In this blog our resident canine behaviourist, Ainsley Procter looks at the considerations and reasons around why the decision is sometimes made to rehome a dog.
The last lockdown created a huge surge of interest in puppies, of all breeds not just Spanish Water Dogs. But SWD breeders saw an unprecedented number of enquiries reaching them. Following this surge and with people getting puppies that were already planned before March 2020 lockdown happened, behaviourists and trainers have had a surge in adolescent dogs that need real help to manage themselves more appropriately in the world that changed for them as we came out of lockdown.
As a behaviourist, along with my colleagues, we all knew this was going to happen and tried hard to help avoid it, but it left some dogs and owners finding themselves in a situation that, once lockdown had been lifted, perhaps their lifestyles and requirements didn’t match. Supporting owners and dogs that are mismatched and helping the dog find a better suited home is always hard. BUT my focus is on the dog and being their advocate in those situations.
I have worked with a small rescue centre and seen dogs that fit this situation ending up in a kennelled environment whilst a new home is found for them.
I have helped clients find a more suitable home for their puppy.
I have worked with breeders to find suitable homes when needed – the need being for many reasons but all reasons to ensure the dog has the best life he/she can have.
I have worked with owners who have rehomed/rescued a dog and it not be quite what they thought it was going to be, but we worked to get to that happy place for dog and owner.
Rehoming dogs happens for so many reasons – jobs change, situations change, health of the owner changes, general mismatch of owner and dog lifestyle. Whatever the reason, the dog in question always finds him/herself in a great home that is aware of what is needed and is ready to give just that.
Rehoming a dog is not for everyone, but I thank everyone who has ever done this – you have changed lives for the better.
It is so easy for many of us to judge those who have made the tough, often heart-breaking decision to find a new home for their dog, BUT when you find yourself thinking that, please also remember that the priority in this situation is for the dog to find a safe, secure, loving forever home. So, please be happy that that is where he or she now is and be thankful to the person or family that have helped out.
Ainsley Procter, DipCABT (RQF- Level 6)
Certified COAPE Animal Behaviourist
Dog Trainer member of APDT UK, 01382
Member of ICAN, CAB
Member of CAPBT