It is almost impossible to rehome a challenging dog. It is harsh but it is true. There are just not homes lined up around the corner with the skills, time, energy, and space to help dogs that have issues. Those homes are exceedingly rare. If I opened my heart and home to every behaviorally challenging dog in need that crossed my path I would have dozens of dogs, and that's from this year alone. You are one of many people that feel out of your depth with the issues your dog is facing, but truly, the best place for them is right where they are in most cases. You don't need to become a dog trainer to work with challenging dogs and many people can successfully manage behavior cases with professional guidance. If you, who have loved this dog from the start no longer can live with them, then very tough conversations need to be had.
Many rescues will not take a dog that has shown aggression into their foster programs, especially if that dog has a bite history. It is a question of liability. Adopting out a dog that is a known danger can have massive legal repercussions for not only the rescue but also you, the original owner. When you knowingly rehome a dog that might or has bitten someone there is a possibility that if they bite someone that someone's insurance may come after you. When looking for who is "at fault" the trail leads back to the original owner in most cases. You certainly could have a liability waiver in place but that also requires legal help to ensure it would hold up to scrutiny. It is a roll of the dice any way you look at it. If your dog is not aggressive they may have more options and you might have more luck listing them with a rescue if you offer to foster yourself. There are also websites such as adoptapet.com and various Facebook Groups devoted to rehoming. It is best to be upfront and honest with the challenges that your dog faces to give them the best chance at finding a good fit.
"But don't dog trainers want these dogs?"
I can't speak to my whole profession, but do you like to take work home? I help people with their dogs on a daily basis, from puppies to severe aggression, sometimes in the same day, I see it all. It is for this reason that when I am able to, I choose dogs that have an agreeable temperament and love training. I don't want to work that hard for engagement or coexistence within my household. I also regularly take board and train as well as foster dogs into my home and need dogs that can tolerate the revolving door. They come to work with me and do all the sports. I spend my work time on behavior modification, I want to spend my free time enjoying the fun side of dogs and I wont apologize for that. I have the dogs I do, so I can help dogs like yours'.
Many rescues will not take a dog that has shown aggression into their foster programs, especially if that dog has a bite history. It is a question of liability. Adopting out a dog that is a known danger can have massive legal repercussions for not only the rescue but also you, the original owner. When you knowingly rehome a dog that might or has bitten someone there is a possibility that if they bite someone that someone's insurance may come after you. When looking for who is "at fault" the trail leads back to the original owner in most cases. You certainly could have a liability waiver in place but that also requires legal help to ensure it would hold up to scrutiny. It is a roll of the dice any way you look at it. If your dog is not aggressive they may have more options and you might have more luck listing them with a rescue if you offer to foster yourself. There are also websites such as adoptapet.com and various Facebook Groups devoted to rehoming. It is best to be upfront and honest with the challenges that your dog faces to give them the best chance at finding a good fit.
"But don't dog trainers want these dogs?"
I can't speak to my whole profession, but do you like to take work home? I help people with their dogs on a daily basis, from puppies to severe aggression, sometimes in the same day, I see it all. It is for this reason that when I am able to, I choose dogs that have an agreeable temperament and love training. I don't want to work that hard for engagement or coexistence within my household. I also regularly take board and train as well as foster dogs into my home and need dogs that can tolerate the revolving door. They come to work with me and do all the sports. I spend my work time on behavior modification, I want to spend my free time enjoying the fun side of dogs and I wont apologize for that. I have the dogs I do, so I can help dogs like yours'.
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