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Experiences of rehoming a young dog when you know it is right

9 replies

Smalltitan123 · 16/06/2026 15:18

What are people's experience with rehoming dogs? We live him dearly but we are struggling with every area of having him. He is 1. We have registered him with dogs trust and he has been on their "books" for a week now. I am so anxious about the whole thing. We know it is right for him in the long run but I feel so awful. How have others coped ? Please no negative comments focusing on our decision.

OP posts:
TheHungryHungryLandsharks · 16/06/2026 19:28

I view rehoming a dog in a similar way to putting a dog to sleep: better a week too early than a day too late, particularly if you've reached this point.

If there's a breed specific rescue near you, I'd strongly encourage you to use them over Dogs Trust. I wouldn't use any of the 'big rescues' if I was paid (they don't give a lot of good families a chance and hold dogs in kennels for too long, they often then re-home to unsuitable families, they don't feed them a decent quality diet). Or, return to the breeder. A good breeder will take a dog back no matter the age. But please do avoid somewhere where the dog will end up in kennels - no dog deserves that environment.

Not every dog is suitable for every family and not every family is suitable for every dog. And honestly, the only way families cope is by accepting they're doing what is right for the dog.

For what it's worth, I've seen dogs that people have claimed are 'beyond help' thrive and live their best lives in new homes and completely change in terms of temperament. Honestly, for some dogs, being re-home is the best thing that can happen to them and you should focus on that.

Do you mind saying what breed he is, and what the main issues are? Some of it could be adolescence. I don't want to try and influence you or to change your mind if you are 100% sure but sometimes hearing an unbiased opinion can be helpful - if only to have an independent voice say 'no, you're doing the right thing.'

Dunnocantthinkofone · 16/06/2026 19:36

There is no shame in homing a dog when it serves their best interests. But having navigated it with multiple clients, I can hand on heart say it is still exceptionally hard. Acceptance comes later in my experience but all you can do is hold onto the facts - everyone is going to have a better long term future
Like the PP I’d be interested to know more if you feel able to share. We can help more if we have detail - lots of us know rescues or have knowledge that may help but so far it’s too vague to do so

AmITotallyBonkers · 16/06/2026 19:38

You may be able to home it from here with a little info or a link 😊

Dunnocantthinkofone · 16/06/2026 19:43

AmITotallyBonkers · 16/06/2026 19:38

You may be able to home it from here with a little info or a link 😊

I’m sure you mean well but rehoming really should be left to rescues imo.
Far too many unscrupulous people wanting bait dogs and the trauma of choosing a nice new home is extremely stressful for an owner. That feeling of ‘getting it right’ is too burdensome for someone who loves the dog

2025M · 16/06/2026 19:48

A 1 year old dog is a pain in the arse. They are a teenager, testing boundaries. This will continue until around 18 months and then by 2 you'll have a completely different dog.

Are you sure you are not just ground down by the teenage angst months? Use dog care or puppy sitters to help share a load.

There's no info to be sure but you will have a different dog very soon if it's as simple as age.

Dearg · 16/06/2026 19:50

Hi Op,

I adopted my female lab when she was a year old. Her previous family was in crisis and needed to let her go. She was a little strung out.

But , with the help of my male lab, and our experience, she settled quickly, and is hugely loved. Even the vet reckons she landed on her paws.

Someone, right now, really wants your dog, and will adore him. Doing right by your dog sometimes means letting someone else look after them.
💐 for you. It’s not easy.

Walker1178 · 16/06/2026 19:56

I can offer a view from the other side as we found our last dog through a rescue. He was 6mths old at the time and still in his original family home when we were matched. No neglect, they simply couldn’t give him the time and energy he deserved. He fitted perfectly into our family from day one and we got to love him for over 15 years. I will forever be grateful for the original owners for letting him come in to our lives as it was a hard decision for them to give him up.

Gardenisablooming · 16/06/2026 20:01

Breed op? Be totally honest with any rescue... Gives your ddog the best chance.. When my ds and his gf split we had their ddog temporarily.. He was very jealous and we had ddogs and a toddler so keeping him wasn't on the cards sadly. With a referral form a very kind mner he got a place in a reputable rescue. Unfortunately his new home didn't work out and he was pts. He was about 2 if I recall.
But honestly all year old ddogs are bloody awful imo.. Ours is 8 months and I'm At The End Of My Tether daily!!

omghereistrouble · Yesterday 15:45

I have always had rescue dogs. I know people are right in a lot of it is adolescent behaviour, but you do not want to go to training etc and have made up your mind to rehome, then I would advise a small rescue who may be able to take into a foster home until someone chooses him.
I would never ever deal with large rescues and putting a dog into a kennel when he has known a home is so cruel.
i think it would be helpful to us all if you can tell us what the issues are breed etc

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