Fostering dogs: Understand requirements, available assistance

Dog fostering can be a true success story for both the canine and the foster carer.

Not only does the foster dog receive a much-needed break from shelter life, but he or she is also given the opportunity to develop social and behavioral skills that can make him or her more likely to be adopted.

While there are many things you may want to check before taking in a furry friend, here are five questions you should ask before bringing a dog home.

Medical care and health problems.

Ask about any medical care your potential adoptee may need and how to refill their prescriptions. This includes asking about heartworm medications, vaccination status, and any injuries or infections. Shelters can often provide advice on how to successfully administer medication to dogs to ensure you are comfortable with any issues that may need treatment.

Sometimes medical care means looking at past or current concerns. Asking questions and reporting concerns can help prevent emergencies.

Many times, dogs available for fostering have little general information except what shelter workers or volunteers have observed and recorded about their behavior.

When possible, talk to those who have worked directly with the dog you are considering fostering to see if they can give you more information about the dog’s interactions with other animals and people.

Asking the right questions about social behavior is especially important if you have children or other pets at home.

Some organizations have specific guidelines for separating foster pets.

Foster program workers can also provide information about whether a particular dog does well with children, along with tips and tricks for introducing your foster friend to other people to help reduce anxiety.

Potty Training Behaviors

Whenever a dog is placed in a new home environment, potty accidents can (and often do) happen until the adoptive dog is comfortable with and understands the new home and its expectations. However, some dogs have little or no potty training and need time to adjust and learn.

Before taking in a dog, ask him about his elimination habits and what supplies can help make the potty training process more successful at home.

Some foster dog sitters use potty training sprays to help guide your new furry friend to an area of ​​your home or yard. This can be helpful to speed up training, especially in a new environment.

Many dogs can be potty trained at any age, but training will require more time and effort. As the American Kennel Club mentions, the fact that a dog has lived in other homes or is an adult does not mean that he is house trained.

ask about age

When possible, find out the age of the dog you are considering fostering. While you may like the idea of ​​fostering a specific age range, it’s also essential to understand and be willing to accommodate age-related needs.

Even if your fostering experience is short-term, there are specific steps you can take to prepare your home (and yourself) for a positive stay by addressing age-related care.

For example, puppies may need extra breaks outside, have more energy, and require extra visits to the vet for vaccinations and care.

Some older dogs may be housetrained, but require other adaptations to help them navigate unfamiliar environments and receive appropriate medications.

Some dog breeding organizations will also ask if you have experience or are comfortable breeding pregnant dogs. New or pregnant mothers often need a separate space from other pets.

Guidelines and policies of the promotion program.

Since guidelines vary for each foster program, it is important to read individual policies and ask clarifying questions related to your situation.

Health care coverage

Breeding programs have guidelines or recommendations for where their animals receive care. Ask about routine medical care, vaccinations, and emergencies so the foster dog gets proper care and you understand how they handle billing.

Food

Many shelters prefer that foster animals continue on the same or similar diet to what they received at the shelter. This helps manage your dietary needs and can be helpful in addressing any food-related concerns that may arise.

Some foster organizations provide a particular type or amount of food to your foster friends while you take care of them. Not all organizations have a food allowance for parenting programs, so it’s good to ask ahead of time to make sure the expenses fit into your budget.

Guidelines for Leashes and Fences

Additionally, some organizations have policies about keeping their foster dogs on a leash when outside. There are many reasons for this; most involve safety and security. Some foster dogs are escape artists; Others may become aggressive if other animals are outside. If raising a larger dog, ask about fence height requirements.

If you already have a furry companion in your family, please let the breeding program leader know. This is a crucial detail to ensure that you are matched with a foster dog that fits your lifestyle.

Asking the right questions before fostering can help achieve a positive and successful fostering experience for everyone.

Sarah is the founder and writer of Dog Training Boss.. As a mother, dog owner, and foster dog sitter, she strives to create a loving home environment for all two- and four-legged creatures. Her experience also includes investigative analysis, education and journalism. Sarah works closely with animal experts and dog lovers to provide clear information to help dog owners make the best decisions for their furry friends. If she is looking for tips, barking tips, or online training classes, check out more of her articles.