3 Days
3 Weeks
3 Months
BEFORE YOUR FOSTER DOG MOVES IN
1. Dog-Proof Your Space: Secure electrical wires and ensure none are hanging on the floor. Remove small items that may be tempting for a dog to chew. Gate off areas in your home that you want to restrict the dog's access to. 2. Yard Walkthrough: Inspect the fence to ensure it's in good condition with no gaps or areas for the dog to squeeze through or dig under. Check that all gates are closed and properly latched. 3. Create a Safe Haven with a Crate: Purchase a crate and set it up in a quiet location, such as your bedroom, providing a secure space for your dog to decompress. 4. Essential Supplies: Acquire necessary supplies, including: Food and water bowls Collar Leash ID tag Additional items such as toys and a bone for added comfort and entertainment.
THE FIRST 3 DAYS
Feeling Overwhelmed: Your foster dog is likely to feel overwhelmed by their new surroundings, hindering their ability to be comfortable and express their true selves. Appetite and Stress: It's normal if your foster dog doesn't want to eat for the first couple of days; stress can impact their appetite, and many dogs experience this. Withdrawal Signs: Your foster dog may exhibit signs of stress by shutting down and seeking comfort in their crate or under a table, showcasing fear and uncertainty. Testing Boundaries: Some foster dogs may act out by testing boundaries, similar to the behavior of a curious teenager. In these early days, both foster parents and their canine companions face challenges. Fostered dogs require a decompression period, especially if they've recently experienced lengthy transports, transitioned from life on the streets or intimidating shelters, or have never encountered the comforts of a home before.
3 WEEKS
Starting to Settle In: After three weeks, your foster dog begins to settle into their new environment, indicating a positive adjustment period. Feeling More Comfortable: With time, your foster dog starts feeling more at ease, reflecting the growing sense of security in their surroundings. Realizing a Possible Forever Home: There's a realization that this might be their forever home, fostering a deeper connection and sense of belonging. Environment Understanding: Your foster dog figures out their environment, adapting to the spaces and elements around them. Establishing a Routine: A consistent routine is established, providing structure that helps your foster dog acclimate to their new life. Letting Guard Down: As trust builds, your foster dog begins to let their guard down, offering glimpses of their true personality. Behavioral Challenges May Emerge: With comfort and security, behavior issues might surface. This phase is an opportunity for you to assert yourself as a strong pack leader, guiding your foster dog on what is right and wrong.
3 MONTHS
Building Trust and True Bond: Over the past three months, you've successfully built trust and established a genuine bond with your foster dog, fostering a strong connection. Complete Sense of Security: Your dog now experiences a complete sense of security within your home, indicating a deep level of comfort and trust in their new family. Settled into Routine: The establishment of a routine has played a key role, and your foster dog is now comfortably settled into a predictable daily schedule. Expectations and Comfort: With the routine in place, your dog comes to expect their dinner at the usual time, showcasing a level of comfort and assurance in their surroundings. Finally, Completely Comfortable: At this three-month mark, your foster dog has reached a point of complete comfort in their new home, a testament to the positive environment and the strong bond developed over time.