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| About Fostering |
Being a Foster Care provider to a dog in need takes a considerable amount of
time, dedication, patience, and genuine caring. It is perhaps the biggest
commitment one can make in volunteer work; it is not a job for everyone. Yet
the fulfillment and sense of purpose you receive in knowing that you helped one
more dog find its way into a safe, happy home is overwhelming.
People who foster dogs are there to help, teach, care for and love a dog.
Foster care providers spend a great deal of time and energy learning about
and loving those dogs that need guidance and shelter until a new home is
found for them. Typically the dogs that will require foster care are those that
need help the most: elderly dogs, dogs with behavioral problems, dogs that are
not used to living indoors, dogs with health problems or a mother and her litter,
or dogs that are dangerously close to being put down in a shelter - all of these
are often in need of a temporary home and care in between being rescued and
going to a new permanent home.
What does it take to foster a dog?
To have a successful foster care home, there are certain things you'll need to
know about and have on hand to create the most positive atmosphere for both
you and the dog. Some of these include:
time, dedication, patience, and genuine caring. It is perhaps the biggest
commitment one can make in volunteer work; it is not a job for everyone. Yet
the fulfillment and sense of purpose you receive in knowing that you helped one
more dog find its way into a safe, happy home is overwhelming.
People who foster dogs are there to help, teach, care for and love a dog.
Foster care providers spend a great deal of time and energy learning about
and loving those dogs that need guidance and shelter until a new home is
found for them. Typically the dogs that will require foster care are those that
need help the most: elderly dogs, dogs with behavioral problems, dogs that are
not used to living indoors, dogs with health problems or a mother and her litter,
or dogs that are dangerously close to being put down in a shelter - all of these
are often in need of a temporary home and care in between being rescued and
going to a new permanent home.
What does it take to foster a dog?
To have a successful foster care home, there are certain things you'll need to
know about and have on hand to create the most positive atmosphere for both
you and the dog. Some of these include:
- A true love of dogs
- Endless patience
- Time to work with the dog
- Basic supplies: food, toys, a leash and collar, dishes
- A crate
- Someone who is home a great deal of the time
- Knowledge of canine training and behavior
- Current vaccinations on any pets you already have
- Basic Foster Care duties:
- As a foster "parent", you are not only providing shelter, but you'll be
responsible for learning about and assessing the dog's temperament,
health, and much more.
House training:
It is always advisable to work with a foster dog at first as if he was a young
puppy when it comes to house training issues. Even if he was considered
house trained already, he'll need constant supervision when loose. Many dogs
never learned house training habits outside of their own home, and the foster
dog will need to be tested to make sure he is soundly housebroken. This is
one of the most important basic training issues to be covered.
You should teach basic commands and obedience training to the dog. He
should know sit, come, down, stay, and should be able to walk good on lead.
Socialize the dog. It's important to get out and have him meet other dogs and
people to determine his reactions to them. It is a good idea to visit other
houses to help completely house train the dog. This way he won't become
used to going only at your home.
You'll need to look and test for fear or aggression triggers, also. Some common
ones include:
- tone of voice
- bending over the dog
- suddenly reaching out to the dog
- taking away toys/food
- shuffling toward the dog (he thinks you're kicking)
- rolled up newspapers
Reactions to any of these or other simple tests can be signs of abuse or
mistreatment and need to be worked on and corrected. Other potential
problems to look for include his reactions to everyone in the world around him,
such as:
- children of all different ages
- cats, birds, other outdoor animals
- men and women - is there a difference or preference noticed?
If a dog comes to you in ill health, you'll want to concentrate on his recovery
first before attempting any training or trigger tests. Many health problems can
mask their true personality or can create triggers not normally there. You will
make sure the dog gets to veterinarian appointments as needed.
There is so much to learn about a dog, especially one with a mysterious past.
The less you know about him when he arrives on your doorstep, the more work
you'll need to do to discover all you can in the time he is with you. But with
open arms and a lot of love, you'll see you can turn around even seemingly
hopeless cases. Don't be fooled - you will certainly feel an attachment to your
foster dog, and tears may be shed the day he leaves you for his new home.
But the twinkle in his eye, and the smile on the faces of his new family make it
all worthwhile when you have to actually say goodbye. You'll know you've made
a difference, and have given this dog a second chance at life. That is the most
precious gift of all.
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