Remember when you were excited about your new dog or puppy. Couldn't wait to have him/her
in your life. You never thought it would ever come to this, you two would be together forever.
Be honest with yourself. Do you really have to re-home your pit bull? There is a big difference in "wanting to" and "being forced to". Most of these problems boil down to two categories: People problems and Dog Problems
(1) We're Moving! - This doesn't have to be an obstacle to keeping your dog. Most people give up too soon in their search for pet friendly housing (and some don't even look at all but take the first place they find). Keep looking, widen your search, look a little farther out, try to pay a little bit more. Make a compromise that will allow you to have the dog that you love (and loves you back).
No doesn't always mean "No". Talk to your landlord, let him meet your well behaved, well groomed, and trained dog. Use a dog crate. Offer an additional deposit or "pet rent". Don't think you are being unfair to your dog by picking a smaller place than you had before. Your dog wants to be with YOU!
Additional Resources:
Renting with Pets
Dogs & Apartments
Tenant's
Guide
Moving With Pets
(2) We don't have time for a dog! - Chances are good that you got your dog as a puppy or young dog and he/she required a lot more time, attention and training than he/she does now. Are you REALLY THAT BUSY? You can't feed or walk your dog anymore? Are there other members in your family or household that can help? Pit bulls have very little grooming needs with their short coat.
Your dog probably isn't cramping your style as much as you think. You can make time for your buddy. Studies show that having pets helps you live longer so relax and enjoy your dog. If it is a romantic other that is "requiring" that a dog be re-homed, think long and hard about what else they may "require" you change of yourself to be suitable enough.
(3) We're having a BABY! - Congratulations! This however doesn't mean that your faithful companion through thick and thin needs to hit the pavement. With correct introductions and preparation, this doesn't have to be difficult. Don't you think your child deserves to grow up with the companionship of a dog? What better dog than the one you love so much. You can purchase books online to read about how to prepare your pets for a baby homecoming.
Additional Resources:
Bringing Home Baby
Children and Animals
(4) Allergies! - Well, this one can be difficult but there are wonderful products on the market that can help. Getting rid of your pets should be a LAST resort, not a first. Read this information regarding pet allergies: http://www.allerpet.com/, Allergies to Your Pet, Allergies, Allerpet . . . Allergies, Human Allergies to Pets, Allergies to Pets: Facts and Myths
Some studies have even shown that having Pets actually helps Allergies: http://www.pbrc.net/adoption/kidsallergies.html
(1) Lets face it, dog problems usually boil down to one....BEHAVIOR. Chances are, if you got the dog as a puppy - you are the one responsible for this behavior which leaves you with several options:
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Live with it
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Get help to correct the problem
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Give the problem to someone else
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Euthanize the dog
The first option probably isn't something you want to do, or you wouldn't be here reading this page. You would really like the third choice, to find someone else who will take the dog BUT, if YOU were looking for a pet - would you deliberately choose one with behavior problems? I didn't think so, neither does anyone else.
If you want help with the second option, send us an email and we will do our best with suggestions of things that have worked for us, suggestions for reading materials or direct you to trainers in your area.
Think hard about Option 2 before deciding it won't work for you - because the only option you have left is number 4: Having the dog euthanized. That's the bottom line. If you, who know and love the dog best, won't give him another chance, who will?
******** ********** ********** ********** ********** ********** **********If your dog is AGGRESSIVE or has BITTEN ANYONE, you should not give him to anyone else. No-one looking for a family pet is deliberately going to choose a dog with an aggressive history. No homeowner's insurance company is going to provide homeowner's insurance coverage to a dog with a bite history. Society has no tolerance for biting dogs and lawsuits settle for billions in damages.
There are only three choices for a biting dog:
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Return him to his breeder (or rescue if he is an adopted dog)
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Take the dog to training - maybe he can be rehabilitated. This can be expensive and may not be 100% reliable.
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Euthanize the dog - take him to your vet, tell him how much you love him and end his life responsibly with you by his side. DO NOT ABANDON HIM AT A SHELTER WHERE HE WILL BE SCARED AND CONFUSED AND KILLED ALONE AND TERRIFIED. As hard as it is to face, putting a potentially dangerous dog to sleep is the kindest, safest, and most responsible thing to do. DO NOT place him as a GUARD dog where he will have a lonely and miserable existence.
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If it turns out that you have no other option but to re-home your dog, please be responsible and take your time to find the right home. Even if you can't keep him any more, your dog still depends on you to do what's best for him. Now, more than ever, he needs you to make the right choices for his future.
Your dog is your responsibility. He has no one else but you to look out for his interests. It will take patience and persistence to find him the right home. He deserves your best efforts. please read the following information to help you find the best home for your loving pet:
The
Reality of Pit Bull Adoption
Soul Searching
Screening
Potential Adopters
**Please visit www.pbrc.net for
additional information.