GOOD DOG: Think before surrendering pet

During a recent conversation with a friend from Pals Forever Animal Rescue, we were talking about the reasons people give for surrendering their dogs, and thought it would be a good topic for an article.

But we didn't want to just identify the reasons for surrender. We also want to see if there's a way to overcome them, thus decreasing the number of dogs surrendered each year - and there are millions in this country alone.

Behavior problems are at the top of most lists: barking, hyperactivity, chewing, house training, running away and aggression get mentioned frequently.

The sad part is that with even a little training, most behavioral problems can be greatly reduced, if not eliminated. Before deciding to surrender your dog for behavioral issues, consider contacting a trainer. You'd be surprised how easy it usually is to get Fido on the right track.

Logic would lead one to believe that training could reduce the rate of surrenders, though I've been unable to find any statistics on this. Still, if behavioral issues are to blame for most surrenders, the best remedy is training.

Another problem is that many people do not have realistic expectations about their dog. Whether comparing their current dog to a prior one (that was always perfect!), or simply forgetting about the learning phase that comes with any dog in a new environment, these people are quickly irritated with the new dog's behavior, and give up on him without trying to teach him how things work in their home. Patience and persistence are crucial.

Moving is the No. 1 reason for surrender at the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region, according to Ann Davenport, director of community resources. Though their list included cats, as well as dogs, moving is also listed high on a number of other rescue sites that deal only with dogs.

Many landlords ban dogs because they are concerned with damage to their property, or they have a ban on certain breeds that are considered dangerous.

However, many others do not. If you are moving and have a dog, take some time and look for dog-friendly places to live. Rental agencies can be a great help here, as can the Internet. Some landlords might even bend the rules a bit if you can demonstrate that your dog is well-behaved and trained.

Another common reason for surrendering a dog is "not enough time." Life can certainly get crazy at times, and situations can change. But most people do have enough time.

Dogs typically spend more time asleep than awake on any given day. Remember, it is quality versus quantity when it comes to time spent with your pooch. Take him for a short walk before or after work. Throw the ball in the backyard for him. Do a few minutes of training (there's that word again!). Or, just kick back and watch some TV with him.

Regardless, he will be much happier spending a small amount of time with you every day than going through the stress of being shuffled off to a shelter and then, maybe, to a new home.

If you are considering surrendering your dog, please pause and consider it again. Make sure that you are exhausting all possible solutions to any problems you might be experiencing. Resources are available to you that might quickly, and inexpensively, turn your "demon child" into the perfect pooch. You owe it to the little guy!

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Jim Beinlich is the owner of Cool K9's Dog Training in Colorado Springs and a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. Reach him at www.coolk9s.com.