Giving up your dog is a difficult decision that affects both of you.
When deciding whether or not to keep your dog, the choice can be agonizing and stressful. As living creatures with feelings, dogs often become members of the family. However, conditions exist where a loyal pet may no longer be able to stay in your home. Before reaching that decision, however, take the time to research other options. Too many dogs end up in shelters -- and often euthanized -- when a dog owner makes a hasty choice between keeping her dog and giving it up.
Instructions
Moving to a No-Pet Rental
1. Examine all of your options before leaving your dog behind when you move. According to the organization New Leash on Life, more pets end up abandoned because their owners move somewhere that the pet can't come than for any other cause.
2. Ask your potential new landlord in person if the no-pet rule is set in stone. Phone requests are easier to deny. Sometimes offering an additional security deposit and references from previous landlords can persuade a renter to make an exception.
3. Bring your dog with you to meet the landlord. A clean, well-behaved dog makes a good impression and may sway the property owner's opinion.
4. Search The Humane Society for organizations that list pet-friendly rentals. These properties allow some or all types of pets.
5. Find a suitable alternate home for your dog if no rental option exists. Short of a replacement home, take your dog to a rescue or shelter that does not euthanize.
New Pack Member
6. Prepare your dog for the introduction of a new baby, roommate or significant other moving in with you.
7. Carry a doll with you when your dog is around in the months before your baby is due. Teach the dog when it is okay to approach the "baby" and when it is not. Allot a set amount of time each day to spend just with your dog.
8. Attach your dog to its leash and keep it by your side for the first days or weeks that a new person moves in with you. This allows you to correct any adverse reactions by your dog while rewarding positive interactions with the new roommate.
9. Contact a trainer or animal behaviorist if problems persist among the "pack" members. He may recommend giving up your dog if he feels it would be better suited in a one-person home or a family with no children.
Behavior Problems
10. House train your dog with patience. Some dogs take quickly to the process while others need more time. Confine your dog to a crate or small area easy to clean when you are out of the home. Provide puppy pads inside and reward your dog when it eliminates on them.
11. Redirect your dog's attention when it begins barking at distractions like cars, kids or other animals. Provide a reward when it stops barking and looks at you. Your dog will begin to learn that ignoring the distraction is a positive experience.
12. Exercise your dog for at least 30 minutes once a day. The saying goes, "A tired dog is a good dog."
13. Consult a trainer or behaviorist if your dog exhibits aggressive or territorial behavior. While many of these issues can be positively resolved, the steps to do so can be complicated. A professional is better equipped to guide you through the process or determine if the dog's condition is beyond repair.
Allergies
14. Determine the cause of you or your family member's allergy. Dander, grooming products and canine saliva have all been shown to induce allergic reactions in people, but some allergy medication can control the reaction.
15. Clean your pet regularly with allergen-free shampoo and brush your dog with a de-shedding tool that removes loose hair.
16. Use a vacuum with a filter designed to trap allergens and dander from dogs.
17.Prevent the dog from accessing the bedroom of the allergic person.
18. Remove the dog from your home if your child has severe asthma.
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