The following information was written by Gina Grisson, Weimaraner Rescue, but it applies well to all dogs. Making the decision to rehome your beloved companion is not easy. However, the tips below will make it less painful for you and your dog.
Your goal is to find a GOOD home for your Weimaraner, that means you want a safe, stable, loving "forever" home. A home with committed owners who will keep your dog for it’s entire life. Each dog is an individual so it is up to you, his/her owner, to find that "just right" home.
The following information has been accumulated through hard won experience and should give you a start in finding a GOOD HOME:
The best possible home is with someone you know and trust. Is there a family member or friend who could provide a great home for your dog? If not, ask if they know someone, but do not feel obligated just because someone was referred by family or friends. Ultimately, your dog’s welfare comes first.
Notify your breeder. Reputable breeders require that any puppy they sell be returned to them. Even if you did not get a contract, your breeder should be able to help you with referrals, as they regularly get calls from people looking for Weimaraners.
Spread the word through any groups, clubs, business or hobby organizations that you belong to. Be sure to let your veterinarian know, and if allowed, post a notice in his/her office. If you have a local dog park, post a notice there. People who spend time with their dogs and provide regular vet care, are usually excellent homes. Finding a good home is a matter of timing, and the more people who know you are looking, the better your chance of finding that just right home.
Advertise in newspapers. You will probably get far more calls that don’t meet your requirements, than actual good, solid homes. However, as long as you realize that up front, it is always possible that just the right home may answer your ad.
Spay or neuter your Weimaraner before placement. Some people will represent themselves as a "family" and your dog could instead end up in the hands of an unscrupulous breeder and spend it’s life in a local puppy mill situation, producing litter after litter. That is no life for the pet that loves and trusts you. Your dog’s life and well being is in your hands.
Keep your Weimaraner healthy, clean and free of fleas & ticks. Provide current vet records to the prospective owner. It is your responsibility to give your Weimaraner a clean bill of health before going to a new home. Do not expect someone else to spend hundreds of dollars on vet bills, if your pet has not received routine veterinary care or is not living in a clean environment.
Ask at least $100 (or the cost of spay/neuter) for your Weimaraner - The "selling" of adult dogs to get your money back is greatly discouraged, as your dog’s quality of life is the most important issue. However, charging a nominal fee will eliminate those unable to afford a vet if your dog becomes ill or injured. Plus, dog brokers regularly scour the newspapers looking for "free" or "cheap" dogs to sell to medical research laboratories and puppy mill breeders (YES, this does happen). Do not let you dog fall into cruel hands. Charging a fee will also facilitate a clear change of ownership, because if the dog were ever to bite or injure someone in the future, you do not want to remain liable as the legal owner.
Screen the new home carefully. Ask for vet references. Visit the new home before you let them have your dog. You have no idea what situation you are putting your dog into, unless you go look.
You need to have a clear idea of what home would
be best for your dog. Do not fall for the fantasy of "he/she went to a ranch and
lived happily ever after." Most Weims that are allowed to roam loose will
eventually chase and kill other animals (they were bred to have a high prey
drive) and dogs that kill livestock are generally shot.
Study your Weim to determine what home is the best for him/her: The ideal home
is with someone who has had Weims or a similar breed before, spends time with
them, and has them as household companions. But even so, you must determined
whether your dog should be: an only dog or have doggie company too, in a
childless home or a bustling family, a home without cats or small animals, or is
safe with other pets.
Please print out and use this page and the
Adoption Application and
Adoption Contract on this web site, it
will help you to ask the right questions. Here are some things to keep in mind
as you ask your questions:
All pets should be permitted indoors every day, and sleep inside at night. Outside dogs are lonely and frustrated, they are more likely to be fence jumpers, diggers and destructive chewers. Make sure your dog is not relegated to being moving lawn furniture.
Inadequate fencing is the major reason dogs get lost and killed. Is there a 5-6 foot fence all around? Is the footing dig-able or secure? If the fence is chain link is it climbable? Could strangers tease or agitate the dog through the fence? Many people think they have a 6 foot fence but forget that a gate or section is only 3-4 feet tall. Remember, the home will be strange to your dog and he/she will not understand why they were left. Secure fencing can be a lifesaver.
What are the ages? Children under 5 require a lot of time, many experienced breeders and rescue groups advise people with toddlers to wait to get a dog until their children are older. (Weims are very time intensive dogs.) How well behaved are the children? How do the adults treat the children? This is a good indicator of the overall environment.
Take your dog for a visit. While you chat and check out the fencing, watch the reaction to your dog. Are they upset when he pees on the roses? Is their landscaping immaculate? Ask how they would feel if the dog dug up some plants. When in the house, do they seem tense as he/she explores the home? You are looking for a family that is comfortable and accepting, showing joy at the idea your dog will join their family.
Unless your dog is used to cats, birds or other small animals a home with these creatures is risky. Some things to remember: Weims were bred to hunt furred animals. Prey drive may not show up until they are adult dogs. Outdoor cats are more at risk than indoor ones as a cat running for the fence is sure to rev up the prey drive and eventually that cat will get a little older and one step slower and the dog will have it. 2 or more dogs make a pack, each additional dog increases the risk. Finally, the ultimate question to ask of anyone with other animals is "if at some time in the future the worst happens and my dog kills your (whatever) can you live with it?" If the answer is "no" that person should not have a Weim.
Do all family members want the dog? Many times a husband/wife/partner/parent agree to let someone have a dog but once the dog becomes a reality they change their mind. In these situations the dog is always the one to go. If anyone is reluctant to have the dog, it is a risky placement.
The best arrangement is usually 1 male & 1 female. Unless both males are submissive, 2 males are a bad idea as both may fight or one may bully the other. To test any arrangement out, have the dogs meet at a neutral environment to avoid territory issues. Having all dogs neutered and spayed facilitates multiple dog households.
Those with a history of "losing" dogs, allowing dogs to run loose, giving them away or selling them are not good bets for a permanent home. Circumstances must be taken into consideration, but listen carefully. The best home is one in which they have gone through few dogs, and those have lived to a ripe old age. Contact their Veterinarian, see if previous pets have received good, consistent health care.
Finally, make sure the new owners will contact
you if they can no longer keep your dog so you have the choice of taking your
dog back, assisting with its placement, or referring them to Rescue. Follow up
with phone calls to see how things are going, unfortunately some people prefer
to just take an animal to the pound rather than return it.
These are just a few things that can assist you in providing a safe, stable and
adequate life for you dog. And thank you for making a real effort to do a
thorough job in placing your dog. Many Weims bond tightly to their owners and
more than 2 homes can be detrimental. There is nothing sadder than a Weimaraner
that has been in many homes and is now too unstable to be safely placed.
Placing your dog in the best home for him/her, and not just the first willing
home, is the real key to your dog having a long and happy life.