This is Part 3 of a 4-part blog series focusing on what we, as dog leaders, can do to prevent dogs from being returned to shelters.
Christmas is pretty much the last thing on your mind right now. The tree is down, the decorations nestled safely in the boxes in the basement, and you’re finally getting the chance to curl up on the couch with your cuddly dog and good book. But what about those puppies who were given as gifts, only to be returned to shelters? Are they comfortable right now? Are they lonely? I don’t know about you, but I can’t rest until I’ve passed on these four tips about PREVENTING CHRISTMAS MISTAKES AND BEYOND with the world! Because you and I both know that puppies being given as gifts and returned to shelters happens year round - not just at Christmas.
If you read Part 1, you may remember that there are two times of year when shelters see a spike in the numbers of dogs and cats being returned. The first time of the year when people return their pets is in the summer, when they realize that they’ll have to either bring their dog with them on vacation, or pay a professional to take care of them. The second time of year comes right after the holidays, when puppies, who have been given as presents, are returned for well, just being puppies!
Click this link for Part 1. Here is the link for Part 2.
The picture below, should be captioned: “Not my Fault.” Underneath it, is this week’s tip so that YOU can help less dogs end up in shelters like this one.
TIP #3: Give the gift of prevention.
If you know someone who is thinking about getting a puppy or a rescue dog, consider directing them to BeyondDogTraining.ca. We would be THRILLED to help you, your friend, your family member, or a random stranger you met on a bus to select a dog that is the perfect fit! When we offered this service to Jen J., she adopted a medium energy Miniature Australian Shepherd that other Aussie owners are perplexed by!
“But he’s so CALM!” they say. “Mine is INSANE!”
Jen learned about temperament testing from us and is grateful that she got the right energy level for her household. Her puppy fits in perfectly with her two cats and three children.
Are you wagging your tail just thinking about adopting a new dog? Visit BeyondDogTraining.ca and book a FREE 15 MINUTE PHONE CONSULT. We’ll start digging into (pun intended, sorry not-sorry!) what breeds and mixed-breeds would best suit you and your lifestyle. Planning on expanding your family in the near future? Find out which dogs make great family pets.
Is someone you know thinking of adopting a new dog and you’re worried that they’ll end up with the wrong energy match? Is your sedentary son thinking about adopting a Belgian Malinois and planning to keep it inside all day? You can give the gift of Beyond Dog Training in advance of the adoption. You do not need to HAVE your dog yet to work with us. Part of what we offer to our clients is HELP PICKING THE RIGHT DOG in the first place. This SAVES LIVES and PREVENTS dogs from being returned to shelters.
Here’s how to give the gift of BEYOND DOG TRAINING.
Email alyssa.foulkes@beyonddogtraining.ca with:
-the first and last name of the person who will be RECEIVING the gift certificate from you
2. Send an e-transfer to alyssa.foulkes@beyonddogtraining.ca for $125 + HST. Total amount including the HST: $141.25
When you send the e-transfer:
USE THE QUESTION: What do dogs love to do?
USE THE ANSWER: Play
Here’s what the person who receives the gift will do to book with us:
Select the “Redeem My Gift Certificate for a Behavioural Assessment”
Select a date and time that suits your schedule and book an appointment.
Gift certificate recipients must redeem their gift certificate by July, 2020.
The gift certificate may be used for in-home training OR online training OR a one-hour consultation to help figure out what dog would be the best fit for you.
Your gift to your family member or friend will help prevent a dog from being returned to a shelter.
Thanks for being a knowledgeable dog lover and a true dog leader!
Alyssa
This week’s photos by: Matthew Henry (Pug), and Valerie Blanchett (boxer X)