Foster Care Foundations:
Essential Tips for Providing a Nurturing Environment for Dogs in Transition

The initial days pose challenges for both foster parents and their new canine companions. Rescued dogs require a decompression period as they may have recently experienced lengthy transports, transitioned between life on the streets and intimidating shelters, or may have never encountered the comforts of a home before. Explore further insights into decompression periods and discover the 3-3-3 rule for supporting rescue dogs by clicking here.

If there are other pets in your home, such as dogs, cats, birds, etc., it's advisable to keep them separated from the foster dog for a minimum of 24 hours. In certain situations, extending this separation to two days to two weeks can be even more beneficial, providing ample time for all pets to decompress. This precautionary measure is recommended, even if your existing dog or pet is generally fond of other dogs, as it lays the foundation for a successful adjustment for the foster dog.

Establish clear boundaries and maintain consistency. These defined limits play a crucial role in enhancing the adoptability of your foster dog. For instance, discourage behaviors such as jumping on you, sleeping on your bed or couch, and barking at neighbors. Consistently reinforcing these boundaries will contribute to a more well-adjusted and adoptable foster dog.

Regardless of your foster dog's age, the experience can be akin to welcoming a new puppy. Anticipate uncertainties about how the dog will adapt to your home, with potential issues such as potty accidents, chewing, and the possibility of running away.

To manage these situations, we adopt a cautious approach by keeping all new foster dogs on a leash, even when indoors. When outdoors, use two leashes with 2 points of contact.  Utilizing baby gates, crates, and playpens becomes instrumental in situations where constant supervision is challenging, ensuring a secure environment for the dog.

Dogs thrive on routine; it will help your foster dog adjust more quickly. Get your new foster dog on a schedule right away. Be consistent with feeding, walking, and sleeping times.

Get the foster dog ready for potential adopters by prioritizing life skills once they've had a chance to decompress. Teach essential commands, ensure they can walk on a leash without pulling, address potty training and crate training, and discourage behaviors like jumping and barking. These valuable skills enhance the dog's adoptability and increase the likelihood of finding a forever home quickly.