Dog Rehoming Support
Please consider that all relationships, yep even the ones with our dogs, will have phases of being challenging and can leave us feeling inadequate. That's not a reason to give up - but it is a reason to refresh your tool kit. You’re not supposed to know it all. Outsource to a professional and put energy into creating a community around you that can support your needs. These things are absolutely key for any dog parent to be successful.
If you are considering rehoming your dog, is it because of...
Behavioural challenges? Many can be worked through with proper exercise and play which may not seem like new info! However, if your dog is only getting a casual walk or two a day, they are probably frustrated and therefore displacing their energy in ways that are inconvenient or unsafe for us as humans. Leash reactivity, guarding, chewing, howling when you’re not home etc can all be linked to a dog not being fulfilled. Consider chatting with a professional who focuses on engagement and fulfillment to broaden your perspective of what a dog needs in order to make good choices. There are so many ways in which to exercise your dog, and most dogs don't need hours upon hours of it. They just need intentional attention that is individualized to their genetics and personality, as well as your experience, environment and capabilities. Being a pet owner is being in a relationship; they need nurturing, intentional time, and the understanding that they breath and grow like us.
Obedience issues? This is totally normal, and we do believe having an obedient dog that fits into our lifestyles is the best match. But, you need to create that, and there must be commitment to work these out. A lot of issues may seem daunting to correct, but with professional help, they can be a lot easier to manage than you might think. Things like stay, recall, out of the kitchen etc, don't just come naturally when your dog 'settles' in, they need to be taught and practiced in order to be successful.
A new baby? It's only natural to feel like your dog would be better off in a home where it can get all the attention you wish you had the time to give. Oftentimes though, our dogs don’t need as much of our attention as we think. Instead, they thrive with consistency, structure and intentional time with their loved ones. There are many trainers out there with kids who showcase the commands they teach their dogs to make life easier such as place, off, drop it, down and recall. If you’re not following any dog training social media pages, you’re truly missing out!
Lack of time for exercise needs? Dog walking and hiking companies offer a wide variety of options to help give your dog the exercise it requires to keep them well-balanced and happy. Like a child, dogs deserve outlets, and as parents, we can't expect that we can do it all. Outsourcing should be an option for you and them!
Moving homes is not only a very stressful and confusing experience for dogs, but if you don’t feel you can handle the dog you have an emotional connection to and have a responsibility for, why do you feel someone else can? Please understand that dogs will almost always regress with their behaviour issues or health conditions when placed in a new environment due to stress, insecurities and change. We hope that before making this decision, you have considered all your options and have consulted a trainer, behaviourist, vet, etc. (sometimes more than one) and have made changes to help your dog succeed. Commitment is scary but a dog is a family member and should not just be considered an afterthought. There are many local dogs in need of support right now, so rehoming yours should only be if truly necessary.
Need some temporary support for an animal while you go Through Ruff Times? Check out this organization to see if they can help.
Save Our Scruff is not currently accepting owner surrenders. If you are looking for support with your dog that was adopted from SOS, please reach out to our Alumni Team alumni@saveourscruff.org