Dogs end up in shelters for many reasons. Most are due to humans lack of canine behavior. Instead of investing in time to research or hire a professional to help they just drop them at the shelter to be someone else’s problem. This is so detrimental to the dogs mental and physical state. If you are considering returning your dog, please reconsider. Please think twice before adopting a dog as well.
Lack of Training
Dogs do not come trained. Training takes clear consistent communication from a good leader. Attending dog group classes or hiring a professional dog trainer can help you tackle and prevent problem dog behaviors. The most common reasons why shelters are filled with dogs is that they have potty training, socialization, and obedience issues, all of which could have been prevented through proper training
Lifestyle changes
Peoples lives change in an instant by: losing their job, getting a divorce, having a new baby, or encountering difficulties with their health. Many people get overwhelmed by a dog when they have a new baby, and may be unable to attend to them if they are unhealthy themselves, or find themselves too stressed to pay attention to a dog because of a demanding new job. By training your dog for real life situations is a great way to avoid that stress.
Moving
Sometimes people move and cannot take their dog with them. While I understand life happens having a plan to accommodate your dog is key. When you return your dog you cause a lot of emotional stress that is very damaging to the dog.
Lack of time
Our lives are busy, and having a dog requires making time to properly care for it. One of the main reasons that dogs end up in shelters is that their people get busy and start to prioritize other things above the dog, thus neglecting its needs. Often, children who pushed their parents to get them a dog by promising to take care of it become interested in other things, thus leaving the responsibility of the dog to their overwhelmed parents.
Cost of dog ownership
Between vet bills, boarding, buying food, toys, and grooming, pets can be expensive. Many people underestimate the amount of money that owning a dog will involve, especially if there are special needs or health issues involved. In Aussies first year alone I spent roughly $1500 on all the stuff listed above. Do your research before getting an animal and know they are like a child.
Health issues
Old dogs and dogs with injuries and other health-related issues require more money, time, patience, and attention than healthy dogs. Some people make the decision to get rid of the dog versus continue to care for them once an illness or ailment arises. This is such a common thing especially with older dogs. Again I cant repeat enough, research on the breed you want as usually they state what medical conditions the breed is prone to. If you are getting a mixed breed research all genetic parties you know of, or do a genetic test on them.
Biting
Dogs do not bite for no reason. There is always a warning sign. Biting can be avoided if a dog is properly trained and socialized, and if behavioral issues are addressed before they worsen.
Too many animals in the home
Pets are cute and many people adopt them impulsively. However, when there are too many animals in the home, it can become a safety hazard for all involved. From behavior issues to improper vet care (Spay / Neuter) it can result in dog fights or breeding. When considering a new addition to your house make sure its for the right reasons.
Allergies
If someone in your home is allergic to dogs you may want to consider dogs with different fur/ hair types. These can include Poodles and Goldendoodles. While neither are hypoallergenic they do shed less which is the main cause of the allergies in most cases. Determine what the person is allergic to: fur or saliva. Then look into dogs who don’t lick or shed as much.
