This can let them better prepare to receive her. They may also ask why you have to give up your dog.

Often, they’ll have some resources available that could help with some common owner problems. For example, if she has some behavior issues, they may have the contact info of local trainers. If you have trouble paying her vet bills, they may have information about low-cost vets in the area. The goal is to keep the dog with you if possible. Of course, that’s not always possible.

Rehoming Your Doberman Pinscher

There are some great options for giving up your Doberman Pinscher without resorting to a shelter or rescue. You might know someone interested in adopting. If you trust them and believe they can properly care for her, then it’s a simple matter of turning over the dog.

You could also use a site like Rehome, a platform that connects owners and potential adopters. Create a profile for your Doberman Pinscher and let the adopters know everything that’s needed about your dog and then choose from those who apply to adopt.

One thing that’s important to remember when you’re rehoming your dog is the importance of rehoming fees. If you aren’t going through Rehome, which takes care of the rehoming fees by charging the adopters, you’ll want to charge a fee on your own. These fees are used to line your pockets with money for giving up your dog, no matter what some people might think. Instead, they’re used to help keep your dog safe.

The world’s a tough place for people and dogs alike. The rehoming fees are charged to ensure that the wrong people don’t get their hands on your Doberman Pinscher. Some people look for free or cheap dogs that they can use for fighting or that they resell to labs for a profit. Charging rehoming fees cuts down on the risk for your dog.

How much does it cost to surrender an Australian Shepherd?

The amount it costs to surrender an Australian Shepherd can vary based on a range of factors, including the location and the shelter. The dog’s age can also be a factor. In some cases, a facility might charge less per pet when someone needs to surrender an entire litter of puppies, for example. Typically, the cost will range from $50 to $150 per dog.

Surrendering a Dog to a Shelter

In most cases, you can’t simply show up with your dog at the shelter and drop them off. Instead, you will need to make an appointment. Additionally, you should rehome_research the shelter to find out more about it, along with what the cost of surrendering your Australian Shepherd will be. They may need to have more information from you before you can bring your dog to them. For example, they will often want to know why you need to give up your pet.

In some cases, people may feel like they don’t have any choice except to surrender their pet to a shelter. She could have behavior issues, for example. Other potential reasons include no longer having the financial capability to take care of her, having a new baby in the house, or needing to move.

While these may all be legitimate reasons for needing to give up a pet, this does not mean that she should be brought to the shelter. Many of the above issues will have workarounds that can allow your dog to stay with you. It’s good idea to exhaust all of those options before you consider a shelter.

Animal shelters do try to take good care of the creatures that come into their care. However, due to not having enough funding or space, it’s often difficult. The shelters don’t want to euthanize animals, but sometimes they have no choice. Naturally, you want to avoid this with your beloved Australian Shepherd. Let’s look at some of the other options to consider.

Consider Rehoming Your Dog Instead

There are many ways that you could potentially rehome your Australian Shepherd. One of the first things you should do is get in touch with your family and friends. They might be interested in adopting your dog. If you are simply having some financial trouble right now or you need to go away for work for a couple of months, they might be willing to keep your dog for you for the short-term.

You could also use Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com, which can help you find good homes for your dog. You can put up information about your Australian Shepherd, along with videos and photos. Through this platform, you also can screen the applications of people who want to adopt your dog. Additionally, this service is free for owners who have to give up their dogs.

With Rehome, you can find a home that is ideal for your dog. You will feel much better about this option rather than giving up your dog to a shelter. 

What is the Fastest Way to Rehome a Shih Tzu?

Generally, the fastest way to rehome a Shih Tzu is by allowing someone you already know to adopt your dog. Maybe you have a friend or a family member who wants a dog, and who already loves your Shih Tzu. If you aren’t able to keep her any longer, this could be a perfect solution. It won’t take long, but you’ll want to be sure that all of the paperwork for ownership has been transferred if required in your area.

Not only is this typically the fastest way to rehome a Shih Tzu, but it’s also one of the best. Since you already know the people that’ll be taking care of her, it provides you with some peace of mind. Of course, it’s not the only method of rehoming a Shih Tzu. There are other methods, as well, which can be relatively fast.

Are Shelters and Rescues Rehoming?

These options aren’t technically rehoming your dog since they are essentially waystations where your dog will await adoption. However, they are options for those who have to give up a dog and who don’t know anyone who wants to adopt.

You should realize that you can’t simply show up with your Shih Tzu in your arms and drop her off at the shelter, though. You’ll need to make an appointment with the shelter or rescue. They’ll let you know what paperwork you need and the amount you’ll need to pay for the surrender fee. Once they take her, you’ll no longer have legal rights to your dog.

She’ll then await adoption at the shelter or rescue. If she’s in a rescue, she’ll stay there until someone adopts her. If she’s in a shelter, there may be a limited amount of time they’ll be able to keep her before transferring her or euthanizing her. This is something you can discuss with the shelter when you contact the facility.

Rehoming on Your Own

Although it will require some additional work and time on your part, you may want to consider rehoming her on your own. Rather than hoping someone will find her at a shelter or rescue, consider putting her up for adoption on your own. This isn’t the fastest way to rehome, but it gives you more control over who gets your dog.

You could find free adoption sites online, but you’ll want to stay away from sites like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. While they might be fine for getting rid of old video games, you don’t want to give your dog to someone you meet on those sites. You need to be sure you’re only allowing the right people to adopt.

A nice and easy option is to choose Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com. Rehome provides you with the tools needed to get your pup into a loving new home. You can upload photos, videos, and create a profile for your Shih Tzu. You can make note of her personality, the things she likes, and the things she doesn’t. Maybe she doesn’t like larger dogs, for example. Potential adopters need this information.

You can then look at the adoption applications that come through and choose the best new owner for your Shih Tzu. It gives you more control over where her forever home will be.

How Do You Stop A Cat From Scratching Carpet?

To stop a cat from scratching carpet, you’ll need to provide alternative objects for him to scratch that are just as appealing as the carpet. Provide strategically placed scratching posts, and encourage your cat to use them. Cats need to scratch, so you won’t be able to stop the behavior, but you can take steps to stop your cat from turning your Berber rug into a shag carpet.

Kitty’s Gotta Scratch

Scratching and stretching are musts for cats. It removes the dead outer layer of their claws, allows them to mark their territory, and gives them a way to flex and stretch out their bodies. That’s why cat owners who value their carpet and furniture ensure the cat has appropriate scratching options. 

Place a scratching post close to where your pet sleeps and in areas where you’ve caught him scratching. If your cat is scratching the carpet in just one or two spots, cover those spots with a plastic rug runner or furniture and if feasible, put the scratching post on top of that spot. If your cat is a kitten, when you see him scratching your carpet, move him over to the scratching post. Adult cats may not appreciate being moved, so enticing with catnip sprinkled on the post and using your own nails to make a scratching sound on the post are two techniques likely to be more effective with an adult cat. Commercial sprays are also available that attract your cat to the post. Also, place your cat’s favorite toys around the scratching post and spend time playing with him nearby. Choose posts with a rough surface, such as sisal or burlap, as cats find those textures appealing.

Protect Your Carpet 

Until your cat decides he likes his scratching posts more than your carpet, you’ll want to protect your carpet. Several products are available that can help with this including two-sided tape, plastic mats, and spray deterrents.

Some pet owners also have nail caps applied to their cat’s claws. Each application lasts about six weeks. Nail caps are a humane alternative to declawing.