How to Convince Someone Not to Give Up Their Dog

By Melissa Maroff

Instructions

Step 1:
Find out the reason(s) why they feel they need to give up their dog.
Step 2:
Moving to an Apartment or Leasing a House That Doesn’t Allow Dogs

Let them know there are realtors and websites that specialize in pet-friendly properties. 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).
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 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 you need them to. You might also offer to help out if you're 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.
Step 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 co-existing 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).
Step 7:
Allergies

Tell them to consult with an allergist to determine if the allergy stems from their dog. There are various therapies available, including medications and shots that can control or cure allergies. There are other 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.
Step 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).
Step 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 Resources).

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 the fate. Not to mention the loneliness the dog will experience from being abandoned at a shelter.

Resources

Photo/Video Credit

Photo by Melissa Maroff

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