If you are trying to decide whether or not your dog even fits with your household, you're not alone. So many dog owners end up with a situation that they for whatever reason don't or can't work through difficulties along the way. This is understandable, as not every dog is a wonderful fit for every owner. I've developed three ways you can tell whether your dog is simply a bad fit, and what to do in order to fix the situation.

1) If you are more frustrated trying to get your dog to listen to you after working with a professional trainer than you were before working with a professional trainer.

2) If the dog is causing major destruction to itself or its environment, and you are unable to get the necessary help to stop that.

3) If your family is on different pages about having the dog to begin with, and having the dog is causing unworkable tension in the family. 

All three of these are red flags to sort out, but if you're experiencing all three at the same time, it's probably time to find the dog a different home. Please don't just jump the dog. Be a responsible citizen and find someone else to care for the dog. 

Maybe you are experiencing one of the above three issues and want a second opinion about course corrections. If this is the case, I would highly recommend bringing in a professional to objectively assess your situation and give you advice accordingly. 

Many times, owners work through amazing behavior issues with their dogs and are committed to keeping the dog no matter what. If you find yourself not wanting to give up on the dog but needing some guidance, hire a professional trainer who will work well with you and who can teach you everything they know.