A Foster Dog’s First Three Days
KEEP IT SIMPLE – LESS IS MORE
Prepare supplies in order to engage your foster dog mentally. You may want to use food filled frozen Kongs, puzzle toys, etc.
Tire your foster dog out with physical games like fetch in the comfort and safety of your backyard. Sometimes walking on a leash in new places can be stressful for rescue dogs, so playing with them in your yard would be best.
When you arrive home, ensure that any family members who are meeting the dog for the first time are seated. They should let the dog come to them for attention, as opposed to soliciting attention from the dog.
Keep your foster dog separated from your own pets for these first three days. After that time, if your foster is visibly relaxed, we will help you move to the introduction phase (unless we have discussed your foster dog has requirements to remain separated).
If your foster is unable to settle down (panting, whining, constantly in motion, etc.) channel their energy into a task such as fetch, puzzle toys or any game that engages their brain until they can relax. Physical workouts are a needed part of decompression, but mental workouts are key.
USE THE CRATE A LOT! Do not leave your foster dog unsupervised at any time (inside or outside). Do not feel bad if they whine or cry in the crate. If you are doing the above, using the crate is how you get the dog to relax! Just like young children need naps, even though they may resist, cry, and fight to not take them, it is the parents job to do what is best for them, get them to nap! The crate is how you give your foster dog nap time.
Stick to using essential (safety-related) commands during the first 24-48 hours. Don’t want the dog to jump onto your couch while jumping around the house? Think about saving that lesson for another day when they are calmer and more available for learning and engage your foster in a game that’s incompatible with jumping on the couch. Check out this online article for ideas -
Consider playing soft music. Classical, reggae and ambient electronic work well for helping dogs decompress.
We know you want to spoil your new foster dog, but for the first week, keep all high-value items away from your foster dog and your resident pets. Keep in mind, you are a ‘resource’ as well, and your foster/resident pets might not want to share you!
LAST BUT NOT LEAST
Always feed your foster dog and resident pets separately.
Give treats and use toys separately. Put toys up when not using them.
We understand these three days might be challenging. Each dog is different. The reward of a relaxed dog after decompression time is worth it! Please do your best just stick it out for the first 72 hours. Don’t feel bad about using the crate! Reach out when you feel stuck, overwhelmed or just unsure. Let us help you solve any unknowns.
Quick videos are a great resource to check out for common fostering questions and tips - we put together a playlist of our favorites here -
