Why Is My Dog Barking For No Reason?

Your dog probably isn’t barking for no reason—it’s just not a reason that you can see. There are several potential explanations as to why your dog may bark for what seems like no reason. These include boredom, frustration, anxiety, or excitement. Some dogs do exhibit compulsive barking which is the closest to barking for no reason. This is usually accompanied by pacing. There are ways to alleviate excessive barking, and the first step is to determine the underlying cause.

How to Stop Barking for “No Reason” 

There is no question that excessive barking is annoying. You love your dogs and it’s annoying to you, so imagine how the neighbors feel! The good news is that there are steps you can take to curb the behavior. Here are a few things to try:

  • See Your Vet: If the excessive barking started suddenly, visit your vet to rule out an undetected medical condition.
  • Background Noise: Playing classical music or keeping the television on can minimize a dog’s barking. This will help to drown out background noise and also soothe your dog.
  • More Exercise: Boredom is a common cause of excessive barking, so increase your pet’s exercise by adding an extra walk or signing him up for doggy daycare.
  • More Face Time: If you leave your dog outside a lot or alone for many hours at a time, he could be barking because he’s lonely. Dogs are social creatures, so consider bringing him inside and letting him spend time with his favorite humans.

Could It Be Separation Anxiety? 

If your dog barks nonstop when you’re away, it could be separation anxiety. Ignoring this will not make it go away. In fact, separation anxiety gets worse over time when not treated. If you suspect your dog is suffering from anxiety, talk to your vet or a qualified animal behaviorist to develop a plan that will help your dog. 

If it seems your dog is barking for no reason, understand that there is likely a reason and that once you can pinpoint it, you’re one step closer to stopping it.  

How Do I Find a Good Home for American Staffordshire Terrier?

When pet owners ask, “how do I find a good home for my American Staffordshire Terrier,” it usually means they’ve come to the sad decision they can no longer keep their pet. Options in this situation include surrendering the dog to a shelter or rescue or finding him a new home on your own. Taking the time to rehome your dog yourself gives him the best chance at a happy ending—if you choose the adoptive family carefully. Online resources, such as Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com provide expert advice and help you find the perfect home for your pup.

What to Look for In an Adoptive Family 

If you’re going to the trouble to rehome your American Staffordshire Terrier yourself, make sure he goes to not just any home, but to the right home. Here are some things to look for:

  • Experience with Large Dogs: An adult American Staffordshire Terrier is not the dog for a novice. Find a family who will be able to commit to training and being a leader.
  • Vet References: Since you’ll ideally be adopting to someone with experience, you should also be able to check their vet references.
  • The Right Setting: The new home should have a yard with room to run and play or a new owner willing and able to provide long walks each day.  

A home check is ideal, but some pet owners are uncomfortable even asking about this. One option is to try and enlist the help of a local private rescue. Some will be willing to help with adoption by screening potential adopters and doing a home visit. In exchange, you could make a donation to their organization.

Does It Take a Long Time to Find the Right Family? 

The truth is that it might take a bit of time to find the perfect home for your dog, but the more you get the him in front of potential adopters, the better. One way to do this is by creating a pet profile on the Rehome website where it can be viewed by people looking to adopt a dog. You’ll also be able to communicate with those who are interested and even complete adoption paperwork.

It’s true that rehoming your American Staffordshire Terrier yourself takes more work and time than surrendering him to a shelter, but it’s well worth it to know he’s happy and loved. 

How Do I Give Up My Beagle?

If you have to give up your beagle, we know that it can be one of the most difficult decisions you have to make. There are several ways that you can give up your dog if you have no other choice. You will find that some of the methods are better and preferred over other options. Let’s look at the various methods of giving up your beagle, so you can find a solution that will work for you.

The Shelter

The animal shelter might be the first place you think of when you have to give up your beagle, but it should be your last resort. Many wonderful shelters try to ensure the dogs that come to them are adopted and cared for while they remain at the shelter. However, some shelters still have euthanasia policies because they don’t have enough space or resources for the animals that are being dropped off there.

The Rescue

Rescues are another option, and they are a better choice than a shelter in most cases. They will typically keep your beagle until he’s adopted. However, there is no guarantee that anyone will come along and find your beagle. Also, rescues are usually full, and they may not be able to take your beagle.

People You Know

One of the best options when you have to give up your beagle is finding someone that you and your beagle already know. Maybe your uncle has been looking for a companion dog to keep him company. Maybe you have a coworker who wants to adopt a dog that’s good with their kids. Your sweet little beagle might be the perfect fit. Ask them if they would like to adopt your dog.

Naturally, they will likely have questions about the dog, which you should always answer honestly. If you have a beagle that doesn’t get along well with other pets or children, the person who adopts him needs to know. This is true whether they are being adopted by a friend or someone you talk with online.

Rehoming with Rehome

Rehoming on your own takes longer than simply dropping the dog off at the shelter or finding someone you know to adopt. However, it can provide you with some great results when you put in the effort. The Rehome platform through Adopt-a-Pet.com is a fantastic option that’s easy to use.

The platform lets you create a bio for your beagle, along with information that will be pertinent to the would-be adopters. You can also add photos and videos of your beagle to show just how fun and adorable they can be. Once you put the profile on the platform, it will be seen by a large number of people, some of whom will be interested in adopting.

They will fill out applications, which you can then go through and determine who will be the best fit for your pet. This gives you more control over who gets your beagle, so you can be sure they are going to the best possible home.

Does Dog Daycare Help With Socialization?

Dog daycare can help with socialization and it can be a great alternative to leaving your pet home alone all day while you’re at work. Even if you can’t afford to send your dog every day, two or three days a week is enough to help him learn how to behave around other dogs and to get used to interacting with new dogs. This is especially useful if your dog is an only pet.

Is Dog Daycare Right For All Dogs? 

While doggy daycare is a great resource for many dogs, some pet parents should find another way to socialize their pet. Examples of situations when doggy daycare may not be right for your dog include:

Pet Has Not Yet Had Full Vaccine Series 

When kids go off to kindergarten, they are exposed to all kinds of germs from the other kids. The same is true of doggy daycare. If your pet is not fully immunized against parvo and other diseases, it’s best not to send him to doggy daycare. Talk to your doctor about whether your pet is ready for such an environment.

Dog Has Shown Signs of Aggression or Is Too Shy 

If your dog is aggressive or very shy, attending doggy daycare is not a cure. In fact, being around so many dogs and lots of strange activity could bring out the aggression or be overwhelming. It’s not fair to the other pet parents to take a chance with their pets’ safety by sending an aggressive dog into a daycare situation and it’s not kind to a very shy dog to overwhelm them in a busy dog daycare.

Dog Is Not Fixed 

Many doggy daycares will not allow pets who are not fixed to attend. If you find one that does, you run the risk that your dog will come home pregnant or get another dog pregnant. There are many reasons it’s beneficial to have your dog fixed, so if you want to send him to daycare, consider talking to your vet about the surgery.

Dog daycare can be a wonderful way to help with socialization for some dogs. Remember that not all dog daycare facilities are equal. Before signing your dog up, do a couple of pop-in visits (without calling first) to see if think the environment is the right fit for your four-legged family member. 

How Long Does the Humane Society Keep Labrador Retrievers?

 If you’re asking, “how long does the humane society keep Labrador Retrievers,” it’s likely you’ve made the decision to give up your pet. There is no clear answer as to how long a humane society or other shelter will keep your dog, but most shelters will do whatever it takes to find them a good home. That being said, the reality is that not every dog surrendered to a shelter leaves the shelter. If knowing where your pet ends up is important to you, consider rehoming your dog yourself.

Rehoming Your Labrador: The Do’s and the Don’t’s

The thought of rehoming your Labrador Retriever on your own might seem overwhelming, but you’ve got a bit of good fortune on your side, because labs are hugely popular. The Labrador Retriever is one of the most searched for breeds on Adopt-a-Pet.com. That fact can make the process of finding a good home easier.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

DON’T:

  • List your dog free to a good home. This can lead to pets ending up in dangerous situations.
  • Give up too quickly. Rehoming a pet can take time.
  • Settle for a home/adopter you’re not comfortable with. Trust your gut.

DO:

  • Charge a rehoming fee of at least $50
    • Schedule a meet and greet or home visit with potential adopters
  • Have adopters sign a binding contract
  • Ask a local rescue if they will do a courtesy post for your pet
  • Utilize the resources and services of Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com. The pet adoption experts at Rehome can guide you on making the process a success. You’ll also be able to post your pet on Adopt-a-Pet.com where he can be seen by millions of potential adopters.

If you want to get a better idea about how long the humane society will keep your dog, the best thing to do is call your local shelter and speak to the intake officer. While they typically won’t give you an exact time, they might be able to offer a minimum length of time that they’d keep the dog.

If those answers leave you feeling uneasy, rehoming your dog yourself is a great alternative, and it’s one that gives your pet the best chance at a happy, healthy life! 

How Do I Find a Good Home for My Doberman Pinscher?

Are you wondering, “how do I find a good home for my Doberman Pinscher?” If you’ve made the decision that you can no longer keep your pet, finding him a home yourself allows you to have a say in where he ends up, but some pet owners don’t know how to go about vetting potential adopters. We provide advice on doing just that.

Finding a Good Home

The keyword in the question how do I find a good home for my Doberman Pinscher is “good.” Finding just any place for your dog to go isn’t difficult, but you want to make sure he goes to a home where is loved and cared for properly.

Here are some ways to make sure that happens:

  • Check References: Get vet and personal references for potential adopters, and follow through on checking them.
  • Disclose Any Issues: If your dog is rough with children, chases cats, or has medical issues, these things should be disclosed to potential adopters. You need a family that can accept and work with your dog’s needs. Failing to disclose often leads to the adopters not keeping the dog.
  • Do a Home Visit: This isn’t always possible, but it’s one more way to get some peace of mind about where your dog is going. Sometimes, local rescues will be willing to help with home visits in exchange for a small donation to their organization.
  • Charge a Rehoming Fee: ALWAYS charge a rehoming fee of at least $50 to $75. This shows a willingness and ability to invest financially in the dog and eliminates the dangers associated with giving a dog away “free to a good home.” 

If all of this seems overwhelming, you’ll be happy to know that online resources are available to help as you work to find your Doberman Pinscher a great home. One such resource is Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com where you can create a pet profile, connect with potential adopters, and more.

The time and effort it takes to rehome your Doberman Pinscher yourself is worth it for the peace of mind that comes from knowing your dog is in a safe and loving home. 

Do You Crate Your Dog at Night?

Some pet owners choose to crate their dogs at night, and some dogs prefer the den-like feel of their crate. Proper crate training will turn the crate into a comfortable place where your dog feels safe and enjoys napping. While crating at night is fine, it’s important to limit the amount of time your pet spends in the crate. For example, if he is crated while you’re at work all day then he shouldn’t be crated again all night. 

How Much Time In The Crate Is Too Much?

Generally speaking, dogs shouldn’t be left in their crate for more than 8 hours per day total. An average dog can go 4 to 6 hours in between potty breaks, so make sure to plan accordingly so he is comfortable. Puppies shouldn’t be crated for more than 3 or 4 hours at a time.

The crate is a useful tool when used properly. It helps immensely with potty training and, as mentioned above, provides a safe retreat for your pet. That being said, it should not be used as a way to keep the dog “out of the way” for 10+ hours a day.

Once your dog is potty trained and has been trained to not be destructive, going into the crate should be voluntarily. Leave the door open so the pet can come and go as he wishes.

But My Dog Is Destructive 

If you’re leaving your dog in the crate because he is destructive, then you need to invest in training. The truth is that excessive crating will likely only make the problem worse as he’ll probably go a little crazy when he’s finally let out of his crate.

If traditional training hasn’t worked, talk to an animal behaviorist. Whatever the reason, leaving your dog crated for 16+ hours a day is cruel.

Crating your dog at night is an option, but as you get to know your dog, decide what is the best sleeping arrangement for him so you both can get a good night’s rest. 

How Long Does the Humane Society Keep Chihuahuas?

Are you wondering “how long does the Humane Society keep Chihuahuas?” Humane society policies vary from location to location, so there isn’t one definitive answer. Many organizations don’t have limits on how long they’ll try to help your pet find a home, but there is a caveat. They will keep Chihuahuas as long as the pet is physically and emotionally well, and as long as there is space available. Unfortunately, some dogs don’t do well in a shelter environment, and this makes it much more difficult for them to be adopted.

What Are My Other Options? 

If you find that you must rehome your Chihuahua, but don’t like the idea of a shelter, what other choices do you have? Choosing to work with a private rescue is a good alternative, but finding one with space to take your dog can be a challenge.

Another option is to find a home for your dog yourself.

Benefits of rehoming your Chihuahua yourself include:

  • You’re able to take as much time as needed to find the right home.
  • Your dog won’t go through the stress of being in a shelter.
  • It means one less dog is tapping the resources of the humane society.
  • You’ll remain in control of what happens to your dog. 

Not sure where to begin? Just know you’re not alone! There are many available resources to help you match your dog to the perfect adopter.

One such resource is Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com. The site provides lots of advice and tips on finding the perfect home, and also offers tools to help you put those tips into action.

You’ll be able to create a profile for your Chihuahua that can be viewed by potential adopters. You can also answer adopter questions, upload medical records, and more right on the site!

Sure, it will take you longer to find a home for your Chihuahua than it would to surrender him to a humane society, but the peace of mind you’ll have is worth every second! 

How Much Does It Cost to Surrender a German Shepherd?

Surrender fees for a German Shepherd can vary. The cost depends on the type of shelter and the municipality that you choose to surrender your dog. On average, surrender fees at shelters run between $50 and $150.

Facts About Surrendering Your German Shepherd to a Shelter 

Surrendering your German Shepherd to a shelter isn’t a choice to take lightly. While shelters work tirelessly to find homes for the dogs in their care, the truth is that it’s not always possible.

When you consider the sheer number of dogs surrendered every year, the sad reality becomes apparent: There simply are not enough homes.

Also consider that some dogs do not do well in a shelter environment. This causes them to behave differently and can become a hindrance to them getting adopted.  

Another Option – And It’s Free!

What some pet owners are choosing to do instead of surrendering their German Shepherd to a shelter is to rehome their dog on their own. Using a rehoming service like Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com is 100% free and allows you to choose where your German Shepherd ends up. You’ll also have a bit of an advantage in your search for the right adopter, as there are so many people who are passionate about German Shepherds.

Not sure where to start? Visit the Rehome website. You’ll find valuable tips for finding the perfect home as well as tools to make it happen!

You’ll have the ability to:

  • Create a Pet Profile
  • Review Applications
  • Respond to Adopters
  • Upload Pet Records
  • Submit Adoption Paperwork

Sure, it may take a while to find the perfect home, but if you’ve made the difficult decision to rehome your German Shepherd, this gives him the best chance of a positive outcome. You know your pet better than anyone, so you are the best person to help match him with a home where he’ll be happy and healthy! 

What Does It Mean to Surrender an American Staffordshire Terrier?

If you’re giving up your pet, you may be wondering, “what does it mean to surrender an American Staffordshire Terrier?” As the term implies, it means that you’re surrendering all rights as an owner and turning your dog over to a shelter or organization that will then take over the care of your pet –that includes deciding whether or not she is adoptable. 

What is the Surrender Process?

While the exact process of surrendering a dog to a shelter varies by location, it typically includes meeting with an intake specialist, discussing why you’re surrendering your American Staffordshire Terrier, and then paying a surrender fee. In some cases, if the shelter is full, you may have to be placed on a wait list.

What Happens Next?

After you pay the fee for surrendering your pet, you relinquish all rights and will not be able to see exactly where your pet ends up. Even in the best shelters, some pets suffer from separation anxiety, fear, and confusion. If your dog has a hard time adjusting to shelter life, he could have a hard time finding a new home. Sadly, some municipalities also have regulations that don’t allow any “pit bull type dogs,” which may make it more difficult for your American Staffordshire Terrier to find a new home.

Ideally, your pet will be placed in a loving home, but unfortunately once you surrender your pet there is no way to know for sure. Your pet was part of the family, it can be hard to know you have no control of what happens to him. 

Is There Another Way?

Yes! If you are able to keep your American Staffordshire Terrier a bit longer, consider rehoming him yourself. While this will take more time and effort than surrendering him, you’ll be able to choose who adopts your dog and make sure that he ends up in a home that will keep him happy and healthy.

Visit the Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com website for tips about rehoming, to set up a profile for your American Staffordshire Terrier, communicate with potential adopters, and more. With some time and patience, you’ll help your pet find the new home he deserves.