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The doghouse

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Original poster

Re-homing a dog

110 replies

SiousieSoo · 09/12/2023 15:20

Hi everyone

I know this is a sensitive subject and I hope it does not upset anyone. My dad has a lovely red cocker spaniel, she is almost two years old. It has become increasingly obvious that he is unable to deal with her as she requires a lot of walking and exercise. I think that it might be better all round if she is re-homed but we would want her to go with a loving owner who would take care of her. None of us could bear her being sent to a home with someone who did not treat her well. Do you know how rigorous the process is for rehoming a dog with Battersea Dogs Home or the Dogs Trust? Do they perform due diligence on the owers and continually monitor the dog's living arrangements to ensure that they are being treated well? Are there any sanctions if they give the dog away or are no steps taken? Does anyone have any advice on the best way of doing this? I have not spoken to my dad about this as he would be so upset at the thought of doing this, but I am just exploring potential options at the moment. Would be very grateful for any advice.

OP posts:
Original poster
SiousieSoo · 10/12/2023 15:31

redboxer321 · 10/12/2023 15:26

That's a snuffle mat you've ordered, OP. They are for dry treats.
Lick mats are silicone and can be used for wet food.
The 8 Best Lick Mats for Dogs of 2023 (thesprucepets.com)

There's lots of other things you can use:
Treat dispensers
Kongs
Puzzle toys...

As for chews, pizzle sticks, moon bones (not actually bone), bones (beef tails that kind of thing). Some dogs like to chew on roots, like tubers, yak sticks.

Have a look on some natural treats websites.
Don't get rawhide, it's not at all good for dogs. You want mostly bits of animals chews.

Can you recommend a good treat dispenser? I looked online and honestly it was quite overwhelming trying to choose.

OP posts:
margotrose · 10/12/2023 15:33

As long as the peanut butter is 100% peanuts, it's perfectly safe for dogs. Mine absolutely loves it. He also loves Philadelphia or Primula squeezy cheese.

There are loads of human foods that are safe for dogs to eat. Mine loves a cows hoof stuffed with either of the above, or mashed bananas or apple sauce.

Lick-mats are for soft, liquid/paste style foods only really, it would be a bit pointless to put chicken in one IMO, though you could hide chicken in a snuffle mat or something.

margotrose · 10/12/2023 15:33

To add, what food is she currently on? Some are better than others and there are links between hyperactivity and poor quality foods.

Hairyfairy01 · 10/12/2023 15:37

Are you able to discuss all of this with your dad? I'm presuming he still has capacity?

Original poster
SiousieSoo · 10/12/2023 15:39

margotrose · 10/12/2023 15:33

To add, what food is she currently on? Some are better than others and there are links between hyperactivity and poor quality foods.

I do not know the exact brand but I am seeing my dad later so will find out and let you know! Honestly this is a revelation to me I had no idea that dogs could eat food like peanut butter, my dad is old school and probably not up on all the latest information like this! I think it might be advantageous for her to have different types of food like this that she can be given in an adventurous and challenging manner as it will hopefully tire her out.

OP posts:
Original poster
SiousieSoo · 10/12/2023 15:41

Hairyfairy01 · 10/12/2023 15:37

Are you able to discuss all of this with your dad? I'm presuming he still has capacity?

I can discuss this with him, his speech has been affected and he gets confused with words etc, but his comprehension of language is sufficient for him to be able to understand, thank you.

OP posts:
margotrose · 10/12/2023 15:42

You don't want to give it too often (certainly not everyday) and start with small amounts to make sure she's okay with it. While most dogs are fine with peanut butter and cheese, some will find them too rich so it's important to introduce them slowly :)

Also with her main food, if you do decide to switch brand make sure to do it slowly so that it doesn't upset her stomach too much.

But there are things you can probably add to her diet straight away, to be honest - there are lots of dog-friendly fruits and veggies out there that are low in calories and that have loads of health benefits. Definitely no garlic, grapes, chocolate, raisins, sultanas or onion though, and ideally as little salt as possible.

vjg13 · 10/12/2023 15:43

Just to echo previous posters in recommending the Cinnamon Trust. I have volunteered for them for about 17 years and walked a variety of dogs and had 2 long term foster dogs when their owner sadly died.

I have been walking my current Cinnamon Trust dog for about 7 years and they also supply other volunteers to my lady to help out on other days.

Original poster
SiousieSoo · 10/12/2023 15:46

vjg13 · 10/12/2023 15:43

Just to echo previous posters in recommending the Cinnamon Trust. I have volunteered for them for about 17 years and walked a variety of dogs and had 2 long term foster dogs when their owner sadly died.

I have been walking my current Cinnamon Trust dog for about 7 years and they also supply other volunteers to my lady to help out on other days.

Amazing, am really hoping that they can help!

OP posts:
Dartmoorcheffy · 10/12/2023 15:55

Cheap pate from lidl is our dogs favourite on a licky mat.

JamieJ93 · 10/12/2023 16:09

My very very lively red working cocker spaniel. 5 months old.
I have mobility issues too but I do walk him on short walks and then my husband does a longer walk after work/weekends
So it can be down with disabilities with the right support in place.
He has plenty of mental and physical stimulation daily but has no end of energy so I do get what the OP is concerned about the high energy dog however, I struggle with my mobility but have the right support in place to ensure his needs are met and i dont have to lose my best friend!!

Re-homing a dog
Undisclosedlocation · 10/12/2023 16:22

Hi again OP. I don’t know anyone personally in that area, but the link below is to one of the national scent work organisations run by a good friend of mine. Anyone they recommend will be ace!
I do just want to sound a note of caution with regard to all the activities planned for this busy little spaniel. Whilst she absolutely needs some more mental stimulation, the thing a young active working cocker needs most is to learn how to switch off and relax. Very often they are go,go,go in a pretty relentless fashion and have to be actively taught how to chill out. Basically they will take every scrap of work/attention you give them and still be ready for more! A good trainer can help you teach this but https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=FMMEHdnqjnI will give you an idea of what I mean.

Link for scent organisation
https://thenationalnoseworkassociation.co.uk/

The National Nosework Association | National Association

https://thenationalnoseworkassociation.co.uk/

vjg13 · 10/12/2023 16:25

@SiousieSoo If they don't currently have any volunteers in your Dad's area, it's also worth asking them for some posters for you to put up in nearby community spaces which will recruit people who may be able to help out.

I really hope they can help your Dad out, it is a great charity fully committed to keeping pets and owners together.

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 10/12/2023 16:36

As your Dad's voice is affected , something like Clicker Training or as mentioned upthread , a whistle , so he won't need to call her .
Whistle would probably be more effective as the sound will carry and not so reliant on manual dexterity if his hands are weakened .

The stress of him thinking "Can I call her name out loud" , it would be easier with a couple of whistle blasts ?
And she sounds like a clever dog who would catch on quick.

Obviously if something like this is used then everyone needs to use the same audible aid so she doesn't get mixed messages .

Original poster
SiousieSoo · 10/12/2023 16:49

margotrose · 10/12/2023 15:33

To add, what food is she currently on? Some are better than others and there are links between hyperactivity and poor quality foods.

The food she has is by Lily's Kitchen.

OP posts:
WatchOutMissMarpleIsAbout · 10/12/2023 17:12

My girl has pancreatitis and we often give her a frozen carrot to chew on. She loves it.

Undisclosedlocation · 10/12/2023 17:20

SiousieSoo · 10/12/2023 16:49

The food she has is by Lily's Kitchen.

Show quote history

Not my area of expertise but that’s a decent brand. The only thing to check is the protein content. High protein can send some dogs hyper.

AnnieSnap · 10/12/2023 17:34

SiousieSoo · 10/12/2023 16:49

The food she has is by Lily's Kitchen.

Show quote history

That’s a good food. What does your dad want to do?

Lougle · 10/12/2023 17:39

With peanut butter you just have to check the ingredients to make sure it doesn't contain xylitol which is a sweetener that can be fatal to dogs.

Original poster
SiousieSoo · 10/12/2023 18:02

AnnieSnap · 10/12/2023 17:34

That’s a good food. What does your dad want to do?

Show quote history

I have not spoken to him about this. I know it will upset him to think of her going so my post was just created at a point of panic to be honest when all I could think was how overwhelming the situation is. I feel that with the helpful information I have received here I am really hopining that I can help create an environment where the dog will be sufficiently stimulated to enable him to keep her, because it is the extra walk he is doing that is causing me concern that he cannot keep up with walking her. Even introducing different foods with the lick pads and the treat toys etc will help her no doubt. I am also going to contact the Cinnamon Trust to see if they are able to help and contact the scent organisation listed above. I am very very grateful for all the advice I have received from people here, just noting @Undisclosedlocation @BoobsOnTheChristmasTree @margotrose @redboxer321 and @hitherandhither . Thank you so much!

OP posts:
Original poster
SiousieSoo · 10/12/2023 18:07

JamieJ93 · 10/12/2023 16:09

My very very lively red working cocker spaniel. 5 months old.
I have mobility issues too but I do walk him on short walks and then my husband does a longer walk after work/weekends
So it can be down with disabilities with the right support in place.
He has plenty of mental and physical stimulation daily but has no end of energy so I do get what the OP is concerned about the high energy dog however, I struggle with my mobility but have the right support in place to ensure his needs are met and i dont have to lose my best friend!!

Gorgeous doggy!

OP posts:
Cheeesus · 10/12/2023 18:19

This is the treat toy we have. It’s good, but one of our dogs isn’t clever enough to work it out! https://amzn.to/4ac1WOh

Original poster
SiousieSoo · 10/12/2023 18:22

Undisclosedlocation · 10/12/2023 16:22

Hi again OP. I don’t know anyone personally in that area, but the link below is to one of the national scent work organisations run by a good friend of mine. Anyone they recommend will be ace!
I do just want to sound a note of caution with regard to all the activities planned for this busy little spaniel. Whilst she absolutely needs some more mental stimulation, the thing a young active working cocker needs most is to learn how to switch off and relax. Very often they are go,go,go in a pretty relentless fashion and have to be actively taught how to chill out. Basically they will take every scrap of work/attention you give them and still be ready for more! A good trainer can help you teach this but https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=FMMEHdnqjnI will give you an idea of what I mean.

Link for scent organisation
https://thenationalnoseworkassociation.co.uk/

This is very good advice and I can see that is exactly what she needs because she never seems to be able to switch off. But this sounds like its a very complex skill for her to learn. Do we need a specialist cocker spaniel trainer for this? How does this interact with the scentwork?

OP posts:
muddyford · 10/12/2023 18:23

You would be better asking the specific breed rescue charity. They will offer ongoing advice to a new owner and have assessors for the dog and the potential home that are experienced with the breed.

margotrose · 10/12/2023 18:26

You're more than welcome OP.

Lily's Kitchen is a good quality food so if it suits her I wouldn't be in a rush to change it. If you're worried about the fattiness of peanut butter etc. you could try natural treats - things like ostrich bones, cows hooves etc. are long lasting and low in fat (though the hooves stink - so be warned!).