How to Convince Someone Not to Give Up Their Dog

Sadly, many people give up their dogs due to various circumstances such as behavior problems or changes in their living situation. In most cases, however, there are ways around it. All it takes is a little extra planning and effort--and isn't it worth it? After all, dogs are family members--and you don't just give up on a family member. The following are useful tips for convincing someone not to part with their beloved pooch.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Find out the reason(s) why they feel they need to give up their dog.

2. Moving to an Apartment or Leasing a House That Doesn't Allow Dogs

   Let them know there are websites that list both pet-friendly properties and pet-friendly realtors. PeopleWithPets is a great website that lists apartments, homes and hotels throughout the United States that accept pets and another great site that lists pet-friendly realtors around the world is PetRealtyNetwork.com (see links in Resources below). If they have their heart set on a particular place, suggest that landlords often make exceptions. It may just be a matter of discussing it with the landlord to put his mind at ease. Perhaps they can offer to pay an extra pet deposit. Money talks.

   If the landlord remains adamant about not allowing pets, suggest that they ask a friend or relative to keep the dog temporarily. Once they build a relationship with the landlord and prove they are good tenants, he may very likely have a change of heart. I've written articles on how to rent an apartment or house with a dog (see Resources below).

3. A Behavior Problem

   Sometimes, bad behavior can be due to a medical issue and a visit to the vet may just solve the problem.

   If it's not medical, let them know that most bad habits can be cured with the proper training. If money is an issue, inform them that dog training is competitive and there are many options available. Various shelters and pet supply stores offer low-cost or free training classes. There are also many training tricks they can learn by simply surfing the net. eHow, for instance, has a plethora of articles on dog training, including a dog-training expert, Eric Letendre.

4. A New Job

   If it's a job that requires longer hours away from home or traveling, tell them there are doggie daycares or pet sitters to fit every situation and budget.

5. They Become Elderly, Ill or Disabled.

   Let them know there are professional pet sitters to fit any budget that can help out with walking and feeding or do all of the walking. Pet sitters will come out three times a day if need be. You might also offer to help out if you are able or suggest there may be a relative or friend who is willing to help out. And there are also organizations that sponsor foster programs for the elderly, ill or disabled so that they don't have to give up their pets.

6. Doesn't Get Along With Another Pet

   It's usually just a matter of them getting used to each other. Most pets end up coexisting just fine--all it takes is some training tricks and a little time. I've written articles on how to train dogs to get along with other dogs and also with cats (see Resources below).

7. Allergies

   Tell them to consult with an allergist to determine if the allergy actually stems from their dog; very often it does not. If it does stem from their dog, there are different causes, with some being very simple to cure. There are also various therapies available, including medications and shots that can control or cure allergies and simple, helpful remedies such as air filters and brushing the dog daily in a well-ventilated area or outside. Let them know there are many people who have dog allergies and live with it just fine.

8. Significant Other Doesn't Like the Dog

   This can usually be worked out with some compromise from both parties. My article: "How to Get Your Boyfriend to Like Your Dog" offers some helpful tips (see Resources below).

9. A New Baby

   There are a variety of ways to prepare a dog for a new arrival by starting early in the pregnancy (see links in Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Let them know these are all minor obstacles that can be worked out and they will probably feel worse giving up their dog. Even if their living situation isn't considered the most "ideal"--dogs care most about being with the people they love.

• Most rescues and no-kill shelters are filled to capacity and have waiting lists. It's hard to find homes for dogs, especially if they are older. Explain to them that if their dog ends up at a city shelter, euthanasia may very likely be their fate. Not to mention the loneliness the dog will experience from being abandoned at a shelter by the family they always trusted and depended on.

Resources

• PeopleWithPets
• PetRealtyNetwork.com
• How to Introduce Your New Baby to Your Dog
• How to Prepare a Dog for a New Baby
• How to Rent an Apartment if You Own a Dog
• How to Rent a House if You Own a Dog
• How to Keep Dogs and Cats From Fighting
• How to Keep Dog Housemates From Fighting
• How to Get Your Boyfriend to Like Your Dog