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:
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
| P. O. Box 129, Dillsburg, PA 17019 717-232-1644 |
- 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.
| FOSTERING |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |