Think I need to put my dogs needs first and rehome

[MyPoorLittlePup]

I have a six year old ddog who I love ever so much. I have a dd (3) who loves our dog but is currently being assessed for autism and is having uncontrollable meltdowns. My poor dog is running around on tender hooks all day and is clearly very uncomfortable living in my home, my dds meltdowns are unpredictable and are causing my dog to bark, pace around and cry during these meltdowns. I’ve tried creating a child free safe space for my dog to go to whilst my child is having one of her meltdowns but this has not helped. I have tried a behaviourist to see if there’s anything that can be done but have come up empty handed. Is this the end of the road for my poor dog in our family? I don’t want her having a stress filled life and I have ran out of ideas to make her feel more comfortable

I’m so sorry you’re facing this. It must be absolutely heartbreaking. Fwiw rehoming a dog when it is in the best interests of everyone involved is a compassionate and brave thing to do and I commend you for it. Far better to find your lovely dog a new home where they won’t be so stressed (and a stressed dog can, if this isn’t resolved snap or bite to communicate which you don’t want around children). There are lots of people wanting dogs and there will be a home out there for them where they can be happy.
There’s lots of good research that suggest that dogs bond very happily with their new people - they live more in the moment than we do. Good luck with it.

This is such a difficult situation to be in and I really feel for you.

I think you're right; your dog needs to be rehomed. But I also know this is a very upsetting and devastating thing to do.

I had always assumed that people who 'rehomed' dogs did it willy-nilly and found being a dog-owner too hard.

Until I had to do it.

I've got to be honest, it was the worst things I've ever had to do (and I cried for weeks with the guilt) but I knew it was the best thing for her. Worse than a break up with any bloke!

But she had started self-harming (I didn't even know dogs did that) and her brain was fried from the situation we were in (I won't go into details). The RSPCA (who I adopted her from) were appalling and threatened to have her put down. I will never give them a penny again. But I found a smaller, local rescue who were fabulous, rehabilitated her and updated me when she was adopted (along with a second dog to keep her company).

You know your dog best. And if you think this is the right thing to do, then be warned it is hard, but it will be best for your dog. Feel free to DM me if you want to ask any questions.

Just sending lots of love and support. Hope your DD gets a proper assessment soon. x

I'm sorry you are facing this it's a horrible situation to be in
I had to rehome one dog when my son was a toddler as the dog had become so stressed and extremely focused on him
I was very lucky that a relative offered to take him and I know he had a very happy spoiled life with her
I never ever expected to " give a dog away" but it really was the best outcome for us all but mainly the dog who became the dog he was again away from the stress
Good luck

I agree with your instinct op. When people say they couldn’t never part with their dog in a situation where their dog is clearly unhappy and not coping and also impacted by their owner’s frustration with the situation (looking at you, neighbour) I privately think that it often a very selfish view point in direct conflict with the dog’s best interests.

Im so sorry you are in this situation and it is heartbreaking. If you need recommendations for a lovely charity to help you rehome, then I can recommend the cinnamon trust.

I took my dog from a relative as he was too stressed living with children and he’s had a very happy life, so don’t feel bad as if you find the right person it will all work out for your dog. My dog got completely over excited by the noise and smells of children would steal and eat nappies, wee on their belongings and also became insanely over protective when they left the house for a walk. Sometimes things do not work out and you didn’t know that it wouldn’t so I would focus on finding an amazing home for your dog. Good luck x

Just want to thank everyone for the positive comments, I know now this is for the best for my dog and I’m going to be looking into revoking centres that will make sure she gets a very good home. I do not want to sell her as I need to make sure she goes to a home that is best suited to her needs and I don’t feel I can guarantee that whereas a rehoming centre can do background checks etc

rehoming