10 Reasons It's Time to Give Up Your Dog

Giving up your dog is a tough and serious decision. I too have given up a loveable pooch due to moving. But, life happens, and in the end, it is what is best for you and the dog. There are several signs that indicate it is time for you to give up your dog.

Terminal and in Pain

For the unfortunate pooches, illness such as cancer, stroke, arthritis, and cataracts are inescapable. Dog speeds such as, Rottweilers, Bernese Mountain Dog, German Shepard, and Labrador Retrievers are more likely to obtain cancer than other breeds (9 Dog Breeds with the Highest Cancer Rate). When a dog obtains severe illness, the owner has two options: let the dog fight through it or let the dog live as long as it can. There are cases where the owner has tried procedure after surgery to help save the dog, but no progress is being made. In these cases, the owner will euthanize the dog to stop the agony. Read real-life stories here on what other owners went through during their dog’s tragic time. If you have a dog that is terminal and in pain, think about what is best for the dog. Watching your dog suffer while there is nothing to be done to help them is almost unbearable.

Safety Concern for Your Children

It is a joyous moment when bringing your newborn child home. You expect the home to be warm and inviting, and the dog to be on its best behavior. The family is officially complete. However, the dog does not like this new edition to the family and will make sure their opinion will be seen and heard. There are certain breeds that are not child friendly and for good reason. These breeds include the Akita, Brussels Griffon, Chow Chow, Pomeranian, and many others. These dogs are either part of the toy breed or working breeds. Small breed dogs are suited for couples or families with grown teenagers, but with little kids, the small dogs can be mistaken for a toy. Working breed dogs are used for protection and safety. They are friendly towards family but not with strangers. I once had an encounter with an Akita and it was the last time. My childhood neighbor had a determination with keeping their dog aggressive towards strangers, so they did not neuter the dog. On my last visit, I was having dinner with them and decided to sit at the table first. In the room was only the dog and I. I knew the dog was aggressive, so I avoided petting it. When I went to pull my chair out from the table, the dog leapt up and bit my arm. It wasn’t enough to draw blood, but it was enough to put my arm in brace. Fixing pets is the first step in changing their temperament and hormones, but it does not fully take away the dog’s true nature. For a quick list on what dogs are not kid friendly, click here. Make the child’s safety a number one priority when choosing a dog. But if the dog is already in the family and causing problems for a child, then it might be time to find a better suited home for the dog.

Requires a Lot of Attention

Owning a bulldog is not as easy as it looks. The crevices between their wrinkles must be clean weekly, their ears must be cleaned, their nails must be trimmed, and their fur groomed weekly. Dogs come with a lot of responsibility no matter what size. The husky is a prime example because they are a replica of the wolf, so they require a lot of physical exorcise and stimulation. If they are not taken on daily walks or run, their energy levels increase due to them not being able to release that energy. This goes for the Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, Dalmatian, Pug, Yorkshire Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, the King Charles Cavalier Spaniel and even the unfamiliar Schipperke. Not everyone has time on their hand, and in this world, millennials have to work two jobs to pay off student loans and other bills. Without another person taking care of the dog, it is hard to juggle two jobs, bills, and a dog. If it comes to the point when it is too much to handle, then it is time to find a new home for the dog.

Moving

Whether it is a job promotion, change of family dynamic, or change of scenery, there comes a time in a person’s life when it is time to move. But, not everything can be taken on this move. I have recently moved and could not take my golden retriever. He is a loveable and smart dog. But, we already have two Shih Tzu’s and our new home only allows up to two pets. So, we found him a new home that suits him best for the situation. This is a common situation for people who are downsizing. It is a tough choice, but if the new living arrangements do not suit the dog, then it is necessary to find the dog a new home that can care them and love them the same.

Too Expensive and Too Little Cash

Owning a dog is a lot of work and money. Dogs come with expenses and not very cheap ones. Veterinary bills can be equivalent to a co-pay at the doctor’s office. Getting a fecal test done plus receiving the results can cost around $150-$200. Depending on the breed size, healthy dog food brands can cost between $7 to $40. Owning little dogs and buying the larger size bags of food can go a long way. But, bigger dogs eat more, and can go through one bag of food within three weeks. On average, people spend up to $1000 a year on one dog; this includes food, toys, cages and carrier cases, veterinary check-ups, medication (preventives), cleaning supplies, and bedding. Dogs are a financial responsibility and if your current finances cannot support what the dog needs, then it might be time to find someone who can.

No Pets Allowed!

There is a rise of pet friendly facilities, but there are still a few that are not pet friendly. In major cities, there is an abundance of people as well as animals. Landlords simply do not want to pay for damages on their properties due to animals. Some facilities see pets as a liability for the sue-happy people of the century. No matter the case, always research what facilities and apartments allow pets before moving in. But, there will come a time in life when you do not have the opportunity to choose where you want to live. The only home available for an affordable price might be the one that doesn’t allow pets. San Francisco has a growth of owners abandoning their pets due to non-friendly pet facilities. One in four people leave their pets with the SPCA because of the lack of pet friendly residencies. It might be time to give your dog the home it deserves after sneaking them in through the back door so many times.

New Pack Member

I remember bringing home my first Chihuahua, Toby, in the ninth grade. He was a skittish dog that kept to himself. He got along great with our other dogs. But, our Shih Tzu, Charlie, did not like outsiders. On Toby’s first night with us, Charlie immediately investigated Toby. He sniffed Toby’s butt, face, ears, and undercarriage carefully. After a few days, the two got along and eventually became good pals. Not every encounter will be like this of course. Dogs that are adopted should be checked for psychological problems. If they come from a previous home that had no other dogs to play with, then the dog may not be as social towards new dogs. We want to give every ounce of our love to a dog that has been mistreated, but we need to remember what is best for the family. If the new dog refuses to accept the new dogs as family or pack members, then it might be time to consider a new home for the dog that suits it best.

Wrongful Choice of Dog

It is critical to research about the type of dog you want to adopt or buy. But sometimes we can’t resist those cute noses, smiles, and exuberant tail wagging. There is no shame in choosing the cutest dog. We choose the dogs that look like us or reflect our personality. However, we may have gotten in over our heads. Big dogs are great for large houses with land to roam, and small dogs are great for apartment living with new places to check out every day. Owners choose dogs they adore and desire when adopting or buying. But sometimes, that choice does not fit their lifestyle. I am a small dog person because I am petite and can easily be out weighted. I do love big dogs, but I prefer little dogs. Some people discover the same thing after adopting or buying a dog. Beagles are great family pets, but they speak their minds in a very ear piercing way. A beagle’s howling is not ideal for apartment living. Neighbors will complain and landlords will have to step in. From the barking dog, to the annoyed neighbors, and the furious landlord, stress is inevitable. If you know your dog is not suited for apartment living it might be time to consider a new home for them.

Continuously Destroys Possessions

Puppies are adorable, and puppy breath is irresistible. They roll around, yelp rather than bark, and are fascinated about everything in their environment. We can’t help but smile when our puppy greets us at the door. However, when you come home, you find your furniture and cotton stuffed pillows are completely destroyed. Your puppy looks to you with the most innocent smile, but you know who the culprit is. You let it slide, since they are only a puppy and will eventually learn not to do that anymore. But, two years later, and the dog is still tearing up your house. This is a major problem. Replacing decorative pillows can be inexpensive, but replacing furniture is expensive and replacing family heirlooms is irreplaceable. Not only that, but the furniture and pillows are actually your roommates. This is a major problem. Dogs go through teething like babies, so giving them a bone should solve the chewing and biting problem. But, destroying furnishings can become a habit from it not being corrected at an early stage. This can cause serious tension between you and your roommate or you and your spouse/partner. Consider having the dog disciplined and trained. But if this doesn't work, then it might be time to give the dog to a new family.

Non-Suitable Environment

Big dog means big home. Small dog means small home. This is never the case. My family once lived in a 4,000 sqft. home, and we owned a Shih Tzu, Bulldog, and Chihuahua. However, three dogs running around felt like a full house. Dogs should be given your love and attention especially when they’re puppies. Bringing home a puppy is equivalent to bringing home a new born child. You drive super carefully home. You make sure all doors to each bedroom are closed. You make sure the baby gates are up, and the play pin is ready to go. With puppies, they’ll fit anywhere you put them. For larger dogs, they don’t stay small forever. I once had an English Cream Golden Retriever named Edison. He was a fun, smart, and loving dog. But, he didn’t stay a puppy forever. He grew into a tall and bulky Golden Retriever. When we moved into our new condo home, we felt that it wouldn't be right for a big dog to live in a condo. Edison needed a yard to run around and be free of cramped spaces. This would only be permitted to him if we gave him to a family who had a house and yard. We found a loving family to take him in and provide all his needs. The environment for the pet is so crucial because it will allow them the freedom and care they deserve. My new upstairs neighbor manages to fit two big dogs in their condo, but they have to put them on a leash and take them potty outside in the far away dog area. Before considering a new pet to the family consider the environment it will be entering. If you've forgotten to consider the dog, and it's environment is not well suited, then it's time to provide with a new home that can.