• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
DogsBestLife.com logo

Dog's Best Life

The information you need to keep your dog happy, healthy, playful and loyal.

  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

A difficult choice: Understand consequences before you re-home dogs

Posted May 22, 2023

Woman plays with Corgi. If you must re-home dogs, contact a friend or family member first. If that isn't possible, look into organizations like Rehome.com or a breed-specific rescue group near you — but never advertise online, and don't take the dog to a shelter if you can avoid it.
If you must re-home dogs, contact a friend or family member first. If that isn’t possible, look into organizations like Rehome.com or a breed-specific rescue group near you — but never advertise online, and don’t take the dog to a shelter if you can avoid it.

Ask any cat owner about bonding and enjoy a shared laugh. While cats may claim a favorite lap, Fluffy is as happy to adapt to the lap of a new owner when she spends a little time with her new family.

Dogs are a different breed. You know what we mean if you saw the images of “Sully,” George Bush Sr.’s beloved companion, stationed beside the former president’s casket as it lay in state following his death. 

Dogs love deeply. There’s a reason they’re called man’s best friend. So choosing to re-home dogs is tough.

The American Kennel Club says changing owners can be traumatic for dogs. Losing their owners can make dogs stop eating, lose weight, lose interest in physical activity, and exhibit symptoms of canine depression. 

That’s why you must take any decision to re-home dogs seriously.

How dogs grieve

Does this mean that dogs are capable of emotional feelings? Apparently so. 

And the longer a pet lives with its favorite human, the more painful the loss because everything about the relationship suddenly comes to a halt in the absence of the sight, smell, and sound of the person who feeds, walks, and plays with them.

Anthropologist Barbara J. King’s revealing book, “How Animals Grieve,” discusses how dogs react to losing a long-time routine between dog and owner.

But the work of Dr. Marc Bekoff of the University of Colorado reveals the most dramatic evidence of the connection: Bekoff used brain imaging studies to prove that “areas of dogs’ brains light up” when they see or smell their owners.

Reasons to re-home dogs

Deciding to re-home dogs is a difficult decision. And in most cases, owners are forced to do so as a last resort.

Most people exhaust all options before giving up their dogs, but sometimes there are no other options. 

Common reasons dogs need new homes include:

  • An owner’s death, especially if the owner lived alone
  • Illness keeps owners from being able to care for their dog
  • Family members or owners develop allergies
  • Owners choose breeds that are incompatible with their lifestyle
  • Dogs that appear to be untrainable
  • Families must move to a property that doesn’t permit dogs.

When you re-home dogs, help them adjust by incorporating old habits into their new routines. Be patient and spend lots of time with the dog.Finding a new home

Place the dog with someone familiar, like a friend or family member. 

If that’s not possible, contact an organization like Rehome.com that helps you find an appropriate home for your dog.

Another option, contact a breed-specific rescue group in your area. 

Do not place an advertisement for your pet online, and never offer to give the dog away for free. 

If possible, avoid taking your dog to a shelter. Going from the comfort of your home to the chaos of a shelter will traumatize your dog. 

Thoroughly vet a potential owner to ensure your dog’s new home will be safe. Check references and visit the new house. 

Giving a dog a new home

Msn cuddles with border collie. When you re-home dogs, help them adjust by incorporating old habits in their new routines.
When you re-home dogs, help them adjust by incorporating old habits into their new routines. Be patient and spend lots of time with the dog.

If you decide to become a dog’s second home, you may wonder how to help re-home dogs adjust. 

Changing homes will be traumatic for the dog, so stick to its routine. 

Feed the dog the same food, let it play with its toys, and sleep in its old bed. 

Dogs are creatures of habit, so if the former owner fed the dog breakfast at 6 a.m. and then took the dog for a walk, try to do the same. 

You won’t be locked into that routine forever, but try to keep the dog’s schedule initially and gradually introduce changes. 

In addition to eating and behavioral changes, dogs might exhibit other signs of emotional stress when they lose their owners, including barking, pacing, fidgeting, and even panting.

These signs of anxiety can be as diverse as the dog breed.

Can dogs recover after they move to a new, loving home?

They can, but the process requires patience and establishing a routine that encourages creating a connection between the dog and the new owner.

Start by creating a new routine with some of the dog’s old habits.

For example, if the previous owner brushed the dog before bed, do that, too. 

Make sure you spend lots of quality time together and show the dog as much affection as possible. 

Keep your expectations in check 

A huge factor in considering how changing owners affects dogs is how long the first owner and pet have been together.

Puppies usually bond so quickly they experience little adjustment anxiety.

But older dogs with long parental relationships will require time to build trust.

Rescue dogs present the most complex relocation challenge because there could be a troublesome history that might include multiple owners.

That makes it crucial for new owners to work to establish trust with the dog. 

Help re-home dogs adjust more quickly

Start by bringing any items from the dog’s old home to his new space before he arrives. 

Blankets, toys, leashes, and even food and water bowls are familiar and provide comfort.

Introduce the dog to his new home in the morning rather than at night when dogs, as a rule, tend to be more anxious.

A tour of the new place can’t hurt, but placing his kennel in a quiet corner of his new home is even more helpful because when scared and insecure, dogs need a place where they feel secure and can hide away from all human activity.

Create a comforting environment by eliminating any smells that could undo all of your hard work.

Find out what smells repel dogs, and you’ll create an environment that is just as welcoming as her first home proved to be.

Olivia Harper is the co-founder of the blog Daily Dog Stuff. She is a reserved and passionate pet parent who loves spending time with Sibe, who keeps her active and social. Find more of her guides and tips on the website.

How long does it take for a dog to adjust to a new home?

Related Posts

  • Man, woman and child consider adopting a rescue dog at a shelter.
    3 things you need to know before adopting a rescue dog

    Adopting a rescue dog can be a life-changing experience. Although…

  • rescue dog waits at shelter
    Help rescues and shelters find new homes for abandoned dogs

    Rescue dogs need forever homes. Before adopting, do your homework…

  • A terrific way to help your new dog bond with his older companion is to walk them together.
    Take steps to help older dog adjust when you add new dog

    Older dogs usually accept a new dog, but some struggle.…

  • Fearful chocolate lab puppy shows dog stress warning signs.
    7 warning signs your dog is stressed

    Dog stress: Watch for seven warning signs your dog is…

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on Email Share on Reddit

Filed Under: Adoption Tagged With: Dog communication, Dog training tips, First-time dog owner

« Previous Post
Next Post »

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

Categories

  • Adoption
  • Dog Breeds
  • Dog Facts
  • Dog Fun
  • Dog Grooming
  • Dog Health
  • Dog Inspirations
  • Dog Training
  • Dog Travel
  • Holidays
  • Home Page
  • Puppies
  • Top Stories

Featured Posts

  • Tricolor Australian shepherd in front of white background. Take steps to stop dog pawing.

    Canine body language: What’s your dog saying with his paws?

  • Cute corgi puppy wrapped in a blanket. Talk with your vet about starting your dog on medication to protect him from parasites including flea and tick prevention, as well as heartworm prevention.

    Puppy training 101: 10 tips to prepare your dog for success

  • Thinking of getting a furry friend? Use the DogsBestLife.com perfect dog breed quiz to find the perfect canine companion.

    Take our dog breed quiz to discover the perfect breed for you!

Tags

Pit bullOutdoor activitiesTicksThanksgivingtraining tipsPotty trainingPomeranianRottweilerYorkshire terrierValentine's DayPuppy kindergartenRescue dogPuppy-proofPet parentsWorking dogsPawSeparation anxietyPandemicVeterinarianSocializationService dogsSmall dogsWaterPetfinder.comPet sitterVacation dog careTwo dogsPoodleSheddingOld dogs

Footer

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Recent Posts

  • Cutest dog breeds? Discover 7 you’ll want to bring home
    If you're considering getting a dog, consider one of the cutest dog breeds. Options include Aussies, Shih Tzus, Yorkies, and Corgis. […]
  • What is a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen? Meet the best in show breed
    The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is a small scent hound popular among dog lovers for its friendly nature and distinctive appearance. […]
  • Meet the 9 most popular large dog breeds that make great pets
    Now that you know more about the most popular large dog breeds, it's time to consider their merits and choose the right one. […]
  • Want to adopt? Use Petfinder.com to find your next pup
    PetFinder.com compiles pet info from rescue websites across the country into one spot for an easy search by breed, location, and more. […]

Get Our Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.

© Copyright 2023 DogsBestLife.com online magazine · All Rights Reserved · Privacy
Get Our Free Monthly Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.