Fostering a dog can be an extremely rewarding experience. By providing a little training and a lot of love, foster homes can drastically affect the “adoptability” of the dogs fostered. The information on this page will help you familiarize yourself with some of the needs, behavioral issues, and health concerns that are associated with fostering.

What do foster homes do?

Foster homes allow us to rescue homeless animals from a variety of situations by providing these animals with temporary care and shelter until they are adopted. Foster homes are asked to provide foster animals with plenty of love, adequate food and water, shelter from the elements inside your home, and exercise and socialization. Administering medications may also be necessary. In addition to providing the basics, foster homes may also be asked to transport foster dogs to veterinary appointments and adoption events.

Foster homes play a crucial role in rehabilitating rescued dogs. They are in a unique position to help abused or neglected dogs learn how to love and trust again. Foster homes can help these animals become more “adoptable” by providing socialization and basic training. By teaching or re-teaching a dog how to live in a home setting foster homes help increase the odds for a smooth and successful transition into a permanent loving home.

How long will a dog stay at my home?

The time a dog spends in foster care ranges from one week to several months. We make every attempt to place our dogs in a permanent home as soon as possible. However, it is conceivable that a dog may be in our care for a while. If a foster parent wishes, they may keep the dog in their home until it is placed. A minimum of one week at a time is required if you are chosen as a “rotation family” for a dog.

What is a “rotation family?”

To help alleviate stress on our foster families, we have set up the “rotation family” concept. If you are chosen as a foster parent for a particular dog, you will rotate the responsibility of that dog with one or two other fosters. Once picked, a foster home must agree to have a dog at his house for a minimum of one week at a time. They will be able to rotate with the other families in their rotation, or may choose to keep the dog at their home until a permanent placement is made. Rotations will be scheduled on the Foster Friends Network calendar by a member of council. If a family needs to make changes, or wishes to foster a dog without rotating, the decision must be approved by a council member.

Example: the Smiths, the Johnsons, and the Browns are in a rotation family. The Johnsons have been scheduled to have the new rescue for the first 2 weeks, the Smiths for the next week, and the Browns the following week. The Johnsons are really enjoying this foster, and have requested holding on to him for a longer period. After a council member has discussed this with the other members of the rotation family, the Johnsons will be allowed to hold on to this foster for an undetermined amount of time. Please note: Foster families must be able to commit to rotating this dog with their “rotation family” until it is placed in a forever home.

Foster homes may be asked to bring their foster dog to an adoption event and are encouraged to stay in order to provide information to potential adopters. Adoptions are handled on a case by case basis and every effort is made to match animals with homes that meet their specific needs. Foster homes can help immensely in this process by providing information regarding an animal’s personality, training, time and exercise requirements.

Supplies

Foster Friends Network will supply food, any required medication and a collar. If necessary a dog crate or dog bed will be supplied and will follow that dog through the rotation.

Foster families should plan on providing water and food bowls, toys (please check with a council member for approved toys), additional blankets or towels, and Potty Pads when necessary.

Behavioral Issues

It is common for a dog to experience some behavioral problems and need a period of adjustment when placed into a new environment. Foster homes are in a unique position to help increase the “adoptability” of their foster dogs by providing some basic training. The following is a list of common behavioral problems as well as suggestions for behavior modification.

Housetraining

There is a good chance that your foster dogs will need at least a refresher course on housetraining. Many rescued dogs have spent their lives outside, and have never been taught etiquette for living indoors. Other rescues may have once been housetrained, but may still have accidents while transitioning into a new home.

The most important element of effective housetraining is extensive supervision. Correcting a dog for eliminating is only effective if the dog is caught in the act. This correction can NOT be hitting or rubbing their nose in it! A loud “NO” to surprise the dog and stop the “act” mid-stream followed by removing the dog to the yard is the appropriate response. When the dog eliminates outside, praise the dog for his act! It is essential that the dog be under your supervision when you are introducing them to your home and to your routine!

There will be times when you cannot watch the dog constantly. During these times, you can confine your dog to a crate. The crate should be just large enough for the dog to be able to comfortably stand up, turn around and lie down. Under normal circumstances, a dog will not try to soil an area where he sleeps.

Do not keep a dog in a crate for longer than 4 hours! When the dog is allowed out of the crate, he should be taken outside immediately. We recommend putting a leash on him as you take him out so he can’t stop and “mark” anything on his way out the door! Always praise when the dog eliminates outside.

When housetraining a dog, use common sense. Give the dog a chance to eliminate outside following meals and naps. Pay attention to your dog’s body language. If you notice the dog circling, sniffing the floor, or leaving the room you are in, take the dog outside.

Never rub the dog’s nose in it! This method of training has been proven ineffective by trainers and behaviorists. This correction can illicit fear from your dog and make him learn not to trust you.

Do not correct the dog after the fact! Again, this method of training has been proven ineffective. The dog may act submissive and you may think “he/she knows what they did wrong.” In actuality, the dog is reacting to your anger and you will again teach him not to trust you.

Housetraining is not a process that will happen overnight. Be patient. Contact a member of Foster Friends Network if more help is needed!

Chewing

Destructive chewing is a phase that all dogs go through. It usually starts around 3 months and can last until the dog is over a year old. Adult dogs that chew on inappropriate items are usually anxious or bored. The best solution for destructive chewing is to provide your foster dog with something that is acceptable to chew on. Kong’s filled with peanut butter are a good option. If destructive chewing occurs when you are away, consider confining to a crate. It is important to make sure your foster dog is getting enough exercise. A tired dog will sleep, not chew!

Separation Anxiety

It is fairly common for foster dogs to experience some separation anxiety when left alone. The severity of the anxiety can range from pacing and whining to much more destructive behavior. A dog may experience separation anxiety simply because he has a very dependent personality, or because she is reacting to a history of abuse or abandonment.

The most common sign that a dog may be suffering from separation anxiety is destructive behavior when left alone. A dog may scratch frantically at the door or make other attempts to get out of the house, or the dog may chew on things or engage in other destructive behaviors. If you have reason to suspect that your foster dog is suffering from separation anxiety when you are away, consider confining the dog to a crate.

There are several things you can do to try to help alleviate separation anxiety. Start out by leaving the dog in your home for very short intervals. Walk outside for a few minutes before returning. When you return to the house, walk in and ignore the dog if it is jumping up on you. Once the dog is calm, you can pet him. Begin to gradually leave the dog for longer and longer periods of time. It is important that when you leave, you remain calm and not draw attention to leaving. It is also important not to reward excitement when you return. This is a process that takes time and patience. As the foster dog learns he is not being abandoned, he will learn to relax while you are not home.

Some destructive behavior that appears to be related to separation anxiety may be the product of boredom. Make sure your foster dog gets walks before leaving him alone for extended periods of time. Leave appropriate chew toys for him to keep him engaged.

Note on Crate Training

A crate is a great way to keep your foster dog and your home safe. If you decide to use a crate, make sure that the crate is always a positive place for your foster dog. NEVER USE A CRATE FOR PUNISHMENT. When introducing a dog to a crate, use a happy tone of voice and tell the dog to “kennel.” Once the dog has entered the crate, give her lots of praise and perhaps a treat reward. If you have a difficult time getting the dog to enter the crate or the dog seems afraid, try leaving the crate door open and placing the dog’s food dish just inside the door. Allow the dog to wander into the crate and eat at their leisure. Once the dog seems comfortable, you can try confining for short periods of time.

Never confine a dog to a crate for longer than 4 hours unless it is for sleeping at night. Remember we are trying to teach these foster dogs to become well mannered and not all adoptive homes will crate dogs. We need to wean them from the crates and begin to teach them to be good in the house! For more information, contact a trainer at Foster Friends Network.

Health Issues

Because most foster dogs are rescued from shelter environments, it’s difficult for us to ensure that they will always be healthy. A dog who appears healthy at the time of rescue could easily begin to show signs of illness several days later. For this reason, it is very important that foster homes keep their own dogs up to date on vaccinations. Please see “Foster Liability Release Form.”

Common Illnesses in Dogs

“Kennel Cough”

Kennel cough is a respiratory infection that has been linked to several different viral and bacterial causes. Physical exertion, excitement, or touching the throat area can often elicit a cough or “reverse sneeze.” In most cases, kennel cough is self-limiting, usually lasting 1-3 weeks. Antibiotics are often given to prevent secondary infections. Kennel cough is very common in shelters and boarding facilities. There is a vaccine for Bordetella, one of the main agents responsible for causing kennel cough. Like the human flu, there are several different strains of the virus and a vaccinated dog may still come down with symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms: Cough, runny nose and eyes, reverse sneezing

Treatment: Antibiotics and cough suppressants

Transmission: Very contagious to other dogs; airborne

Fleas

Fleas are tiny insects that feed on the blood of dogs, cats, humans and other animals. Although each flea only consumes a small drop of blood, fleas usually infest in large numbers. Some dogs develop an allergy to the flea saliva and will bite and chew themselves to the point of damaging their skin. Often they will chew their hair off and are generally miserable. If the infestation is large enough, the fleas can cause the dog to become anemic.

Signs and Symptoms: Intense itching and scratching

Treatment: Topical flea and tick treatments. Possibly injections for itch relief

Transmission: Very contagious to other dogs, cats and people

Round, Tape, and Hook Worms

Worms affect a dog’s digestive system.

Signs and Symptoms: Large round belly, diarrhea, inability to gain weight, dull coat

Transmission: Contagious to other dogs and cats, but only through contact with and subsequent ingestion of feces or fleas.

It is important that all items and areas used by a sick foster animal be cleaned thoroughly. You can use a 10% bleach solution to reliably kill most viruses and bacteria. Items to be cleaned should be thoroughly wetted with the bleached solution and allowed to stand for several minutes before rinsing completely.

Foster Friends Network encourages all foster families to contact them with any questions or concerns they may have.

Veterinary Care

Foster Friends Network has our rescued dogs examined by our veterinarian. If your foster dog becomes ill or needs to be seen by a veterinarian, you MUST get permission prior to taking the dog for treatment. In the rare case of a life threatening emergency, the foster family will be expected to take the dog to an appropriate emergency hospital for stabilization. No extensive treatment is to be given without authorization from a Foster Friends Network council member!

CONCLUSION

Fostering a dog from the shelter provides a second chance for a happy future. Animal shelters and rescues are facing many hardships with lack of funds and overcrowding. By caring for an animal out of your home, you are helping to alleviate the euthanasia list and offering hope to an animal that otherwise would have been forgotten. Though it can be difficult to send the dog you’ve rehabilitated and cared for to a new family, you have given that dog another opportunity to live a long and joyful life. You are the halfway mark between an ill fate and loving future. Thank you for offering your home, time, and commitment to these well deserving dogs.

Contact

Jeanette Beltran
661-713-1983
Saugus, Ca