Retiring & Rehoming – Behavioral Considerations
Behavioral and health considerations along with environmental aspects all impact the success of the rehoming process.
Dogs are retired from breeding for many reasons. They include genetic, physical or behavioral health, and dogs that have aged out of a breeding program. Successful rehoming practices must consider health, behavior, and environmental aspects. Preparation for successful rehoming after retirement begins early, with proper puppy socialization and early exposure that mirrors typical life in the kennel as well as a pet home. It is maintained throughout a dog’s breeding career with good behavioral and physical wellness care.
Whether a breeder chooses to keep a retired dog in the kennel or rehome them, the ethical obligation to ensure dog well-being at the end of their reproductive careers must be met. Breeders should identify clear criteria, including both physical and behavioral health components, to evaluate whether a dog can be successfully rehomed. This should include interventions for dogs that may have developed minor or major problems. Identifying humane endpoints is also key in the protection of dog welfare. Neutering retired dogs removes the possibility of future intentional or unintentional breeding.
Rehoming decisions should be made with the long-term best interest of the dog in mind. It is critical to ensure that a rehomed dog’s welfare needs can be continuously met throughout the process and in a new home. Sharing dog health and behavioral records, along with supportive educational materials, sets new families up for success. Provisions should be made that support families by welcoming dogs back to the kennel or finding another appropriate home when the need arises.
See Also: Retiring and Rehoming in Environment and Health
Retiring & Rehoming – Behavioral Considerations Learning Library
Resources focused for the welfare needs of dogs living in breeding kennels, large or small scale.
BARE BONES BASICS (IF YOU ONLY HAVE A FEW MINUTES)
SNACKS – BOOKS, VIDEOS, WEBSITES (IF YOU HAVE 10 MINUTES MORE)
HIGH VALUE TREATS – Handouts AND CHECKLISTS (IF YOU HAVE 15 MINUTES MORE)
KIBBLE – Extension Papers (IF YOU HAVE 20 MINUTES)
FOOD PUZZLE BUFFET – Scientific Journal Articles (PULL UP A CHAIR)
Improving Canine Welfare in Commercial Breeding (CB) Operations: Evaluating Rehoming Candidates - CRONEY RESEARCH GROUP
Parasites and Vector-Borne Diseases Disseminated by Rehomed Dogs
Temperament Test for Re-Homed Dogs Validated Through Direct Behavioral Observation in Shelter and Home Environment
The First Rehoming of Laboratory Beagles in Finland: The Complete Process From Socialisation Training to Follow-Up
How do Rehomed Laboratory Beagles Behave in Everyday Situations? Results From an Observational Test and a Survey of New Owners
Additional Resources to Support Dogs in Other Environments
SHELTER & RESCUE
Dogs living in shelter or rescue kennels face challenges specific to their living environments. Practical applications for their management and care may also differ. Additional resources for their caretakers, including those caring for dogs in home-based foster systems or rescue networks, are provided to support efforts to improve, maintain, and protect their welfare.
PET FAMILIES
Dogs living in homes as family pets face challenges specific to their living environments. Practical applications for their management and care may also differ. Additional resources for their caretakers, support the human-animal bond, keep pets in their homes, and improve, maintain, and protect their welfare.
Research & Teaching
Dogs living in research or teaching kennels face challenges specific to their living environments. Practical applications for their management and care may also differ. Additional resources for their caretakers are provided to support efforts to improve, maintain, and protect their welfare.
Applications for Research & Teaching
Comparison of Behavior and Genetic Structure in Populations of Family and Kenneled Beagles
Turcsán, B., Tátrai, K., Petró, E., Topál, J., Balogh, L., Egyed, B., and Kubinyi, E. (2020) Comparison of behavior and genetic structure in populations of family and kenneled beagles.
Behavior Of Laboratory Dogs Before And After Rehoming In Private Homes
Döring, D., Nick, O., Bauer, A., Küchenhoff, H. and Erhard, M.H. (2017). Behavior of laboratory dogs before and after rehoming in private homes. ALTEX - Alternatives to animal experimentation, 34(1), 133-147. doi: 10.14573/altex.1608171. retire
Applications for Pet Families
Applications for Shelter & Rescue
An Evaluation of A Behaviour Assessment to Determine the Suitability of Shelter Dogs for Rehoming
Poulsen, A.H., Lisle, A.T., and Phillips, C.J.C. (2010). An Evaluation of a Behaviour Assessment to Determine the Suitability of Shelter Dogs for Rehoming. retire rehome
Evaluation of the Predictive Validity of the Behavioural Assessment for Re-Homing K9’s (B.A.R.K.) Protocol and Owner Satisfaction With Adopted Dogs
Mornement, K.M., Coleman, G.J., Toukhsati, S.R., and Bennett, P.C. (2015). Evaluation of the predictive validity of the Behavioural Assessment for Re-homing K9’s (B.A.R.K.) protocol and owner satisfaction with adopted dogs. Retire Rehome
Characteristics and Adoption Success of Shelter Dogs Assessed as Resource Guarders
McGuire, B. (2019). Characteristics and Adoption Success of Shelter Dogs Assessed as Resource Guarders rehoming
Health and Behavior Problems in Dogs and Cats One Week and One Month After Adoption From Animal Shelters
Lord, L.K., Reider, L., Herron, M.E., and Graszak, K. (2008). Health and behavior problems in dogs and cats one week and one month after adoption from animal shelters retire rehome
Post-Adoption Problem Behaviours in Adolescent and Adult Dogs Rehomed Through a New Zealand Animal Shelter
Gates, M.C., Zito, S., Thomas, J., and Dale, A. (2018). Post-Adoption Problem Behaviours in Adolescent and Adult Dogs Rehomed through a New Zealand Animal Shelter. retire
Factors Affecting the Success of Rehoming Dogs in the UK During 2005
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