Should we rehome our dog?

Let me start off by saying i do not like rehoming animals…i am a huge animal lover but i really need advice…i have a two year old husky lab mix and he is the goodest boy…we have had 0 issues with him and we used to be able to go to the dog park and go on hikes until i had to get a job bc my husband lost his after he got sick…we no longer have time for hikes and the dog park and while he is still a good boy and we love him…sometimes he looks so depressed bc i know he just wants to go to the dog park or go on a hike…as much as it kills me i feel like he would be better off with an energetic family…but i feel bad rehoming him…

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Help a mama out and respond anonymously on our forum. Should we rehome our dog?

I say try and make more time. Even if it’s a walk around your neighborhood I’m sure he will would be thrilled just to go on a walk.

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If you don’t have time to properly take care of him and yes rehoming would be the best thing for the dog

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Can you look into a doggy daycare? Or have any friends with dogs?

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Doggy daycare twice a week? Can you take him on walks with your kids?

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You might even be able to find a local teenager who will take cheap money to bring them for walks.

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I would not rehome him… yes I know huskies and labs are very energetic dogs but you are his life. Your life will not always be like this. There will be time again for walks etc. at some point. don’t give up on him. He is better off with you than what may lie in his future❤️

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Contact a local rescue maybe they have somebody that is looking for a dog like yours. Sometimes rescues will also post your animal looking for a home but they will screen them to make sure it’s a good home. Always worth a try

If you can afford it, pay someone to take him on walks!

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He’d be happier with you with less frequent dog park visits and hikes, than he would be with a strange family. Just try your hardest to make special time for him to bring him on these trips, he will be okay :slightly_smiling_face:

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Go for walks after wirk. Why can’t hubby do something

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I wouldn’t rehome him for that. Maybe doggy daycare. Or some extra snuggles or just play in the yard.

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It will probably be even harder on the dog and even more depressing for them if they lose their family too

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Make time. Take him for extra walks. Sometimes rehoming can make animals super stressed, depressed, and full of anxiety. Make time for your baby. If you live in a house or anything with a yard, let him run. Get up a little earlier and go for a walk. Of you get long enough lunch breaks, go home and walk him.

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Make the time, or hire a dog walker. He’s family.

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Walk and play him…? There’s little things you can do to make your dog happy. This doesn’t warrant rehoming.

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I would definitely do as others said. Maybe see if there are any teenagers in the area that go on hikes/to the park that would be willing to take your dog with. Have them meet first a few times before allowing them to take them out. Do a quick trial run by just having them walk around the neighborhood first a few times. Obviously pay them, but that way your dog gets to go out while you’re busy.

My two German shephards are locked in the house for 7 to 8hours a day. Come home spend a good 20minuteswith them being hyper and they are ready for the next nap. Never once taken a dog to a doggie park or hike and they still lived their best life.

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If your husband lost his job why doesn’t he have time to take him? No intention of being rude just curious

He’s family make time for him or maybe consider daycare a couple times a week

Toys helped my dog alot I’d seat in the floor playing with him it helped alot

Get someone to come and entertain him… He loves you

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I wouldn’t re-home for that. Losing his home and family is stressful for an animal who has bonded with you. It might not be exactly the same but just take him for small walks around the neighborhood or play fetch in the yard more. It doesn’t have to be an all day hike.
Or as others have suggested, doggy daycare a few days a week.

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Don’t rehome him just cause of that poor excuse make a few minutes a day

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My mother in law has 2 huskies and she can’t even walk them due to health issues. She pays a couple high schoolers we know to walk/play in the yard with them.

Doggy daycare is a great idea
We actually got our dog a dog. They wrestle and chase each other. They are best friends and it’s so fun to watch.

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I totally understand that level of guilt, and it’s rough. We tend to project onto our pets, but in reality he’d probably be happy with a good walk once or twice a day; if you can find someone who can do that for you, he’ll be fine.
If he’s getting bored, you can get a couple of toys that stimulate and challenge him. It would be much better than giving him away; you’ll miss him, and he won’t understand why he’s going somewhere new.

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Try occupy his mind as much as you can at home with some toys my moms 2 husky don’t go out all that much and they still burn off a ton of energy playing with toys

Because your husband got sick? Is your husband in a condition that he will never get better?
I think that makes a difference in your decision.

If your husband will get better and things might change for the better for your dog, I’d say keep him

If your husband won’t get better and the situation might continue to get worse is when I would consider rehoming the dog.

Maybe look for at home ways to get some energy out. There are tons of dog sports and activities you can practice at home to help.

Even if its only once a week going to the dog park and once a month going hiking. He would love it :smiling_face_with_three_hearts:

Use the rover app to see if you can pay someone to walk your dog and take him out for you…

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Don’t tenoned. You are his family and your loss will be worse for him than no hikes. Make them short walks. Doggy daycare!!

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Don’t rehome him for that he’s obviously a really good dog. There is WAY too many owner surrenders because of the economy so please try and find a way to make it work…

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Get a dog walker, wake up earlier and walk him early and walk him after u guys get home. There are ways around it

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Get a doggie walker like from fetch.com

Do you have any family members that are active that would take him with them when they go on walks? Even once a week would be great for him.

If you can’t find someone to take him on walks, maybe give him to someone in your family/close friends that have other dogs. At least then you’d be able to see him and it wouldn’t be as hard.

I know how hard this decision is going to be for you :confused:

You could rehome him and the dog may be worse off than being with you…

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Hire a dog walker! They are definitely out there, and would give your boy exercise without him having to leave the only family he’s ever known❤

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Walk and play with him when you are home. Shelters are jammed right now he’ll end up on the E list or could even end up in a bad home. I’m sorry but there’s no excuses i live alone 2 kids 2 dogs i make it work. We just did an at home training session while my toddler slept and my older child watched There’s also outings you can send your dog on. My puppy is going dock diving for 8 hours trainer picks up and drops off. You can even do a board and train to stimulate and get a break

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You are his life. He is in his home with his family. He is happy just being with you. It would be much, much, more upsetting for him to be rehomed. He won’t understand. Give him attention, pats, treats, show love while you are together at home. It doesn’t take a lot of time to show affection.

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Don’t rehome him he is a part of your family.

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I find it hard to believe you can NEVER make it to the dog park…make time…you took responsibility…he is part of your family imagine his depressed face now imagine him never seeing you guys again
…some people should not own animals

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I would hire a dog walker or do doggy daycare at least a few days a week. Make time for shorter walks or hikes. I know it’s a hard decision, but animals are a commitment for their lifetime. The dog won’t be there for your entire life, but you are his entire life.

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You are his people. It breaks their heart when you regime them. He will adjust. Just play with him more and give him toys that make his brain work. You can do this. He loves you❤️

Can’t you take him on hikes on the weekends or your day’s off?..

My schedule can be crazy busy at times and on those days when i don’t stop until late, I literally open my bedroom door and throw my pups toys straight down the hallway, she retrieves it and brings it right back. We do this as many times as she wants. Point is we make time for the things that are important to us, if this was a human child you’d figure it out. As you should for the pup.

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I rehomed my 2 dogs 10 years ago as was badly depressed I still feel guilty now don’t think I ll ever get over it :cry: don’t do it x

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I think he would be more depressed if his family abandoned him tbh.

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If hubby is home why can’t he take him? Also have you considered a dog sitter they could do things like that as well

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Get a dog walker. Or the time u spend posting here use that and take the dog for a walk. U can post and walk at the same time

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Make time for your dog. Get up early stay up a little later. I have 2 lab huskies and I work 24 hours shifts. I make time for them because I chose to have them and adopted them. There are days I don’t have all the time for my kiddo but I don’t rehome her. They are my forever dogs. Not something I could throw away because “I don’t have time.” Pics of my babies

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Doggie daycare or dog walker

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He’s happy with his people . Don’t give him up .

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Get a dog walker or get up earlier and go for a walk or go after dinner. Its not ideal but that’s what I would do. It can be done if you want to keep him.

No don’t rehome loads of ppl work and take dog out for an hour in morning or afternoon work and weekends it can be done I have a dog and i’ve had a stroke and classed partial sighted plus I’m on dialysis and I’m classed disabled but I manage to take my dog on walks even though I feel ill 24/7 I know everybody’s situation is different please find away.

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Things won’t always be bad for your family. Do the best you can but don’t rehome your dog. He won’t understand.

Don’t rehome him. Hire a dog sitter. Spend extra time with him on weekends

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You are the one he loves. He would gladly give up the walking to stay with you. Dogs love deep and he would be severely depressed if you rehome him. Maybe the next home wouldn’t be the ideal home either. You don’t let go of family members when time is cut so why get rid of your dog ?

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I wouldn’t. Even if you make time once a week to take him on a long walk it will help him. If you rehome him, he’ll become more depressed and grieve the loss of his family

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Try taking him to a doggy daycare while you work

So is your husband still not working? or is it that you are both working now? Because if he’s not working, why doesn’t he do the dog things? Also, walking the dog around the block in the evening or for 30 minutes could help. He doesn’t necessarily have to be hiking and dog parking.

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If you are able to and have a good spot near you I would highly recommend doggie daycare! My 7-month-old husky goes three times a week and since she started we have seen an incredible change in her! Our doggie daycare is affordable but I understand some people cannot afford it but I still wanted to share that it’s a great idea if you can

doggy day care once a week

You can still take him to the dog park and on walks after work or before work. Don’t give up on the dog just cause it’s inconvenient for you guys now. Hire a dog walker hire a local teenager to take him out for walks or dog park etc.

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I hope you don’t rehome him

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Takes 10 minutes to go walk him down the street…. Don’t re-home him…:disappointed:
Let him out in the yard more…(if you have one) look for a teenager to walk him in the evening if possible…so many options other that that!

No. This is not a reason to rehome your animal. Think of how depressed he would be living the rest of his life without you? Going to the dog park and on hikes is not a NEED for a dog. Take him for a ride in the car every once in awhile and watch him pep up. It’s the getting to go somewhere part he misses. Go run to the corner store for gas or something and take him with.

I’d be happy to take him on walks/hikes!! I have many references & have worked with several husky mixes

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This is not something to rehome your pet over. Your dog will appreciate any love and attention you give them when you are home. More than likely they are just fine and you just feel guilty about it.

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Rehoming him could make him more depressed. I wouldn’t. Maybe get another dog as a companion while y’all aren’t home?

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Don’t re-home him. He’s a family member… Your family is all he knows… And the one he loves… :heart::pray:

Please don’t get rid of him… you guys have had him and he is your family… try and find alternate things before thinking of rehomeing your pets… there’s always ways to get him out and about

Don’t rehome him you’re his family he will be fine just take him on walks and play with him at home

Tbh with my 1st shepherd I never thought if rehoming. We moved 8 times, had 2 babies in his life. I played with him when I was exhausted, walked him when I was in zombie mode with my 1st daughter (I’d strap her to me in those baby pouches) because I WAS NOT giving up my boy. He was just as much my kid as my girls are. Now I’m not going to judge you, but it can be done. I’ve wanted to rehome my 2nd shepherd because he drives me up the wall with his pee issue. (That’s a whole other story too) but I still have him as well. So work out a schedule if you need to.

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not trying to be mean … just stating the truth… if you give up on this dog , please never get another dog in your life again … dogs should be for life

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You should rehome your dog if its not a good fit, as in you and your dog don’t connect, can’t bond, and you are both miserable. But it doesn’t sound that way. Your dog is happy to be with you. Sure your lifestyle may have changed but your dog will adapt. You need to adapt to. If you can go for a walk twice a week then be happy that you got that far. Try. Make some time. And even an extra hour is something to be happy about. If your dog is truly upset by the change they will let you know… by eating your couch, acting ridiculous etc. Your dog is probably fine. If you have the extra money, you can also hire a dog walker, employ a friend or someone in the neighborhood. Dogs tell you when they’re unhappy. And not just by looking sad. They show you by acting out

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Maybe see if any kid(s) in your neighborhood would be willing to take him on walks or to the dog park for some extra money.

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I would hire a dog walker and carve out a few days a week to hike with him and take him to the dog park. This isn’t a reason to rehome a pet.

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Don’t rehome him. Check with your other friends who have dogs. You might be able to find someone else who can take him to the dog park occasionally. Also, look into things he can do that will mentally tire him out on days when he can’t get the kind of physical exertion he wants. We have a high energy puppy and every evening we play catch/fetch with him. With all the heat this summer, we have been tossing a light weight “holey roller” ball for him indoors and he loves it.

Huskies need tons of exercise and activities. Before looking at re homing, check for local dog walkers or friends or family that can help during the day.

Dogs are always happy and content just being around their owners. Don’t feel bad if you can’t take him to the dog park as often. Maybe make a family day where you all go and spend 30 mins at the dog park or letting him run free on a beach or a huge piece of land. When you are at home talk to him, pet him and let him know you are there for him. Don’t give him away. He will surely miss you :cry:

That sweet dog won’t understand. You think he’s depressed now? Wait until you drop him off and leave. The right thing to do is to find a solution. Hire a dog walker. Get up early to walk your dog. Play with your dog when you get home. Create a routine that works for you both. Don’t give up! Your dog is worth it. That’s your fur baby! Good luck. :heart:

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Life can be full of unexpected changes. Sometimes you have to do what is best for your family, and your pet, even when it hurts.

Just hire a dog walker.

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Rehome him. This isnt a good reason to rehome your pet…but the fact that you feel it is suggests you should just rehome him. Not bashing you here… But if you really loved the dog as much as you feel you do, youd find another solution. I highly doubt you have no family or friends… I lived in a studio before n my neighbors would complain bout my dog barking in full panic mode when i was gone. I had to solve the problem. I had a friend whod come chill at my house or pick my dog up to run errands n hang out. Id drop my pup off with my aunt who was a stay at home mother. Theres always a solution. Find that pup a good family. Have a great day.

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Nooooo!hire a dog walker

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Find a local person or kid to come by and walk him. Lots of high schoolers looking for easy after school jobs

Can you hire a dog walker?

Dogs are family. He would be heart broken if you rehome him now. My dogs have been through it all with me. Through good and bad. We just try to make time when we can. There’s also dog walking apps. You can get your 1st walk free. If you and your partner both download Wag you’ll get 2 free walks.

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That’s not a reason to remove a dog.he is your family and that is his home.

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Why can’t your husband take him for a walk once a day, if he isn’t working? If might be good for your husband and your dog to get out once a day.

Can you take 1/2 hour in the morning to go for a walk? Since it is still summer, days are longer so that could be an option.

What about hiring a teenager to take your boy for a walk after the teenager gets out of school? You could post on NextDoor or in a FB group for your town. Folks do it where I live all of the time. Who knows? Maybe your pup and the teenager will bond?

Please don’t take your pup to a shelter.

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Keep him. Our dogs are so loyal and it take time for them to understand routine changes just like kids take time to learn. But that dog still loves you more than you know. It’s ok if it isn’t like it used to be. He’s still very well taken care of. I do agree with others suggestions of asking around or finding someone to walk them, however if that’s not an option for you, thts okay too

Do you work 24.7 ?
Weekend is great for dog parks both of you go with pooch on weekends after breakfast or. Shopping before dinner each night there’s always another way

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Don’t rehome him there are so many unwanted pets right now they are being put down upon surrender.
Post an ad locally, see if a college student or someone who can’t have a dog but likes to do those activities can bring him along when they go or if you can afford to hire a dog walker.

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Maybe find interactive toys for him? Battery toys that move around for him to play with. I’ve heard of people leaving videos on all day of a camera at the dog park so there’s something for their dog to watch. He’ll adjust if you can find something to brighten him up

Could you ask friends or neighbours to walk him for you? While I was pregnant I couldn’t take my dog for walks or to the park and my neighbours would turn up and ask if I’d like them to take him down to the park when they were taking their dog

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No reason to get rid of a dog

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Nope. I’m one of those that my four legged babies are no different than my two legged. You figure it out and deal with it. You guys are going through a major change right now, that’s all. You’ll all figure it out as you go along and there’s a million other things you can try first. We have 5 dogs (3 of which are still puppies and are still even potty training, the whole nine) and we have just imploded as a family at home due to medical issues, ourselves (military, mental health) never is this EVER a thought in my mind. If this is acceptable then don’t get them. Once you have them, you do and that’s the end of it. They are not disposable no matter what. Just like your kids.

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My dog stays thru thick and thin…just like people…there’s doggie daycare …too…but if he goes…make sure it is a good home… too many abusers.

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