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As Preventive Vets dog behavior expert and lead trainer at Pupstanding Academy, Cathy focuses on helping humans and their pets build a strong relationship based on trust, clear communication, and the use of positive reinforcement and force-free methods. With over 13 years of experience, she has had the opportunity to work with hundreds of dogs on a wide variety of training and behavior issues. Beyond her one-on-one consultations through Pupstanding Academy, she also teaches group dog training classes at Seattle Humane. Her specialties include dog aggression, resource guarding, separation anxiety, and puppy socialization.
Cathy is a certified Family Dog Mediator, and certified through the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers, holding both the CPDT-KA and CBCC-KA designations. Cathy is a Fear Free Certified Certified Professional, a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, the Pet Professional Guild, and the Dog Writers Association of America. She has also completed the Aggression in Dogs Master Course.
When shes not geeking out about dogs, you can find her reading, hiking with her two Cardigan Welsh Corgis, or paddleboarding.
When faced with an aggressive dog in your home, you might find yourself asking the heartbreaking question: “Can an aggressive dog be rehomed?” The simple answer is yes, but it’s not always straightforward. As someone who’s helped numerous families navigate this difficult journey, I can tell you that rehoming an aggressive dog requires patience, understanding, and the right approach.
In this article, we’ll explore practical solutions for rehoming aggressive dogs, ensuring both the dog’s wellbeing and the safety of everyone involved. Drawing from real experiences and expert advice, we’ll guide you through this emotional process step by step.
Understanding Dog Aggression: The First Step
Before attempting to rehome an aggressive dog, it’s crucial to understand what’s causing the aggression. Dogs don’t just become aggressive without reason – there’s always an underlying trigger.
Common Causes of Aggression in Dogs:
- Fear: Many dogs show aggression when they feel threatened
- Territoriality: Some dogs become aggressive when defending their space
- Resource guarding: Protection of food, toys, or even their owners
- Pain: Medical conditions that cause discomfort
- Past trauma: Previous abuse or neglect
- Lack of socialization: Limited exposure to different situations
My neighbor’s rescue dog Max, would growl whenever someone approached his food bowl. After working with a behaviorist they discovered this was classic resource guarding stemming from food insecurity in his previous home. Understanding this made his behavior manageable and eventually helped him find a new home.
Is Rehoming Always the Right Choice?
Before deciding to rehome your aggressive dog, consider whether you’ve explored all other options Many behavioral issues can be addressed with proper training and management
Questions to Ask Yourself:
- Have you consulted with a veterinarian to rule out medical causes?
- Have you worked with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist?
- Have you identified specific triggers and tried to address them?
- Is the aggression manageable with proper training and precautions?
- Does your current living situation contribute to the aggression?
Sometimes the right environment can make all the difference. We once had a German Shepherd who showed aggression toward children. After rehoming him with an older couple in a rural area with no kids nearby his aggressive behaviors completely disappeared.
Preparing Your Dog for Rehoming
If you’ve decided rehoming is the best option, proper preparation can significantly increase your chances of success.
Training for Adjustments
Before rehoming an aggressive dog, work on basic behaviors that will help them adjust:
- Identify triggers: Know exactly what causes your dog’s aggression
- Basic obedience: Ensure they understand commands like sit, stay, and come
- Socialization: Gradually expose them to new environments (within their comfort zone)
- Positive reinforcement: Reward good behavior consistently
Seeking Professional Help
Professional assistance isn’t just helpful—it’s often essential:
- Find a specialist with experience handling aggressive dogs
- Consult with a veterinarian to rule out medical causes
- Consider medication if recommended by professionals
- Document all training efforts and progress
My friend Sarah worked with a behaviorist for three months before rehoming her reactive Pitbull. The training didn’t eliminate the aggression completely, but it made it predictable and manageable, which was crucial information for the new owners.
Finding the Right Home for an Aggressive Dog
Not every home is suitable for an aggressive dog. Finding the right match is critical for a successful transition.
Criteria for Potential Adopters:
- Experience with dogs: Ideally someone who has handled challenging dogs before
- Appropriate household composition: Consider whether children or other pets are present
- Home environment: Sufficient space, secure fencing, and minimal triggers
- Commitment to training: Willingness to continue behavioral work
- Understanding of limitations: Realistic expectations about the dog’s behavior
I remember placing a dog-aggressive Shepherd mix with a retired K-9 handler who lived alone on a large property. It was perfect—the dog got plenty of exercise, consistent training, and had no exposure to other dogs that triggered his aggression.
The Rehoming Process: Doing It Right
Rehoming an aggressive dog requires more care and planning than rehoming a dog without behavioral issues.
Steps for a Responsible Rehoming:
- Be completely honest about your dog’s history and aggressive behaviors
- Document everything: Include training techniques that work, triggers, and bite history if applicable
- Arrange multiple meetings: Let the potential adopter spend increasing amounts of time with the dog
- Consider a trial period: Allow the adopter to foster before committing
- Provide support: Offer to answer questions and provide guidance after rehoming
Where to Find Help with Rehoming:
- Return to original shelter/breeder: Many adoption contracts require this
- Breed-specific rescues: Often have experience with the breed’s specific challenges
- No-kill shelters: May accept aggressive dogs in some circumstances
- Professional rehoming services: Specialize in difficult-to-place dogs
- Veterinary referrals: May know of appropriate homes or rescues
When Rehoming Might Not Be Possible
I gotta be honest with you—not all aggressive dogs can be safely rehomed. There are situations where rehoming might not be a viable option:
- The dog has a severe bite history with unpredictable triggers
- The aggression is so extreme that management is difficult even for professionals
- Multiple rehoming attempts have failed
- The dog poses a serious safety risk to humans
In these difficult cases, you might need to consider other options, including:
- Sanctuary placement: Some facilities specialize in long-term care for dogs that cannot be rehomed
- Behavioral euthanasia: A heartbreaking but sometimes necessary decision when safety and quality of life cannot be ensured
Real-Life Experience: Kopa’s Story
The story of Kopa, a treeing walker coonhound, illustrates the complexities of rehoming an aggressive dog. His family adopted him at one year old, but he began showing aggression toward the husband, growling when being cuddled or moved slightly.
Despite working with trainers and trying various techniques, Kopa’s aggression escalated. The family was expecting a baby and became concerned about safety. They made the difficult decision to return him to the shelter where they had adopted him.
Thankfully, after receiving specialized training at the shelter, Kopa was eventually adopted by a new family better suited to his needs. This story shows that while rehoming can be painful, it can lead to better outcomes for both the dog and all humans involved.
The Transition Period: Setting Your Dog Up for Success
When you’ve found a potential new home, the transition period is crucial for success.
Creating an Adjustment Schedule:
- Gradual introduction: Start with short visits before permanent placement
- Consistency: Maintain the same feeding, walking, and training routines
- Familiar items: Send toys, blankets, and other items with familiar scents
- Detailed instructions: Provide written guidelines about the dog’s needs and triggers
Supporting the New Owner:
- Stay available: Offer to answer questions and provide advice
- Check in regularly: Follow up to see how the adjustment is going
- Provide resources: Share contact information for trainers and veterinarians familiar with the dog
- Be prepared to take the dog back: If things don’t work out, be willing to reclaim the dog
Legal and Ethical Considerations
When rehoming an aggressive dog, there are important legal and ethical factors to consider:
- Disclosure: You have a legal and moral obligation to disclose all incidents of aggression
- Liability: In some jurisdictions, you may remain partially liable if the dog injures someone after rehoming
- Documentation: Have the new owner sign an acknowledgment of the dog’s history
- Local laws: Some areas have restrictions on keeping or transferring dogs with bite histories
Making Peace with Your Decision
The decision to rehome an aggressive dog is never easy. Many of us feel immense guilt, like we’ve failed our furry friend. Remember:
- Sometimes the best home for a dog isn’t your home
- Prioritizing safety doesn’t mean you don’t love your dog
- Some dogs thrive in different environments with different handlers
- You’re making a responsible choice by finding a more suitable home
So, can an aggressive dog be rehomed? Yes, with careful planning, honest communication, and finding the right match, many aggressive dogs can find new homes where they can thrive. While not every aggressive dog can be safely rehomed, exploring this option demonstrates your commitment to giving your dog the best chance at a happy life.
If you’re currently struggling with this decision, reach out to professional trainers, behaviorists, and reputable rescue organizations. With their expertise and your dedication, your aggressive dog might find the perfect forever home where their triggers are minimized and their good qualities can shine.
Remember, making this difficult decision isn’t about giving up—it’s about finding the best solution for everyone involved, including your beloved pet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are signs that a dog’s aggression might make rehoming difficult?
Unpredictable aggression without clear triggers, a severe bite history, or aggression directed at multiple targets (children, men, other animals) can make rehoming challenging.
Should I consider euthanasia instead of rehoming an aggressive dog?
Euthanasia should only be considered after exhausting all other options, including medical evaluation, professional behavioral help, and attempts to find appropriate placement. This decision should be made in consultation with veterinary and behavioral professionals.
How do I know if a potential adopter can handle my aggressive dog?
Look for experience with similar dogs, a suitable home environment, willingness to continue training, and realistic expectations about managing the dog’s behavior.
Is it better to rehome through a rescue or directly to a new owner?
Rescues often have screening processes and resources to ensure appropriate placement, but direct rehoming allows you to personally assess the new home. Either way, thorough screening is essential.
What should I include in my dog’s “history” when rehoming?
Include all instances of aggression, triggers, training methods that have helped, medical history, daily routine, and any management strategies that have been successful.
