How do you make sure your dog goes to a good home?

**CyiDev** · 09-12-2011, 02:05 PM

I am getting ready to deploy again, and I have an 16 month old English Mastiff who would make it more difficult for my wife to handle with-out me here. She is a great dog so I do not want her to go to a shelter and eventually be abused / put down. I have contacted a mastiff rescue but they put the time frame at 1-3 months. What would you guys do to ensure your dog went to a good home? P.S. If your in the area and want her let me know *cough* wid *cough*

**LarryAndro** · 09-12-2011, 03:09 PM

Of course, Craigslist is a resource.

You can't tell everything about a dog from one "interview." I would be quite leery about taking a dog from someone if there was no chance of returning it should things not work out. If the owner offered me one week to return the dog, I would be much more positively inclined.

**stobes21** · 09-12-2011, 03:16 PM

Are you near the chicago metro area? If so there should be numerous no-kill rescue groups that should be able to help. Have you contacted her breeder? A good breeder should be willing to take the dog back or at least arrange something with a rescue. If that doesn't work try contacting the Mastiff breed club in your area and they should be able to help you. I see the national club is associated with a rescue group -- is that who you contacted? If not try them. If so I would still suggest contacting your local chapter of the Mastiff Club and seeing if they know of or work with any other local rescue groups that can help you.

**JayM** · 09-12-2011, 03:21 PM

CyiDev

Man I have two mastiff's now both Neobolish (dry-mouth) they are fantastic dogs...
I am down in Texas - and let me really strongly caution you about finding a good home for them...

Mastiff's are gentle souls - however a big female will most likely want to be alfa where ever she is - that is just their way - I have two big females one 3 yrs and the other 8 months. The 8 month old is gonna be 170 - 180 lbs - and she knows it, as the 3 year old is only 120lbs. They are already getting into it.
If she has been in a one dog house - you really need to find her a one dog house.

The new owner needs to expect at least 150lbs, and of course there is the slobber flying around during head shakes... + the food bill on a mastiff is a bit higher I use up 30lbs a week of kibble and another 5 - 6 lbs of raw meat/organs. You will need an experienced dog owner for a mastiff - their diets need attention - you just can't trow kibble at them.

Personal I would have her stay for home protection and companion for you wife. I have dog doors - so they can come and go as they need, so nothing extra on my wife when I am out of town. If you are dead set on moving her out - you may want to extend past your local shelters and start looking past that - even be willing to absorb a flight to Dog Town as an option. (in NM) they will find her a great new home. There they can teach her to be a pack animal if she has been a solo dog.

I feel for you man, I could never give up one of my girls...

**Blue Raccoon** · 09-12-2011, 03:21 PM

16 month old English Mastiff does she come with a saddle? make a home visit and make sure they have the room and no small kids. how about the breeder you got her from? they should have leads to someone interested.

**JayM** · 09-12-2011, 03:30 PM

With Mastiff's kids are not an issue...

lol / they are a snack //

**JayM** · 09-12-2011, 03:34 PM

I'll make you this offer - if you have her keep the big girl - I will PM you my personal cell, and be available to answer her questions when ever she has them.

My wife and I love this breed, and we would take her - i'd split the cost of the flight with ya, but I currently have 5 dogs - and just no room for another big girl.

Sorry I really wish I had the room...

**eastomjac** · 09-12-2011, 03:40 PM

first thing you should do is call the local pd/sherrif and simply ask if the new prospects have any animal problems in their history also might check with the local shelters,ask for thier vet as a reference there is plenty of acess these days to public records,also doesnt hurt to ask for references.ther are lots of bad home out there but there are good ones too.

**professorchaos** · 09-12-2011, 05:44 PM

I have nothing to offer other than good wishes. I'd hate to have to part with my dog.

**M80** · 09-12-2011, 07:00 PM

MilitaryPetsFOSTER Project
http://www.netpets.org/netp/foster.php

**CyiDev** · 09-12-2011, 08:46 PM

Thank you everyone for the different ideas on what to do. I am going to look into the MilitaryPetsFOSTER because I do not want her to be gone permanently.

**professorchaos** · 09-13-2011, 05:59 AM

Originally Posted by M80

MilitaryPetsFOSTER Project
http://www.netpets.org/netp/foster.php

Way cool.

**gaseousclay** · 09-13-2011, 09:24 AM

as LarryAndro already mentioned, craigslist would be a good option. Keep in mind that you should charge a 're-homing fee' to weed out the not-so-serious individuals out there. I'd say $100-200 would be a fair price for an English Mastiff, but also be sure to specify habits, personality, and any training the dog may have had. Is he/she good around kids? House trained? Aggressive? Passive? Good on a leash? Spayed/Neutered? Etc, etc.