I’m a new foster parent. What’s the single most important thing I should know?
1. Understand decompression. Decompression means that a dog needs to actually recover from being in a shelter or a negligent situation.
Having a regular routine and a quiet environment can really help a dog recover from this trauma and get back to being a dog again. This typically takes a minimum of two weeks. We call this the Honeymoon Period.
What should I do to prepare before my foster dog arrives at my home?
Preparing your home for your foster dog before arrival means you can spend more time with the dog and less time setting things up. Sleeping, feeding, and introductions to other pets should be structured and planned.
Think about the fosters various “stations.” Decide where the dog will:
Walk her. Taking the dog on a walk around your neighborhood not only lets the dog burn off steam (many shelter dogs stay in their cages for months!), it allows for much needed exercise and sensory stimulation. Make sure the dog pees (and, ideally, poops) on the walk, which will reduce the chance of accidents when you get home.
More importantly, walking the dog first establishes a connection with the person at the end of the leash. The dog will see you as her guide to the neighborhood. That initial trust will translate well when you take the dog onto your property.
How do I initially show my dog around my home?
The dog should be on a leash during its initial entry into your house. This is because he will feel safer with you on the other end of the leash. Plus, he might have unknown triggers – for example, statues, grandfather clocks, and new people can make dogs nervous. The leash provides security for both the dog and humans.
How should I introduce the dog to my family?
The dog will probably be excited - sometimes TOO excited! - to meet everybody. The key is for everyone in the family to be seated - on a couch, chair, step, or on the ground. Wait for the dog to approach each person - not the other way around! - and allow the dog to sniff everyone. Smell is their strongest sense, and they will befriend each human based on smell.
If the dog seems happy and relaxed, your family members can feel free to pet the dog UNDER her chin since hands above the head can be scary for under-socialized dogs. As the dog relaxes and gets more curious, feel free to drop the leash (but leave it on) and allow the dog to explore without trailing her. She’ll need a bit of time to learn her way around.
What if I have other pets? How do I introduce a new dog into the pack?
We have two words: Neutral. Territory. The worst thing you can do is take a new dog into a home with an existing dog and hope for the best. Most trainers recommend walking the dogs together first, and then initially separate them in the home for a period of time.
There are lots of proven tips on how to introduce a new dog to other pets in the home. Please get with our group, call anytime to discuss the various ways to help.
What food guidelines do you recommend?
Typically, meals will be given twice a day in the same location and outside the line of sight or hearing of other pets in the house. Even feeding the dog in a crate, or other areas of the house where you can monitor the dog; separating it from commotion and noise, will make sure the dog can relax and enjoy his meal.
Am I responsible for the foster dog’s veterinary care?
German Shepherd Rescue of Central Texas pays for and covers all veterinary care unless otherwise discussed with the foster. If for whatever reason you have to take the foster to an emergency vet, you must reach out to any contact given to you with German Shepherd Rescue Central Texas that can help provide an emergency veterinarian convenient to your location.
Should I try crate training?
We strongly recommend crate training, as it not only presents a comfortable place to sleep, but a safe space for the dog to go when you need to sequester her or when she needs a break.
Most people think crate training is for housebreaking a dog. While it can be useful for preventing accidents, a crate can serve as a refuge for a dog, bringing her back to primitive habits of sleeping in caves, under dense brush, or other enclosed, protected spaces. The more fearful the dog, the more important crate training is, but any dog will benefit from crate training.
Put soft, comfortable bedding in the crate and leave the door wide open. Don’t force the dog into the crate, but throw some yummy treats in to encourage the dog to enter the crate in a positive way. Leave the crate door open so the dog can come and go. This means the association is comfort and safety, not punishment. Never force the dog into the crate.
Trust us, crate training is worth the extra time and discipline. When the gardener, pool service, or UPS driver shows up, the crate will be an invaluable tool.
I can’t wait to play fetch with my foster dog! When can I start?
Wait at least 3 weeks before you introduce balls, toys, or stuffed animals. Yes, really. (And if you never do it, that’s perfectly fine with us.)
Most dogs like playing with toys. But introducing tennis balls and stuffed hedgehog toys can actually set the dog up for failure. Most rescue dogs haven’t seen a ball or toy for a long time. Once they see one again, they can become overly excited, and might feel entitled to it. Games like tug o’ war set up an adversarial relationship between the dog and its foster. So depending on the foster – reach out to the the group to get advice
Many dogs “claim” their toys as their property, inviting a behavior called “resource guarding.” Dogs must understand that toys are the HUMAN’S property, and can be given and taken away. This should be a gradual process that happens only after the dog has acknowledged that you are the Pack Leader.
What’s the best way to play with my foster dog?
You’ll know. As your dog relaxes and becomes more comfortable, she will try to engage you in play. That might look like stretching or bowing in front of you, or even running toward you to get you to chase her. The dog might get “the zoomies” in your house to burn off energy (don’t worry, she’s not possessed!).
As dogs calibrate what’s acceptable play, the dog might get “mouthy.” That doesn’t mean she wants to bite you; it’s typically a way for her to connect with you. Be sure to discourage mouthiness since the dog might try to “test” how far she can go. In general, avoid allowing the dog to escalate its energy level during play.
There are also food puzzles, snuffle mats, DIY agility, or even car rides to make sure your dog is engaged and entertained. When in doubt, get the leash out and take a nice walk.
How can I help German Shepherd Rescue of Central Texas with finding the foster dog a forever family?
Fostering is by far the best way to get information about a dog that can be useful when finding her a forever family. YOU are the reason the dog got a second chance! Now we can use your help marketing the dog for its forever family. Here are four ways to help:
1. Send us fun videos! Videos should feature the dog in your home or yard, ideally doing something funny or sweet. Show the dog’s personality – even if the dog is just sleeping and snoring like a freight train! Pictures with kids, with other dogs, or the dog displaying a funny habit get dogs lots of interest. Roly-polies and zoomie videos are always popular.
2. Post pictures and videos to your own social media account. One of the difficult things in rescue is that rescues often end up sharing dogs with other busy rescues who are in no position to take more dogs. But your friends could be potential adopters (and then you’d be able to visit your foster dog on a regular basis!). Or your friends might have interested friends. We call this the “relationship ripple effect” and it saves lives!
3. Attend adoption events. Adoption events are great opportunities to get your foster dog seen by people looking for a new dog. You might know of adoption events in your area or we can recommend some. Let us know if you’re interested in this and we can give you some cute “Adopt Me!” apparel.
Don’t worry about screening or evaluating an adopter. We’ll take care of that. However, as the foster parent, you know them best so your voice is number one in making a decision.
1. Understand decompression. Decompression means that a dog needs to actually recover from being in a shelter or a negligent situation.
Having a regular routine and a quiet environment can really help a dog recover from this trauma and get back to being a dog again. This typically takes a minimum of two weeks. We call this the Honeymoon Period.
What should I do to prepare before my foster dog arrives at my home?
Preparing your home for your foster dog before arrival means you can spend more time with the dog and less time setting things up. Sleeping, feeding, and introductions to other pets should be structured and planned.
Think about the fosters various “stations.” Decide where the dog will:
- EAT. Make sure the dog has a safe, quiet and – if possible – private place to eat, especially if you have other pets. Feed the dog in the same spot in your house at every meal. A crate all of their own is recommended.
- DRINK. Ditto. Make sure that the dog has access to fresh water at all times. There should be water bowls both indoors and outdoors.
- SLEEP. Your dog should be able to sleep in a place where he feels safe. This should ideally be in a crate the at least for the first few weeks, but it could also be a nice cushy dog bed or even on a pile of blankets arranged into a comfy bed. Don’t let the dog sleep in a human bed with kids or other pets, as this can make the dog possessive of people. As this is a foster dog, we need to set her up for success in her forever home.
- PEE & POOP. Know where the dog is allowed to relieve himself on your property, and be prepared to praise him when he gets it right.
- PLAY. If you have a backyard, the dog should associate that space with comfort and fun. The backyard is also a good place to train your dog, but training should happen indoors, too.
Walk her. Taking the dog on a walk around your neighborhood not only lets the dog burn off steam (many shelter dogs stay in their cages for months!), it allows for much needed exercise and sensory stimulation. Make sure the dog pees (and, ideally, poops) on the walk, which will reduce the chance of accidents when you get home.
More importantly, walking the dog first establishes a connection with the person at the end of the leash. The dog will see you as her guide to the neighborhood. That initial trust will translate well when you take the dog onto your property.
How do I initially show my dog around my home?
The dog should be on a leash during its initial entry into your house. This is because he will feel safer with you on the other end of the leash. Plus, he might have unknown triggers – for example, statues, grandfather clocks, and new people can make dogs nervous. The leash provides security for both the dog and humans.
How should I introduce the dog to my family?
The dog will probably be excited - sometimes TOO excited! - to meet everybody. The key is for everyone in the family to be seated - on a couch, chair, step, or on the ground. Wait for the dog to approach each person - not the other way around! - and allow the dog to sniff everyone. Smell is their strongest sense, and they will befriend each human based on smell.
If the dog seems happy and relaxed, your family members can feel free to pet the dog UNDER her chin since hands above the head can be scary for under-socialized dogs. As the dog relaxes and gets more curious, feel free to drop the leash (but leave it on) and allow the dog to explore without trailing her. She’ll need a bit of time to learn her way around.
What if I have other pets? How do I introduce a new dog into the pack?
We have two words: Neutral. Territory. The worst thing you can do is take a new dog into a home with an existing dog and hope for the best. Most trainers recommend walking the dogs together first, and then initially separate them in the home for a period of time.
There are lots of proven tips on how to introduce a new dog to other pets in the home. Please get with our group, call anytime to discuss the various ways to help.
What food guidelines do you recommend?
Typically, meals will be given twice a day in the same location and outside the line of sight or hearing of other pets in the house. Even feeding the dog in a crate, or other areas of the house where you can monitor the dog; separating it from commotion and noise, will make sure the dog can relax and enjoy his meal.
Am I responsible for the foster dog’s veterinary care?
German Shepherd Rescue of Central Texas pays for and covers all veterinary care unless otherwise discussed with the foster. If for whatever reason you have to take the foster to an emergency vet, you must reach out to any contact given to you with German Shepherd Rescue Central Texas that can help provide an emergency veterinarian convenient to your location.
Should I try crate training?
We strongly recommend crate training, as it not only presents a comfortable place to sleep, but a safe space for the dog to go when you need to sequester her or when she needs a break.
Most people think crate training is for housebreaking a dog. While it can be useful for preventing accidents, a crate can serve as a refuge for a dog, bringing her back to primitive habits of sleeping in caves, under dense brush, or other enclosed, protected spaces. The more fearful the dog, the more important crate training is, but any dog will benefit from crate training.
Put soft, comfortable bedding in the crate and leave the door wide open. Don’t force the dog into the crate, but throw some yummy treats in to encourage the dog to enter the crate in a positive way. Leave the crate door open so the dog can come and go. This means the association is comfort and safety, not punishment. Never force the dog into the crate.
Trust us, crate training is worth the extra time and discipline. When the gardener, pool service, or UPS driver shows up, the crate will be an invaluable tool.
I can’t wait to play fetch with my foster dog! When can I start?
Wait at least 3 weeks before you introduce balls, toys, or stuffed animals. Yes, really. (And if you never do it, that’s perfectly fine with us.)
Most dogs like playing with toys. But introducing tennis balls and stuffed hedgehog toys can actually set the dog up for failure. Most rescue dogs haven’t seen a ball or toy for a long time. Once they see one again, they can become overly excited, and might feel entitled to it. Games like tug o’ war set up an adversarial relationship between the dog and its foster. So depending on the foster – reach out to the the group to get advice
Many dogs “claim” their toys as their property, inviting a behavior called “resource guarding.” Dogs must understand that toys are the HUMAN’S property, and can be given and taken away. This should be a gradual process that happens only after the dog has acknowledged that you are the Pack Leader.
What’s the best way to play with my foster dog?
You’ll know. As your dog relaxes and becomes more comfortable, she will try to engage you in play. That might look like stretching or bowing in front of you, or even running toward you to get you to chase her. The dog might get “the zoomies” in your house to burn off energy (don’t worry, she’s not possessed!).
As dogs calibrate what’s acceptable play, the dog might get “mouthy.” That doesn’t mean she wants to bite you; it’s typically a way for her to connect with you. Be sure to discourage mouthiness since the dog might try to “test” how far she can go. In general, avoid allowing the dog to escalate its energy level during play.
There are also food puzzles, snuffle mats, DIY agility, or even car rides to make sure your dog is engaged and entertained. When in doubt, get the leash out and take a nice walk.
How can I help German Shepherd Rescue of Central Texas with finding the foster dog a forever family?
Fostering is by far the best way to get information about a dog that can be useful when finding her a forever family. YOU are the reason the dog got a second chance! Now we can use your help marketing the dog for its forever family. Here are four ways to help:
1. Send us fun videos! Videos should feature the dog in your home or yard, ideally doing something funny or sweet. Show the dog’s personality – even if the dog is just sleeping and snoring like a freight train! Pictures with kids, with other dogs, or the dog displaying a funny habit get dogs lots of interest. Roly-polies and zoomie videos are always popular.
2. Post pictures and videos to your own social media account. One of the difficult things in rescue is that rescues often end up sharing dogs with other busy rescues who are in no position to take more dogs. But your friends could be potential adopters (and then you’d be able to visit your foster dog on a regular basis!). Or your friends might have interested friends. We call this the “relationship ripple effect” and it saves lives!
3. Attend adoption events. Adoption events are great opportunities to get your foster dog seen by people looking for a new dog. You might know of adoption events in your area or we can recommend some. Let us know if you’re interested in this and we can give you some cute “Adopt Me!” apparel.
Don’t worry about screening or evaluating an adopter. We’ll take care of that. However, as the foster parent, you know them best so your voice is number one in making a decision.
resource LINKs for fostering INFORMATION
Foster ApplicationCLICK HERE FOR FOSTER APPLICATION