Should I Rehome My Dog?

What do you do when it seems like the dog is just not working out in your home despite your best efforts?

Maybe he pees and poos on the floor every day and can’t seem to get the housetraining thing no matter how hard you try. Or he barks and nips at your kid’s friends when they come over to play, and you’re worried someone might get seriously hurt one day. Or your neighbors have complained multiple times about barking while you’re at work, and now management is giving you notice to fix the problem or find a new place to live.

Behavior problems aren’t always just minor annoyances. Sometimes they’re significant disruptions that place tremendous emotional strain on individuals, couples, kids, extended family, and neighbors.

These days, rehoming as a solution is becoming harder and harder to consider. Owners face broken hearts at home, risk criticism from friends, and worry about where the dog will actually go. Saying goodbye to your dog feels like admitting failure and giving up on a family member.

First and foremost, I want you to know that rehoming your dog does not automatically make you a bad owner. Sometimes, it can be the most selfless thing you do.

Obviously as a professional trainer, I believe behavior can be changed. However, that does not mean I believe everyone could keep their dog if they’d just buck up and train. Training does have its limits and they need to be recognized as part of the rehoming discussion.

Internal: Genetics

Training influences behavior but only within the scope of what the dog’s genetics will allow.

We can do a lot with training, but temperament is one of the things that a trainer cannot overhaul: a fearful dog might become less fearful with training, but the tendency to be fearful will always be there.

Breed traits are another genetic gift that can only be modified so much: you can’t separate the herding from a Border Collie, or the alertness from a German Shepherd. It’s been in their genes for generations.
This doesn’t mean we have no options for the Border Collie who chases children because, “that’s what Border Collies do.” It does mean modifying those behaviors takes more effort and we cannot completely eliminate the dog’s desire to engage in those behaviors.

External: Management and Training

Internal limitations aside, successful behavior change requires consistent management and training.

For the frisky Border Collie, management means putting her in a crate, pen, or secure bedroom when the kids come over to play. Every single time. There’s little point in training good behavior if she’s also practicing the wrong behavior.

Training teaches the dog what to do instead of the bad behavior. Training with the Border Collie might look like 5-10 minutes of Engage/Disengage when the kids come over, 5+ minutes of Place, and 10+ minutes of structured relaxation. Five to six days a week.

Efficient and consistent good behavior needs consistent management and training.

If you’re contemplating rehoming to solve a behavior problem, consider speaking with a professional dog trainer about what management and training would be necessary to address the behavior. With that rough outline in hand, you can make an informed decision about what you do and do not have time, energy and resources to tackle.

For help finding a qualified professional dog trainer to assess your dog, please contact me!

**If your dog has a bite history, please be aware of the liability associated with rehoming or surrendering to a shelter/rescue.