Overwhelmed pet owners often get rid of their rambunctious dog or mischievous cat hoping that someone else will be able to give them a better home with more attention. But dogs and cats that get returned to shelters have one strike against them. Some people are put off when they hear a dog or cat was given up by its previous owner. They immediately--even if subconsciously--think something is wrong with the pet.
Surrendered dogs and cats risk being euthanized or spending a long time in the shelter waiting for a home. Due to the stress of change and sitting in a pen with little attention, stimulation or exercise, these pets sometimes don't “show” well. They might appear hyper when they are just lonely. They might come off as moody when they just want room to stretch and a couch of their very own.
But there's a saying that many pet owners tell themselves when faced with a difficult pet: There are no bad pets, just bad pet owners. That's not to say that pets can't be “bad.” But it is a reminder that pets can only be as good as the patience and training offered by their owners. Some dogs take more work; some cats take more time. But for many pet owners, patience and love can do wonders.
We Did All the Wrong Things
When Nancy H. and her husband got a Beagle puppy for their daughter Katelyn, they didn't know much about the breed and didn't have a lot of experience with dogs.
“The bad behavior was more our fault for poor training,” admitted Nancy. The dog, named KC, couldn't grasp potty training and went all over the house. They didn't walk her, but tied her in the yard. She would go outside, but continued to go inside as well. KC was kept in the kitchen when left alone, where she proceeded to chew the cabinets.
“We really were at the end of our ropes and seriously considered giving her away,” said Nancy. “But after I did some research, I learned it was not uncommon for Beagles to take up to four years to house train.” That information came just in time for KC to stay with her family. Thanks to the patience and extra attention of Nancy's family, KC is now a happy, well-trained, housebroken dog who scratches at the door when she needs to go outside and come back in.
“She is now the best dog in the world, we love her, spoil her, and treat her like any family member,” said Nancy. “She in turn gives us love, companionship, and entertainment.”
There are precautions that can and should be taken before adopting a pet, like researching common breed traits to try to find a dog or cat that matches your lifestyle. But breed alone cannot always predict temperament or explain behaviors caused by an unknown past.
Continued in Rehabilitating Problem Dogs: A Tough Job that Pays Only in Wet Kisses
Leigh Peterson - Leigh Peterson is a pets writer, pet sitter, professional singer and internet marketer specializing in online PR.
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