What to Expect When Fostering a Dog
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Things to have ready: Crate, bedding, new toys for just them, food, dishes, collar, leash, tags and baby gates. All will either come with them or have been loaned to you beforehand. |
Day 1:
The transport of your new foster has probably been overwhelmed by new people, changing vehicles, maybe a drastic change in weather. This is probably going to be a little stressful for them. You will want to have an area gated that your new foster can get a feel for the smells, sounds and activities of your home. This will enable the dog to watch your other dogs, and they him safely. Usually we don't know exactly what they have been exposed to so it is best to give them all a couple of days to unwind.
Crate your foster at night with new bedding and a toy. Be prepared for some whining, reassure them, let them potty and try to sleep. Some are used to crates, so it wont be a problem. A lot of people have the crate in their bedroom so that they can attend to the dog as soon as they need to. It may be comforting for the dog to be near you. But we recommend setting up the crate in a place that makes sense for the safety of the dog, away from other animals and noise. Some opt not to crate, but we recommend you know how your foster will act before leaving him loose in the house all night or while you are gone.
The transport of your new foster has probably been overwhelmed by new people, changing vehicles, maybe a drastic change in weather. This is probably going to be a little stressful for them. You will want to have an area gated that your new foster can get a feel for the smells, sounds and activities of your home. This will enable the dog to watch your other dogs, and they him safely. Usually we don't know exactly what they have been exposed to so it is best to give them all a couple of days to unwind.
Crate your foster at night with new bedding and a toy. Be prepared for some whining, reassure them, let them potty and try to sleep. Some are used to crates, so it wont be a problem. A lot of people have the crate in their bedroom so that they can attend to the dog as soon as they need to. It may be comforting for the dog to be near you. But we recommend setting up the crate in a place that makes sense for the safety of the dog, away from other animals and noise. Some opt not to crate, but we recommend you know how your foster will act before leaving him loose in the house all night or while you are gone.
Week 1:
If your dog has not been vetted or seems ill, contact Elena for an approved vet visit. She will tell you what he needs, whether it is necessary or not. After the vet visit, if the vet feels more needs to be done, contact Elena to let her know what should be done, if the vet didn't already share the information. Your foster is probably going to be UTD (up-to-date) on shots and heartworm tested. If you notice any loose stool, let us know so we can have you run in a fecal sample or deworm again.
Things should be smoothing out and your new pup is probably having the time of their lives with your attention and their new playmates. You may also be noticing some behaviors that are either troubling or wonderful. Parts of their personality will be showing each day they are with you. It is a good idea to keep a journal on your pup to go back to when preparing your write-up. Start taking pictures!!!!!
If your dog has not been vetted or seems ill, contact Elena for an approved vet visit. She will tell you what he needs, whether it is necessary or not. After the vet visit, if the vet feels more needs to be done, contact Elena to let her know what should be done, if the vet didn't already share the information. Your foster is probably going to be UTD (up-to-date) on shots and heartworm tested. If you notice any loose stool, let us know so we can have you run in a fecal sample or deworm again.
Things should be smoothing out and your new pup is probably having the time of their lives with your attention and their new playmates. You may also be noticing some behaviors that are either troubling or wonderful. Parts of their personality will be showing each day they are with you. It is a good idea to keep a journal on your pup to go back to when preparing your write-up. Start taking pictures!!!!!
Week 2:
You probably know your new foster fairly well by now. You are going to be thinking about what kind of home would best suit the dog. Is he/she good with other dogs, cats, kids, fearful, dominant or a runner? You want to make the most truthful assessment of the dog to really find the best home, a forever home. You may have some background information at this point that will help make sense of why the dog does this or that. Most rescues come from bad situations and they haven't had the training or attention they deserve. Some are just dogs that have been surrendered from decent homes but circumstances require a change in home. Those are the easy ones.
You probably know your new foster fairly well by now. You are going to be thinking about what kind of home would best suit the dog. Is he/she good with other dogs, cats, kids, fearful, dominant or a runner? You want to make the most truthful assessment of the dog to really find the best home, a forever home. You may have some background information at this point that will help make sense of why the dog does this or that. Most rescues come from bad situations and they haven't had the training or attention they deserve. Some are just dogs that have been surrendered from decent homes but circumstances require a change in home. Those are the easy ones.
Training in the foster home
General Training:
As a foster home, it is in the best interest of your foster to try and do away with some of those naughty habits. We don't expect you to be miracle workers though! Some dogs are always going to counter surf, jump, escape etc., but, if you work on correcting those behaviors and have keywords for each discipline action, that can be passed onto the adoptive home to continue what you have been able to accomplish.
Crate Training:
Crate training is very important as well. It is something that, when done properly, can make an adoption successful. When a dog has been crate-trained and accept it, the new owners can feel ok with crating them during working hours. Thus, alleviating the trashed house upon return.
Leash-training:
The new owners probably are looking forward to walking their new dog. Imagine their shock as they are dragged down the road. By teaching them to walk well on a leash you are creating a happy activity that all will enjoy. Experiment with different leads until you find one that works but do NOT use a retractable leash. Usually a 6 foot leash is best!
House-training:
A young dog may not be in your home long enough to accomplish this and a new environment will mean the new owners will have to work on this as well. That will be made clear to potential adopters. A new dog of any age can have accidents and it is up to them to show them the appropriate place. If you get an older foster who has spent their lives kenneled, it will be just like having a new puppy. Use the same technique for that dog as a pup. Bring them out hourly, praise them when they potty outside, teach them to tell you they need to go out.
As a foster home, it is in the best interest of your foster to try and do away with some of those naughty habits. We don't expect you to be miracle workers though! Some dogs are always going to counter surf, jump, escape etc., but, if you work on correcting those behaviors and have keywords for each discipline action, that can be passed onto the adoptive home to continue what you have been able to accomplish.
Crate Training:
Crate training is very important as well. It is something that, when done properly, can make an adoption successful. When a dog has been crate-trained and accept it, the new owners can feel ok with crating them during working hours. Thus, alleviating the trashed house upon return.
Leash-training:
The new owners probably are looking forward to walking their new dog. Imagine their shock as they are dragged down the road. By teaching them to walk well on a leash you are creating a happy activity that all will enjoy. Experiment with different leads until you find one that works but do NOT use a retractable leash. Usually a 6 foot leash is best!
House-training:
A young dog may not be in your home long enough to accomplish this and a new environment will mean the new owners will have to work on this as well. That will be made clear to potential adopters. A new dog of any age can have accidents and it is up to them to show them the appropriate place. If you get an older foster who has spent their lives kenneled, it will be just like having a new puppy. Use the same technique for that dog as a pup. Bring them out hourly, praise them when they potty outside, teach them to tell you they need to go out.
In Closing:
Most importantly, what you give this dog is love. This dog may have never known the life of a family pet and they will have issues, they will make mistakes, they may even act ungrateful. They will have behaviors pop up from out of nowhere that will need to be dealt with. When that happens and you are at a loss, email us or text Elena, we as a group will help solve the problem. You will have support every step of the way. If you need help, just ask. If you have a foster that just can’t be worked with based on your experience, we will do what we can to move dogs around so that the more experienced foster home will work with the dog. But keep in mind often we don't have open fosters and its best not to move animals from place to place.
Our goal is to save homeless animals and to make their lives wonderful. We couldn't do it without the dedication of our foster homes.
Our goal is to save homeless animals and to make their lives wonderful. We couldn't do it without the dedication of our foster homes.
Dog Foster Family Resources
We recommend checking out the resources on FosterDogs and reading the following books, if you haven't already.
Contact your foster home coordinator to see if we have one to loan.
Contact your foster home coordinator to see if we have one to loan.
Books to Read
Barking - The Sound of a Language by Turid Rugaas
Summary: Barking is one of the many ways dogs communicate with each other and with humans. In this new book, author Turid Rugaas, well known for her work on identifying and utilizing canine “calming signals,” turns her attention to understanding and managing barking behavior. If you can identify what your dog is expressing when he barks, you can take steps to minimize the negative effects of barking in cases where you find it a problem.
Be the Pack Leader by Cesar Millan
Summary: Cesar Millan's guide for taking your relationship with your dog to a higher level. By developing the skills necessary to become the calm-assertive owner your dog needs in order for him to live a balanced, fulfilled life, you'll improve your dog's behavior and your own life as well.
Body Posture & Emotions - Shifting Shapes, Shifting Minds by Suzanne Clothier
Summary: Deals with understanding the dog's body language to be better able to train and correct behavior problems in the dog. Takes the approach that animals do have emotions and display them; understanding their body language makes better communication possible.
Bones Would Rain From the Sky by Suzanne Clothier
Summary: Shows us how to find a deep connection with another being and to receive an incomparable gift: a profound, lifelong relationship with the dogs we love.
Canine Behavior - A Photo Illustrated Handbook by Barbara Handelman
Summary: Dogs have deliberate, subtle, and often humorous ways of expressing themselves. Canine Behavior - A Photo Illustrated Handbook includes 1,000 images of dogs, wolves, coyotes, and foxes. It was created for everyone interested in dogs-pet owners, trainers, veterinarians, ethologists, and behaviorists. Using the interdisciplinary language of photography, Barbara Handelman illustrates and explains canine behavior and communication. Her book establishes a common understanding and vocabulary for people interested in, and working with, dogs.
Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson
Summary: 2005 Expanded Edition! The book that has shaped modern thinking about canine behavior and the relationship between dogs and humans has been revised. Dogs are NOT humans. Dogs ARE clever and complex creatures that humans need to take the time to understand in order to live together successfully. You must read this book because your dog cannot!
Feisty Fido - Help For the Leash Reactive Dog, 2nd Edition by Patricia McConnell and Karen London
Summary: Practical information about positive ways to teach dogs how to politely walk past other dogs without causing a scene. Written for both novices and professionals, it includes tips on prevention and handling emergency situations. Humane, upbeat.
Finding A Balance - Issues Of Power In The Human/Dog Relationship by Suzanne Clothier
A balance of power is necessary in a comfortable human/dog relationship. Learn how to determine if a proper balance exists, and how to achieve or readjust that balance if necessary.
How to be the Leader of the Pack...And have Your Dog Love You for it by Patricia McConnell
Learn how to love your dogs without spoiling them and provide boundaries without intimidation. This booklet clarifies how to be a benevolent leader and avoid aggression related to fear or dominance.
On Talking Terms with Dogs - Calming Signals by Turid Rugaas
Summary: By a noted expert on canine body language, notably "calming signals." These are signals dogs give each other - and humans - that denote stress. These are the dogs' attempt to defuse situations that otherwise might result in fights or aggression.
The Other End of The Leash - Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs by Patricia McConnell
Summary: When humans communicate with dogs, a lot can get lost in the translation. Focusing on human behavior, Dr. McConnell teaches readers how to retrain themselves to speak consistently in a language dogs understand and avoid sending conflicting and confusing messages.
Barking - The Sound of a Language by Turid Rugaas
Summary: Barking is one of the many ways dogs communicate with each other and with humans. In this new book, author Turid Rugaas, well known for her work on identifying and utilizing canine “calming signals,” turns her attention to understanding and managing barking behavior. If you can identify what your dog is expressing when he barks, you can take steps to minimize the negative effects of barking in cases where you find it a problem.
Be the Pack Leader by Cesar Millan
Summary: Cesar Millan's guide for taking your relationship with your dog to a higher level. By developing the skills necessary to become the calm-assertive owner your dog needs in order for him to live a balanced, fulfilled life, you'll improve your dog's behavior and your own life as well.
Body Posture & Emotions - Shifting Shapes, Shifting Minds by Suzanne Clothier
Summary: Deals with understanding the dog's body language to be better able to train and correct behavior problems in the dog. Takes the approach that animals do have emotions and display them; understanding their body language makes better communication possible.
Bones Would Rain From the Sky by Suzanne Clothier
Summary: Shows us how to find a deep connection with another being and to receive an incomparable gift: a profound, lifelong relationship with the dogs we love.
Canine Behavior - A Photo Illustrated Handbook by Barbara Handelman
Summary: Dogs have deliberate, subtle, and often humorous ways of expressing themselves. Canine Behavior - A Photo Illustrated Handbook includes 1,000 images of dogs, wolves, coyotes, and foxes. It was created for everyone interested in dogs-pet owners, trainers, veterinarians, ethologists, and behaviorists. Using the interdisciplinary language of photography, Barbara Handelman illustrates and explains canine behavior and communication. Her book establishes a common understanding and vocabulary for people interested in, and working with, dogs.
Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson
Summary: 2005 Expanded Edition! The book that has shaped modern thinking about canine behavior and the relationship between dogs and humans has been revised. Dogs are NOT humans. Dogs ARE clever and complex creatures that humans need to take the time to understand in order to live together successfully. You must read this book because your dog cannot!
Feisty Fido - Help For the Leash Reactive Dog, 2nd Edition by Patricia McConnell and Karen London
Summary: Practical information about positive ways to teach dogs how to politely walk past other dogs without causing a scene. Written for both novices and professionals, it includes tips on prevention and handling emergency situations. Humane, upbeat.
Finding A Balance - Issues Of Power In The Human/Dog Relationship by Suzanne Clothier
A balance of power is necessary in a comfortable human/dog relationship. Learn how to determine if a proper balance exists, and how to achieve or readjust that balance if necessary.
How to be the Leader of the Pack...And have Your Dog Love You for it by Patricia McConnell
Learn how to love your dogs without spoiling them and provide boundaries without intimidation. This booklet clarifies how to be a benevolent leader and avoid aggression related to fear or dominance.
On Talking Terms with Dogs - Calming Signals by Turid Rugaas
Summary: By a noted expert on canine body language, notably "calming signals." These are signals dogs give each other - and humans - that denote stress. These are the dogs' attempt to defuse situations that otherwise might result in fights or aggression.
The Other End of The Leash - Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs by Patricia McConnell
Summary: When humans communicate with dogs, a lot can get lost in the translation. Focusing on human behavior, Dr. McConnell teaches readers how to retrain themselves to speak consistently in a language dogs understand and avoid sending conflicting and confusing messages.
