Fostering

DREAM4pets.org - Fostering

Fostering SAVES LIVES and provides a “stepping stone” for animals in search of permanent homes, alleviates the strain on our county animal shelter, and

helps prepare and train the dog for a successful adoption.

Dedicated Rescue Efforts for Animals in Many counties

MORE great FOSTERING resources online.........

The Arrival: Dogs need the security of a peaceful and calm environment with a safe and secure personal space, specifically the first 2 weeks they join your family. The first 2 - 3 weeks, deemed the “honeymoon period”, is the time

it takes for the animal to become adjusted and comfortable with his/her new surroundings. We strongly encourage SLOW INTRODUCTIONS and the use of a "crate" to help the dog become slowly acclimated to his/her new family and new surroundings. ALL dogs have different personalities and temperaments......pushing them into a new situation too soon can result in confusion or fear or fight or flight. It is good to know and understand the communication signals they share with you. Here is ONE of the MANY GREAT resources available and highly recommended:

""Love Has No Age Limit; Welcoming an Adopted Dog into Your Home" by Patricia B. McConnell, PhD, and Karen B. London, PhD.

Some fostering insights are listed here, and MORE resources are noted below.

Outside environment: A fenced yard is required and very important (as they need to learn quickly about their boundaries.) Invisible fences do not stop other animals from entering the property, and some dogs have been known to break through the charge due to their strong “prey” drive or nature. Dogs may not return to their new and unfamiliar territory when they escape.

Meal time: You may find they eat very little during the first few days, again due to the stress of a new environment. Sometimes mixing 1 thinly sliced hot dog with dry dog food will help. Feeding the animal in a separate area/room (apart from other pets) is highly recommended until any food aggression is determined.

Night time: Security and routine are important concerns for pets, so a crate is always recommended as it helps to ensure their "safe haven" from the unfamiliar and unknown. Crates are the "bedroom and security" that dogs often need to feel comfortable in a new location.

House habits: Dogs may or may not be house broken, depends if they were kept in or outside of the home. Usually after naps and meals, when they start moving about or sniffing around (nose to ground) , it’s time to take them out. Chewing may or may not be a problem with dogs that are fostered, Kongs and Nylabones are the most indestructible toys on the market. Toys that squeak are not recommended, as it imitates the sound of a distressed animal, and some animals (breeds) "prey and attack" instinct is displayed.

FOSTERING and BREED resources: There is much to be said about the joys of fostering and much to learn about the different breeds. Here are a few good resources that come to you as recommended reading: