If you’re thinking about rehoming a dog, congratulations! You’re opening your heart and home to your new best friend, and it is one of the most rewarding things you can do.
The main piece of advice we can offer is to really, really consider whether you have the time and energy to devote to a canine companion. Rehoming a dog is a big commitment: the average canine lifespan is 10-13 years, and the amount of time you have together depends on many factors, but by no means view adoption as a short-term thing. If you can’t make the long-term commitment but still want to help a dog looking for a home, why not consider fostering?
Below we’ll outline some of the top things you should know before rehoming a dog. Further advice can be found in our Canine Care selection of blogs. Our friends at Battersea Cats and Dogs Home also have some very useful tips on the adoption and rehoming process.
Laura Alwen, Rehoming and Welfare Manager at Battersea, said: “At Battersea, we believe that rescue is best when it comes to welcoming a new pet into your life and would always urge prospective owners to consider their local rescue centre first. At a rescue, you know you are getting a dog that has been medically and behaviourally assessed and has been expertly matched with you to best suit your home and lifestyle. However, if you are set on buying a dog from a breeder, we would always urge prospective pet owners to do proper research and think carefully about whether they can meet that dog’s particular needs, as well as finding a reputable breeder where the dogs and puppies are well cared for.
“Pet ownership is also a big commitment and it’s important to consider whether you have the time in your schedule to care for a dog, as well as all the costs associated with owning a pet. If owning your own pet isn’t right for you or your circumstances at this time but you still have some time to commit, then you may want to consider volunteering opportunities; you can contact your local rescue like Battersea to see how your help and support can be so worthwhile.
“Potential owners and pet owners alike can find plenty of tips and advice on Battersea’s website, from settling in a new pet to training techniques.”
Your food will never be your own again. Ever
Up until now, any meaty treats you’ve been cooking up have been yours and yours alone. They have been safe from big, round ‘puppy eyes’. Those days are over. Any chicken, bacon or beef in that frying pan or saucepan is fair game for your new four-legged friend. A little treat every so often is totally fine, but it’s also worth setting boundaries so that doggo isn’t begging every time you go in the kitchen.
It's important to remember that not all human food will be best for dogs, especially dogs with sensitive tummies, so make sure to do research to know what food is safe for dogs and if in doubt stick to food made especially for pets.
Don’t get too attached to your favourite chair…
… because we guarantee it will become their favourite chair. It doesn’t matter if you’ve done your research and bought them a lovely bed of their own, the chair or sofa will be infinitely more preferable. There are ways around this, if you set boundaries from the start and make it clear they aren’t allowed on the furniture, but, equally, you can get some lovely throws/blankets at very reasonable prices to dog-proof everything. Check out the Battersea shop for some ideas.
A walk takes twice as long with a dog
It’s a fact that dogs love to walk. But they love to sniff even more. When they catch a whiff of something exciting, they turn into a regular ‘Sherlock Bones’ and are compelled to follow their nose. Pavements and lampposts, hedgerows, and bushes – everything smells absolutely great to Fido, and he’ll want to investigate it all, so allow time on your walk for them to savour the scents they encounter.
Wellies are a sound investment
On the subject of walks, decent footwear is a must, especially in the winter months when the weather is kind to neither man nor canine. We’ve found Wellington boots are an essential feature of any dog-walking kit. In fact, they’re right up there with poo bags on our recommended ‘Things You Need When Rehoming a Dog’ shopping list. Dealing with doggy-doo comes with the territory, and you’ll soon learn to track down a poo bin like a pro.
Strangers become friends when you have a dog
When out and about with the pooch, you’ll become a magnet for squeals of delight and coos of pleasure as people catch sight of the floof at the end of the lead. It’s a wonderful way to connect with other people as they want to pat the pup and find out more. You’ll also get to know fellow pet owners in your area – and their dogs – on those morning and evening walks.
Every dog and every person is different, and it’s not possible to predict how your new dog will react to a stranger. This is particularly relevant for nervous dogs, so it’s best to ensure people ask permission before petting your pooch. Also, be mindful that everything is new to your dog while they’re settling in. Dealing with people giving them attention could prove overwhelming, and it’s best to follow their lead and check they are happy with the situation. Explain to the person in question if it’s not the best time to interact with the dog.
It will take time to build up trust – but it’s more than worth it
On a more serious note, we cannot emphasise enough how important it is to give your dog the time they need to get used to their new surroundings. Just think for a moment how scary it is for them to enter a new environment, after weeks or months in a rehoming centre. Nothing is familiar. They have no clue who you are or why they’re being left with you. The greatest gifts you can give them are the patience and love they deserve.
And treats – never forget the treats.
Dog-friendly holidays are now your thing
Just think of all the exciting adventures you can embark on with your new pal by your side. We have a fabulous selection of dog-friendly holiday cottages across the UK, where Fido can put his paws up and relax right along with you.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.