What to do when your dog is not a good match for you?

Question

We got a puppy that has turned out to be not a good match for our family and children. Put ads in the paper but no bites now for weeks. She's free and has all her shots. Somehow I feel guilty for resorting to a shelter or humane society. What do you think? Any other ideas?

The dog got a lot bigger than we thought she would and has more energy than we can keep up with. She needs many things we can't give her. You live and learn. Hope there is a better family for her - she deserves it.

Answer 1

While I agree that giving up your dog (or any pet) should be your last resort, sometimes it is the best thing. For instance, someone living in a small apartment with a lab. The lab would probably be better off in a home with a large yard. One option is going to your local vet(s) and asking if you can post an add. They may have an employee who is interested, or someone who has just put a dog down who may be interested. That is how I got a great dog. I had just put my dog down, when I saw an ad for someone looking for a home for an australian shepherd. I got that australian shepherd and she was with me for 15.5 years. I do think, that you should try to work it out with your family. As your kids get older, you may find that a dog with more energy is just what you need, but if you really can't handle it, the vet is another route that you can take. You can also try breed rescue groups, they don't put dogs to sleep and they put them in foster homes. I have a friend who found the perfect dog from a breed rescue group, because the former owner's son had gone to college, and it was his dog.

Answer 2

take your dog to obedience classes, even the biggest of dogs can be great companions. Don't give up, your pet is one of the family. Whatever you do don't give your puppy to a shelter. Try craigslist that's how I found my puppy and I just love her but she wasn't right for the person who had her. They gave up too soon and weren't ready to put the proper energy into a having a dog.
www.craigslist.org
It's free to post ads and it's accesible in all major cities and countries. Good luck I hope this helps. You should tell people what kinda dog it is when you ask these questions you might get more specific help.

Answer 3

I think that you should educate yourself more on dog ownership and the training of dogs. Apparently you like them or you would not have gotten one in the first place. Getting rid of your pet is the easy way out. Read up on the internet about training. Puppies are quite the handful but you need to realize that they will grow up to be a good dog someday (just like kids) :) They can be a wonderful security system and can lower your blood pressure by being your friend and making you laugh. Think twice PLEASE.

Answer 4

Everyone else has expressed great ideas but if you really have to give her away but you still want a dog, then do lots of research to find the best breed for your family's lifestyle. Too many people are in your situation and the dogs are the ones who pay the price, so please research!

Answer 5

I would really hate for you to take it to a shelter as they will put it to sleep if not adopted in a certain amount of time. Can you take the pup back to where you got it from? What kind is she?


If she is hyper, maybe she will outgrow it. My shih-tzu Buddy was like that as a pup. He got better at around 10 months. As for your pups size, well I don't know. Do you have a fenced back yard where she could run and play and get exercise?

Answer 6

You made a commitment to that puppy. Go to a training class, and learn how to teach it to be what you want it to be. There are no bad dogs, just bad owners.

Answer 7

Bond with the dog and eventually you will find its the perfect dog for you!!