You’ve done your research, checked out all the local shelters and rescues, and picked out your new best friend. But, sometimes, a dog adoption just doesn’t work out. There may be compatibility issues, lifestyle differences, or conflicts that arise — and that’s OK. Here’s what to do when an adoption doesn’t work out, so you and the dog you adopted can both have an easier time transiting into a new life.
Understanding why the dog adoption didn’t work out
There are many reasons why adoption might not work out — and none of them are anyone’s fault! Behavioral issues, hidden health problems, compatibility issues, and lifestyle differences can all cause adoption to fail. What seemed like a great match at the shelter may turn out completely different once in a home environment.
It can take some time for a dog to adjust to a new environment, and in that time, stress may reveal hidden health issues that were missed by the rescue or shelter. Or, there may be circumstances, such as your daily routine or the location of your home, that your new dog just doesn’t fit into. It’s hard to predict these, even with the most thorough of home visits, adoption interviews, and meet-and-greets.
What to do if you are struggling with an adopted dog
So, what can you do if your newly adopted dog is struggling to adjust? There are a few things you can try, such as remembering the 3-3-3 rule, contacting the shelter or rescue you adopted from for help, or speaking with a trainer.
The 3-3-3 rule is an important one to remember with any adoption. This stands for three days, three weeks, and three months, which are the adjustment periods your dog will go through. During this time, your dog may undergo behavioral changes as they first get used to a routine (three days), settle into your new home (three weeks), and finally become a part of the family (three months). You may notice these behavioral issues go away once your dog has settled in.
If you’re still struggling, contact the shelter or rescue group you adopted from for help. Many shelters employ or work with trainers and behaviorists that can assist with any issues that crop up. In addition, seeking out the help of a professional trainer is also a good idea. Trainers often offer home visits where they can address the issues you and your dog are facing, point out any problem areas in the home, and work on a specifically tailored plan for you and your dog’s needs.
Rehoming your adopted dog
Sometimes, the match isn’t just a good one, and you may need to rehome your dog. While it may be a tough decision, it might ultimately be the best one to ensure you and your dog both have the best chance at a happy, healthy home. It’s best to first contact the shelter or rescue you adopted from. Many will take dogs back if the match isn’t a good one to ensure they are placed in a new home that may be a better fit.
If you can’t reach the shelter or rescue, speak with friends, family, and acquaintances next. Social media can also help get the word out that you’re looking to rehome. By choosing someone you know, you can make sure that the change is a good one for your dog. No matter what, don’t abandon your dog. Leaving them at a park, field, or other location is the worst possible thing to do, and can even lead to legal action taken against you.
When a dog adoption doesn’t go smoothly, it can be a very stressful situation. You may feel guilt or shame at the match not working out. However, recognizing what went wrong in the experience, addressing it, and being more careful in the future can ensure your next adoption goes smoothly.
