Wits End?
- Internet
- Books
- When there is no other recourse, but to find a new home for your Catahoula, please read this...
http://www.ddfl.org/tips.htm Denver Dumb Friends League - Numerous articles on behavior and training.
http://www.bestfriends.org/theanimals/petcare/dogs.cfm Bestfriends Sanctuary - This site has articles on many aspects of dog ownership from selection to training to health issues
http://www.wonderpuppy.net/canwehelp/index.html Wonder Puppy - Information on training and behavior problems as well as advice to help rehome your pet if necessary.
http://www.flyingdogpress.com/artlibreg.htm Flying Dog Press - Numerous Articles on canine behavior and training.
http://www.saveadog.org/infodogowners.asp Save a Dog - Many useful articles for dog owners, including housebreaking tips, overcoming carsickness, vaccination protocols, and a dog owner's guide
http://www.apdt.com/ Association of Pet Dog Trainers -
training tips, find a trainer, events. This website has not only training articles, but also a list of trainers by location.
http://www.caninesincrisis.org/ Canine Care - Health tips and disease prevention.
Tips for Rehoming Your Catahoula
By Julia Kamysz Lane Illinois Rep, Catahoula Rescue Inc
If you purchased your Catahoula from a breeder, contact them ASAP to see if they will take him/her back. A responsible breeder will do so, no matter the age of the dog. If you got your dog from a rescue, contact the rescue as it usually states in the contract that the dog is to be returned to them. If s/he didn't come from a breeder (or a responsible breeder) or a rescue, your next option is to get the word out that you are looking for a loving home for him/her. Here are the things you can do:
1) Create a flyer featuring a head shot and a side profile of the entire dog in a standing position. Write something simple but informative, such as "Dog's Name, 3 yr. Catahoula Seeks Active Home." In smaller type, include vital info such as "S/he is up-to-date on vaccinations, spayed/neutered, crate-trained, housebroken, and good with dogs." Think of what info you would want to know if you were looking for a dog.
2) Post flyers at your vet, dog parks, coffee shops, bookstores and anywhere else that will allow you to do so. Be sure to call your vet and tell them you're looking for a new home for your dog. S/he might know of someone looking for a dog.
3) Send a mass email to your friends, family and any dog lover you can think of including your head shot and side view photos and the vital info from your flyer. At the top or bottom, say that you give permission to forward and crosspost. You'll be amazed at how quickly word spreads via Internet.
4) Post him/her on the Catahoula rescue board:
Catahoula Rescue Inc Message Board
5) Post him/her on the Catahoula rescue list:
Catahoula Resq Network List -- you must join the list through Yahoo groups
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/catahoularesqnetwork/?yguid=73773657
6) Post him/her on Dogster as an adoptable dog and join two groups so you can post that s/he is looking for a home:
- Catahoula Rescue
- Catahoua-Ville
7) Be sure to ask for an adoption fee of some kind to ensure the adopter is serious. Also, some dog fighters look for free pets to use as bait for training, so asking a fee -- and the potential adopter's reaction to your asking for one -- will tell you a lot about the home in question. Plus, if they can't afford a $150 adoption fee, how can they afford food, vet bills, etc.?
8) Some sample questions to ask are: What pets do you have or have had in the past? What happened to them? Have you ever given up an animal to a shelter? Why do you want a Catahoula? How do you plan to exercise a Catahoula? Also, ask for two or three references, both family and friends. If someone balks at giving you this info, then that could be a red flag that s/he does not have your dog's best interest at heart.
9) Lastly, if s/he is not already spayed/neutered, please do so before s/he is adopted. As I'm sure you saw on the Catahoula Rescue Web site and rescue board, there are already too many dogs in need of homes. You can make a difference!
If you have any questions about my suggestions, please email me at spotonk9s@mac.com or Catahoula Rescue Inc at info@catahoularescue.com. I hope this helps you find the best possible home for your dog.
Julia’s Favorite Dog-Related Books
