Tag: First Batch

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.  

How Do I Find a Good Home for My Maltese?

If you find yourself in a situation where you need to find a new home for your Maltese, there are many resources available to help you through the process. You never want to make the mistake of giving your dog to just anyone because they may not be a good fit for your Maltese. Below are some things you’ll need to do to ensure that he goes to a great new owner.

Know What Your Dog Needs

You’ve spent more time with your dog than anyone else has, and this means that you know their personality and their needs better than others. You also know his quirks, both good and bad. Does he love getting brushed? Does he chase cats? Does he snap at children? Maybe he needs to be on a special diet, or he needs to take medication each day.

Your goal is to find an owner that will accept the good and the bad, and that can provide your dog with the care he’ll need. After all, you want him to go to a home that will love him and keep him healthy, happy, and safe for the rest of his life.

Talk with People You Know

One of the first options you may want to consider is finding your Maltese a home with someone you know. You might have a friend or a relative that has been looking for a hypoallergenic dog for their family. They could be a great solution, especially if they already know and like your dog.

However, you can’t simply give your dog to someone that you know without thinking about your dog’s needs. Make sure that it’s the right fit first and ask questions to find out how they plan on caring for your dog (the same way you would of a stranger).

Just keep in mind that when they’re in the new home, you’ll want to give it a few months before you visit. This will allow your dog to see the new home and family as theirs, and they won’t try to come home with you.

Take Your Time to Find the Perfect Owner Online 

You might not know someone personally that’s looking for a dog. Fortunately, the internet has made it easier to find people looking to adopt. Of course, you shouldn’t just use any classified ad site to advertise your dog—you never know who is on those sites or what their intentions are.

Instead, choose a site that’s built specifically for people who want to adopt a dog. Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com, is a great solution. The peer-to-peer adoption platform is easy to use and is free for owners. Adopters only pay a small rehoming fee that’s similar to what they would pay to a shelter or rescue.

You can create a detailed profile for your dog through Rehome that includes photos, videos, and a bio. Remember to make the bio as detailed as possible, including the personality and quirks of your Maltese. Your Maltese’s bio is then uploaded directly to Adopt-a-Pet.com for millions of potential adopters to see. Once you start receiving applications, Rehome will provide you with tips on how to choose the right adopter, and will even help you with the contract process. It’s a straight-forward and safe way to make sure you’re doing right by your dog. 

How Long Does it Take Labrador Retrievers to Get Used to a New Home?

If you’ve recently adopted a Labrador retriever, you might be wondering, “how long does it take a Labrador Retriever to get used to a new home?” Some people get frustrated when a new dog doesn’t fall right into their family’s established routines, but the truth is that it can take weeks or even months for a dog to fully become used to his new home. Dogs that have been shuffled around or who have been through traumatic experiences typically take longer to adjust.

Don’t Give Up On Your Pet

When a new Labrador Retriever is still having trouble getting used to his new home even after a few weeks, some pet owners start to think they didn’t find the right fit. Don’t give up! It might take some extra time and effort, but he WILL come around. If he gets sent off to a new home, he’ll have to start from scratch, and you’ll have to start over with a new dog.

One thing that will help is properly transitioning a dog in to your home. Most shelters and rescues will provide information on how to do this. Tips may vary somewhat based on the history and behavior of the dog, but a few pointers include:

  • Provide a Crate: Even if you don’t plan to crate your dog when you’re not home, crate training is a good idea. When properly handled, the dog will view the crate as a safe place.
  • Don’t Yell or Hit: Yelling at or hitting a dog will never bring about the desired results. Instead of helping your dog learn to follow commands and to be confident, he’ll become timid and fearful. Instead, learn how to get your dog’s attention by using a stern voice when he does something wrong and by praising him when does something good.
  • Training Classes: Quality training classes aren’t just about teaching your dog to behave; they are also about teaching you how to be the leader your dog needs. Taking some training classes with a reputable trainer could make a world of difference.

The reward for your patience and hard work will be a Labrador Retriever who is loyal and obedient for life! 

What Does it Mean to Rehome a Dog?

Rehoming a dog means means finding a new home where your dog will be safe and loved. This is different from surrendering your dog to a shelter or rescue because you’re helping your dog go from your home right into another home. When you take the time needed to rehome the dog, you’re able to choose a family that is a perfect fit for your pet.

How Do I Find a Home for My Dog? 

Before you start searching for a new home for your dog, be sure that you have tried everything to keep him in your home. Talk to your vet, local trainers, and animal welfare groups for advice. You can also view our Keep Your Pet guide here. If you find that you still need to rehome your pet once those efforts are exhausted, here are some tips to keep in mind: 

  • Think twice about rehoming your pet through classified sites. Many people troll such sites looking for dogs to use for nefarious purposes.
  • Always charge a rehoming fee. Giving dogs away “free to a good home” is never a good idea because you want the new adopter to demonstrate that they are serious about providing a great home for your furry friend. Charging a rehoming fee of $50 to $150 shows that the adopter has some financial resources to commit to the dog and eliminates certain risks, such as your dog being sold to a lab.
  • Use available resources to make finding a home easier. Rehome is a website dedicated to helping responsible pet owners find the perfect home for their dog or cat. The service allows you set up an eye-catching profile and to connect with potential adopters at no charge. Applications are submitted right through the site, and you’ll even find helpful tips about screening potential homes, and much more. 

If you absolutely cannot keep your dog, take the time to ensure he’ll be happy with a new family. It’s the right thing to do—both for your dog and for your own peace of mind. 

How Do I Surrender My Boxer?

If you’re asking, “how do I surrender my boxer,” you’ve probably decided that you can no longer keep your pet. You’ll have a few options; including surrendering your dog to a local shelter. This typically includes meeting with an intake specialist and paying a surrender fee. The exact protocol varies, but what remains the same across the board, is that you’ll have no say in what happens to your dog once he’s been surrendered.

Will the Shelter Find a Home for My Boxer if I Surrender Him? 

In a perfect world, every dog that entered a shelter would end up in a great home. In reality, it doesn’t always work like that. It often has nothing to do with lack of effort on the part of the shelter team; instead it comes down to simple math. If more people are surrendering dogs than are looking to adopt a dog then it may be difficult to find a good situation for your boxer.

Is There a Way to Guarantee He’ll Eventually Find a Home? 

The best way to make sure your dog ends up in a loving home is to find that home yourself. This is an option overlooked by many pet owners because they aren’t sure where to begin to find a good home for their dog.

While it will take a bit of time and effort, you don’t have to go it alone. Resources are available to help you. One great resource is Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com. From expert advice to online tools like the ability to create a profile and communicate with adopters, this website simplifies the process of finding a perfect home for your boxer so you can avoid the need to surrender him to a shelter.

An added benefit? In addition to ensuring a happy future for your boxer, you also help other dogs by freeing up the shelter’s resources to better care for them.

Put in the effort to find a new family for your boxer. You’ll have peace of mind knowing his happy, healthy future is secured. 

What Is A Reasonable Rehoming Fee For A Dog?

A reasonable rehoming fee for a dog starts at about $50 and can go up from there. The purpose of the fee is not to make money, but rather to avoid giving the dog to someone unwilling to invest in having a pet. Charging a fee also reduces the possibility that your dog will be used for fighting or sold to a lab. Many people don’t realize how real those dangers are, but they are very much reduced by charging a rehoming fee. 

What If The Person Seems Really Nice? 

If the person who wants to adopt your dog seems nice but is haggling over a $50 rehoming fee, it’s probably time to look for a different adopter. Here’s why:

  • People that would want to use your dog in a bad way have honed their skills of seeming like the perfect adopters. Some even bring kids along to put on a really good show.
  • It’s expensive to take good care of a dog. If someone is unwilling or unable to pay a $50 rehoming fee, they may not be in the best position to adopt. Also, if they are put off by a small rehoming fee, what will they do when faced with a large vet bill? 

Don’t feel any guilt whatsoever for charging a fee to rehome your dog. The point of it is to protect him.

Need more advice for rehoming a dog? Visit Rehome where you’ll find lots of tips and tools to help you find the perfect home for your pup. 

What Does It Mean When A Dog Is Howling?

Despite superstitions that say a dog howling means death is near, howling is actually just a form of communication used by dogs. They may howl to let others know they have arrived, to make contact with other dogs, and to attract attention. Many dogs also howl in response to noises such as other animals, sirens, or even to sounds that will go unnoticed by human ears.

Could Howling Mean My Dog Is Sick? 

It’s possible. As with any symptom, you should be aware of behavior that is unusual for your dog. For example, if a dog that never howled suddenly does or if he howls much more than normal this could be a cause for concern. If this is the case for your dog, make an appointment with the vet to rule out a medical cause.

Does the dog only howl when you’re away, and is the howling excessive? If so, you should also consider whether the pup may have separation anxiety. If you think this may be the case, an animal behaviorist can help you with a treatment plan to bring the anxiety under control.

Tips To Make Howling Stop 

Barring a medical condition or anxiety, your dog is just howling as a way to communicate. Whether he’s howling in response to other neighborhood dogs or to get attention from you, here are a few tips that may help curb the howling:

  • Attention seeking dogs will stop howling once they realize it doesn’t yield the desired result, so ignore your dog when he howls.
  • Give your dog attention or a treat at random times when he’s being quiet.
  • Teach him voice commands including “quiet” and “stop.” Once he’s mastered them, you should be able to stop the howling on command. 

Some breeds don’t howl at all while some howl more than most. While you don’t want to stop his vocalization completely, there are ways to minimize it so as not to annoy your neighbors. If your best efforts don’t help, consider working with an animal behaviorist who can help you pinpoint the reason for the howling and work on training to bring it under control. 

Which Dog Breeds Have Separation Anxiety?

Any breed can have separation anxiety. Since anxiety can be born from losing an important person or other life changes, it’s not breed specific.  

How Do I Know It Is Really Separation Anxiety? 

Most dogs don’t like to be left alone, but your pet acting a little down when you leave isn’t a sign of separation anxiety. This condition is consistent, so it manifests every time you leave, and it involves destructive and/or dangerous behaviors such as:

  • Excessive barking
  • Chewing furniture, clothing, and other items
  • Scratching or chewing on window or doors
  • Urinating and/or defecating in the house
  • Intense pacing
  • Drooling and/or panting 

Dogs with severe separation anxiety sometimes injure themselves in an attempt to escape a crate or get out of the house.

Helping A Dog With Separation Anxiety  

First, it’s important to understand that this condition will not self-correct. In fact, if left untreated, it will likely become worse as time goes on. That’s why it’s important to find effective treatment at the first sign of separation anxiety.

Also note that there is a range of separation anxiety that runs from mild to severe. What works with one dog may not help another, so there is often a bit of trial and error involved. Treatments include:

  • More Exercise: Before you leave, try taking your dog on a brisk, long walk. If you can wear your dog out, he is more likely to be content when you go. 
  • Conditioning: Your dog associates you leaving with bad things happening. If you can change that, it may reduce his anxiety. For example, now your leaving is only associated with loneliness and, perhaps, a fear you’ll never come back. Try giving him a very special treat upon leaving and again upon returning home in order to help him associate you leaving with something good. If you can, start with “leaving” for 10 seconds and come right back inside, and gradually increase the amount of time you are leaving your dog alone. An animal behaviorist can help with conditioning if you’re not sure the best way to go about it on your own. 
  • Stress-Relief Products: Stress collars, shirts, and diffusers help in some cases. You could also try supplements known to calm dogs. Note: Always talk to your vet before giving any type of supplements or over-the-counter medications.
  • Medication: In some cases, you may have to speak to your vet about medicating your dog. If all other methods have failed, the doctor may prescribe medication to keep your dog calm and alleviate the symptoms of separation anxiety. 

    Separation anxiety isn’t limited to particular breeds. No matter what type of dog you have, solutions to the problem can be found with a little patience and, in some cases, help from your vet.

    What is a Reasonable Rehoming Fee for a Rottweiler?

    A reasonable rehoming fee for a rottweiler will typically be up to $300 for a full-grown dog. Typically, the fees will range from $50 to several hundred dollars. Anything more than this is the type of price that would be paid to a breeder rather than rehoming, in most cases.

    Why Rehoming Fee Prices Vary

    Keep in mind that many different factors will affect the amount charged for rehoming whether it’s through a facility or someone who has to give up their dog. The age of the dog is a prime factor. Younger dogs tend to have higher fees. The location where you live can be a factor, as well.

    If you have to give up your dog, you’ll want to keep the rehoming fees you charge in line with the average in your area. Those who are adopting a rottweiler will want to check to see what the rehoming fees generally are in their location. Just keep in mind that they can still vary from one person and facility to the next.

    Do Shelters and Rescues Charge Fees?

    Even shelters and rescues will charge fees when people come to adopt a dog through them. You’ll find that these tend to be similar to the cost of rehoming fees, which ranges from $50 to $150 or higher in most places. These facilities also charge surrender fees when someone has to drop off their dog.

    The money that’s provided to the shelters and rescues typically goes right back into operating the facility and making sure the animals are well cared for.

    Are Rehoming Fees Needed?

    Some people don’t like the idea of rehoming fees and believe that owners are simply trying to profit off a dog they no longer want. While this may happen occasionally, the fees are beneficial overall. Rehoming fees ensure that people don’t bring home a new dog on a whim or get a dog they can’t afford.

    The fees also help to ensure that people who have nefarious intent don’t take your dog. Some people look for free and cheap dogs that they can use for fighting. Rottweilers are often sought after for this reason. Fees reduce this risk. Fees also ensure people who look for free animals online to sell to labs won’t make a profit off the animals.

    Using Rehome

    If you’re rehoming on your own, you’ll always want to charge a rehoming fee for the reasons mentioned above. If you opt to use the Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com, you won’t have to worry about the fee, because the site will charge it. As an owner giving up a dog, you won’t have to pay any fees. The adopters will pay a rehoming fee that’s similar to what they would pay to a shelter or rescue.

    The site is easy to use, and it provides a safer way for you to find the right family to adopt your rottweiler. After all, you want to be sure that he has the best home possible.

    How Do I Surrender My Doberman Pinscher?

    When you surrender your Doberman Pinscher, it means you’re turning them over to a shelter or a rescue. This is different from rehoming. You’ll want to know the differences, so you can be sure you’re making the right choice for your dog. 

    What is Surrendering?

    When you surrender your dog to a shelter or a rescue, it means that you’re giving those facilities legal rights to your dog. You won’t have any say in who adopts them. It’s also important to note that even though the organizations do their best to ensure the animals in their care are adopted, there are no guarantees. Additionally, although rescues have no-kill policies, shelters do not typically have these policies. They can only hold the dogs for a certain period.

    When you surrender your dog, you’ll want to learn more about the facility by visiting their website and learning about their policies. You can’t simply drop off your dog at a shelter or rescue. You need to get in touch and make an appointment. The staff will let you know about the cost of the surrender fee, along with any other items you might need to bring.

    They’ll also want to know more about your dog. Does he have any behavioral or temperament issues? Is he healthy? Why do you need to give him up? They ask this last question because they want to know if there might be a way to keep the dog with you, as this is typically what’s best for him. For example, if he has behavior problems, they may have resources to put you in touch with a trainer. If he has medical issues, they could recommend some low-cost vets.

    If you can’t keep your dog, they’ll make an appointment. You can then drop them off at the facility. Keep in mind that rescues are usually filled, which means you might not find one in your local area that has room for your Doberman Pinscher.

    What is Rehoming?

    Rehoming takes a different approach, and many people prefer it even though it takes longer. When rehoming, you take the time to find a new owner for your dog. You might know someone, for example, who has been looking for a dog. If you feel they could be a good new owner for your Doberman Pinscher, rehoming will be fast and easy. Of course, not everyone knows someone ready to adopt.

    Therefore, you’ll want to look at online pet adoption options. Rehome from Adopt-a-Pet.com is a good choice. It’s a simple to use site that is free for owners. Adopters using the site only have to pay a small fee for rehoming that’s similar to what they would pay to a shelter or a rescue.

    You can create a profile for your dog with photos, videos, and a bio. The bio should be detailed enough that the potential adopters can learn everything they need to know about your dog before applying to adopt. This includes any issues that he might have. When going through Rehome, you’ll have control over who gets to adopt your Doberman Pinscher.