Tips for People Looking to Rehome a Dog

* The first thing we would recommend is to buy a book called 'Understanding Your Dog' by Barbara Sykes. If you use her methods which are all humane and if followed to the rule will work, you will not need any other dog training/behaviour books.

* Seriously consider if you have the time, and financial means to own a dog. If you have answered no to either of the above do not get a dog! Look ahead, if you are planning on having children in the next few years make sure you take a dog that has no aggressive tendencies, if you have a partner who has a dog and there maybe a possibility of you moving in together in the future, make sure you get a dog that gets on with other dogs. Could there be a change in careers which make it diffcult to have a dog in the future? If so please wait and see. Taking a dog for a couple of years and then having to return it is a hertbreaking thing for the dog and the owner.

*If you have a garden is it dog proofed? If not try and do that before looking to get a dog.

*If you are in rented accommodation always get written permission from your landlord before rehoming a dog.

* Think about what qualities you need in a dog before coming to the centre. For example, is it a must for your dog to be able to travel in  car? Do you live in an area where it would be hard to walk a dog that does not like other dogs?

* Speak to the staff, they are honest and happy to give advice on everything from behaviour, to pet insurance, to feeding and have years experience so please ask if you aren't sure.

FAQ'S

* What is the rehoming procedure? Please see the Rehoming Process page for full details.

*What happens if it doesn't work out with the dog? We insist that the dog comes back to us, and may try to find you one that is more suitable.

* What will the dog come with? Your dog will come with all its vaccinations (including the Kennel Cough vaccine), it will be flead and wormed up to date, it will be microchipped and if it is not already neutered we will make arrangements for it to be neutered at the soonest opportunity (at cost to the rescue). It will also come with tips to be followed once you get your dog home.

*Where did the dog come from? Most of our dogs come from council run pounds. They serve 7 days there to give their owners a chance to claim them. If their owners do not come forward and the pound is full a rescue must take it or it will be put to sleep. We do also take some dogs from homes on occasion.

*What should I feed the dog? This is a subject that we feel very strongly about. There are so many foods on the market that are bad for dogs health and bad for their training, as well as being ridiculously overpriced! We strongly believe that you should only feed your dog plain mixer biscuit for 1 month after getting it home. This will bring down the dogs energy levels and give it a 'detox'. After the first month put your dog onto Skinners Adult Mainenance Field & Trial. It has just 18% protein which is all a pet dog needs. Do not give treats with artificial colours, flavours or preservatives in them. You could give Wafcol treats and plain rawhide chews. Your dog will be healthier, happier and easier to work with. We strongly advise against tinned food. A complete food is exactly that, complete.

*What toys should I buy? This all depends on the dog but squeaky toys can cause over excitement in some dogs and for dogs that like to chase things a ball will only encourage the chasing. Please ask the staff what toys would be most suitable for your dog. 

*Should I crate train my dog? Crate training is very good and very handy if done properly.  Dogs should not left ina crate for longer than 4-5 hours without being let out to go to the toilet and stretch their legs. Make sure you have a crate that is big enough for the dog to stand up in and move around. Crate training needs to be done carefully so as not to scare the dog, but it can be very good once the dog is used to it because it will see the crate as a safe place. It can then be put in it for travelling, or when left at home alone for example. For advice on crate training please ask the staff.  

* Should I buy a Halti, Non Pull Harness or similar gadget because the dog is strong on the lead? These gadgets should only be used in the short term. Training is the key. We can advise you on how to get your dog to walk well on a lead.

*How do you know how old my dog is if it was a stray? We can only give a rough estimate by looking at the dog's teeth and overall condition. (Unfortunately we may not always be correct).

*I live in a flat or house with no garden, would you let me adopt a dog? This all depends on the dog, and the owner's lifestyle.

Any other questions that you may have will be happily answered by the staff.