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So You've Got a Dog to Give Up
Regarding whatever reason you have for wanting to give up your dog, trust me--I've heard it before. I'm just glad you found this site and are at least trying to find an alternative to simply dumping the dog.
If you are looking to get rid of your dog, you're right-it needs another home. Let's make sure it gets a good one.
Unaltered Dogs
Have the dog spayed or neutered to make sure it won't end up a breeding factory. It also makes the dog more attractive to potential owners.
Veterinary Attention
Make sure you get the dog all necessary veterinary attention. Have it checked out, run a fecal test and treat for worms if necessary. Have it heartworm tested. Make sure it is up-to-date on shots and on heartworm preventative. Yes, this will cost you money. But it's a small price to pay for finding the dog a good home.
Have Patience.
I have never understood why, when someone decides to get rid of a dog, they get impatient. The dog has been around for a while, right? So why does it have to go at this very moment? Do the right thing and take your time to find it the right home.
Outside Dogs
If your dog has lived its entire life outside, you can do it the greatest favor in the world by bringing it in and cleaning it up. At the very least, crate train it. You can't do that? Then why would you expect me to? I didn't say this would be easy. All I'm asking you to do is exactly what I do all the time. Shelter dogs are very rarely housebroken and most have lived outside all their lives. They crate train very easily.
Inside Dogs
These are the easiest to place because they are already housebroken.
Advertising
Advertising is the key. Oh you don't want to pay for an ad? You want ME to pay for it? Think a little bit! You're the one with the dog to give up.
Finding a New Owner
Before you release your dog to a new owner, make absolutely certain that the person who will be driving away with your dog is going to treat it as it deserves. That's a life in that furry body, not a robot. There are people who will tell you ANY story to get your dog so they can sell it, trade it, or worse! There are puppy mill owners and dog traders who send people out all the time with fake stories in order to buy up entire litters of puppies as well as single adults. Do your homework and don't be in such a hurry to get rid of the dog that you seal its fate. Sit down and write up a questionnaire and require people who inquire to FILL IT OUT. If they don't have time to answer or if they think you are nuts, then I suppose you've found something out about them, huh? If they don't have time to fill out the paperwork, they won't have time for the dog. Ask for (AND CHECK UP ON) references, including veterinary references.
When you do find a suitable owner, be certain to provide a written contract that protects you. Just do a search on the internet for "Pet Sales Contracts" and modify it to fit your needs.
Follow Up
Make sure you follow up with the new owner in a week, then again in a month, then again in 6 months. Make sure they know you are available for answering any questions.
Final Words
If you can get through all of the above, you have done your job. Make sure that if you get another dog, you are ready for one and you have done your homework in choosing the right breed. Dogs are not simply disposable. And we shouldn't change dogs like accessories. Remember, they are DOGS, not the latest fashion.