Ask any cat owner about bonding and enjoy a shared laugh. While cats may claim a favorite lap, Fluffy is happy to adjust to a new owner’s lap when he spends a little time with his new family.
Dogs are a different breed. He’ll know what we’re talking about if he saw pictures of “Sully,” George Bush Sr.’s beloved sidekick, next to the former president’s coffin as he lay in state after his death.
Dogs love deeply. There’s a reason they’re called man’s best friend. Therefore, choosing to rehom dogs is difficult.
The American Kennel Club says that changing owners can be traumatic for dogs. Losing their owners can cause dogs to stop eating, lose weight, lose interest in physical activity, and display symptoms of canine depression.
That’s why you should take any decision to rehome dogs seriously.
how dogs grieve
Does this mean that dogs are capable of emotional feelings? Supossely Yes.
And the longer a pet lives with their favorite human, the more painful the loss because everything about the relationship comes to a sudden halt in the absence of sight, smell, and sound from the person who feeds, walks, and plays with them. they.
Anthropologist Barbara J. King’s eye-opening book, “How Animals Afflict” analyzes 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 the brain of dogs light up” when they see or smell their owners.
Reasons to rehom dogs
Deciding to board dogs again is a difficult decision. And in most cases, homeowners 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:
- The death of an owner, especially if the owner lived alone
- Illness prevents owners from caring for their dog
- Family members or owners develop allergies.
- Owners choose breeds that are incompatible with their lifestyle.
- Dogs That Seem To Be Untrainable
- Families must move to a property that does not allow dogs.
find a new home
Place the dog with someone familiar, such as a friend or relative.
If that’s not possible, contact an organization like Rehome.com to help you find an appropriate home for your dog.
Another option, contact a breed-specific rescue group in your area.
Don’t place an ad for your pet online, and never offer to give the dog away.
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 make sure your dog’s new home is safe. Consult references and visit the new house.
Giving a dog a new home
If you decide to become a second home for a dog, you may be wondering how to help dogs adjust.
Changing homes will be traumatic for the dog, so stick to his routine.
Feed the dog the same food, let him play with his toys and sleep in his old bed.
Dogs are creatures of habit, so if the previous owner fed the dog breakfast at 6 am and then took him for a walk, try doing the same.
You won’t be locked into that routine forever, but try to stick to the dog’s schedule initially and introduce changes gradually.
In addition to changes in eating and behavior, dogs may show other signs of emotional stress when they lose their owners, such as barking, pacing, fidgeting, and even panting.
These signs of anxiety can be as diverse as the breed of the dog.
Can dogs recover after moving to a new, loving home?
They can, but the process requires patience and establishing a routine that encourages a bond between the dog and the new owner.
Start by creating a new routine out of 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 a lot of quality time together and show the dog as much affection as possible.
Keep your expectations in check
A very important factor when considering how changing ownership affects dogs is how long the first owner and the pet have been together.
Pups generally bond so quickly that they experience little adjustment anxiety.
But older dogs with long parental relationships will require time to build trust.
Rescue dogs present the most complex rehoming challenge because there could be a problematic history that could include multiple owners.
That makes it crucial for new owners to work on establishing trust with the dog.
Help rehoming dogs adjust more quickly
Start by moving any items from the dog’s old house 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 its new home in the morning rather than at night, when dogs, as a general rule, tend to be most anxious.
A tour of the new place can’t hurt, but placing their crate in a quiet corner of their new home is even more helpful because when they’re scared and insecure, dogs need a place where they feel safe and where they can hide from all activity. human.
Create a comforting environment by removing any odors that could undo all your hard work.
Find out what scents repel dogs and you’ll create an environment as welcoming as your first home turned out to be.
Olivia Harper is the co-founder of the blog. Everyday Dog Stuff. She is a reserved and passionate pet mom 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 a dog to adjust to a new home?
