Rehoming an Adult Dog

Rehomed adult dogs are not for everyone, though some people do want a dog that has already grown out of puppyhood. Adult dogs are often already trained and do not need as much constant care as a puppy. When you get an adult dog, however, you must be prepared for an animal that is already established in its ways. While learning the routines of your new adult dog takes time, it is rewarding.

  1. Learning About the Dog

    • Ask why the adult dog was given away and obtain medical and breeding papers. Find out about any medications the dog might be on or about any medical issues. Learn the age of the dog and how long it has been since the dog was in a home. Discuss the type of food the dog eats, as well as the dog̵7;s demeanor and temperament. If you adopt the dog from a shelter, get as much information about the dog as possible, including medical records. In both cases, find out about former living conditions, such as whether the dog was an inside or an outside dog, whether it is housebroken and whether it was neglected or abused.

    Preparing for the Dog

    • Set up your new dog̵7;s home before it arrives. The day before you bring the dog home, get the correct type of food as well as any comforts such as a dog bed and a piece of clothing or toy the dog was familiar with in his old home.This gives the dog a scent that is welcoming. The day that the dog arrives, put other animals in another part of the house so it does not feel intimidated. Let him walk around and sniff. Speak encouragingly to the dog and stay around for the day. Be prepared for any mishaps by providing a quiet room with a baby gate. If there is an encounter between the new dog and other animals, place the new dog in the quiet room and put the baby gate up. At night, you can also put the dog in the quiet room to ensure that the other animals do not disturb it.

    Welcoming the Dog

    • When you bring an adult dog home, help it adjust by adapting your own routine. Find out his normal mealtimes, and time for bathroom breaks and sleep. When you adhere to the dog̵7;s former schedule, it helps the dog feel comfortable in the new surroundings and around new people. Over a period of weeks, start getting up at your normal time. You can also start slowly adjusting the time frame that the dog uses the bathroom and eats. However, all changes must be done in small increments. For example, if you start out getting up at 8 in the morning but normally get up later, you would gradually increase the time to 8:15 and then 8:30. This is so the dog does not get upset over an abrupt change in routine.

    Rehoming Your Dog

    • Getting rid of your dog is never easy, but certain circumstances do not allow you to keep him. When you absolutely have to rehome your dog, ask family members or friends to take the dog before you give it away to a shelter. Look for animal rescue organizations that cater to the type of dog you have. Gather all your dog̵7;s papers together, such as medical records, vaccinations and breeding papers. Provide the new owner with information about your current veterinarian, as well as any food your dog eats, just as you yourself did from its previous owners.