Some Fostering Questions

[koalathebear]

I know that the rule of thumb is to treat the foster dog the same way that you treat your own dogs. I have some questions though and would love to hear the views of others. The main thing is that while I am perfectly happy to treat our foster dogs the same way our dogs are treated - there is no guarantee that the dog will receive the same treatment in its new home - although of course the intention is to try very hard to find the best possible home. So here are the questions:

1. My foster is currently eating Royal Canin like my own dogs but some people have said that perhaps it's better to feed a cheaper dog food because a lot of adopters may not want to feed a premium kibble.

2. My foster sleeps in our bedroom in a crate right now. Do you let your fosters sleep in the same place as your dogs or do you have them sleep in the kitchen/laundry/other room so that it's easier to make the adjustment to a new home? We are fostering working breeds, so it's possible that some families may want the dog to be an outside dog.

3. Do people let their foster dogs onto their bed/sofas? Our two are allowed but I'm hesitant about doing it with Ollie in case his future family doesn't want dogs on the sofa/bed and it's better to train him NOT to go up there in the first place ... Any views?

4. Is the first foster the hardest one to let go of i.e. does it get easier? I get a bit misty-eyed when I think about handing over Ollie to a new home. He was at the pound and kennels for so long and he clearly LOVES being in a home surrounded by people and other dogs - he acts like THIS is his new home. I know dogs are very adaptable but it does cause me a bit of a pang to think of making him change scenes again.

5. What are your basic criteria that you have for a dog before you rehome it in terms of training? We have a checklist of training requirements and Ollie's doing very well so far but I'm curious about what other people expect before they rehome a dog. Friendliness is a given because we will not foster any dog that is not dog-friendly.

Thanks in advance!

[bianca.a]

Brilliant timing for this thread as I am getting my first foster tomorrow and he is a Kelpie! I will be really interested in the replies you get.

My dogs are inside and have free rein of the house but I will crate Wonka in our bedroom at night. That's the plan anyway! I won't let him on the furniture for the reason you said, I think it would be harder to re-train for the future.

I haven't even met Wonka yet but seeing a couple of pics and hearing about him, I am already dreading letting him go!

[koalathebear]

Ha! I think I just posted to your post in the FB group :) I can't wait to read all about Wonka - he's so cute-looking.

Welcome to fostering. I am loving it so far - even though I was very very nervous about it before starting :laugh: I'm keeping a blog about fostering here. So far so good - although OH will probably have to be the one who hands Ollie over to his forever home when the time comes :p

[bianca.a]

It's a small world hey! :laugh: Thank you :)

Off to read your blog, that is a great idea by the way!

[bianca.a]

Sorry to go OT, but wow you have already made amazing progress with him! And he is simply divine

[koalathebear]

Sorry to go OT, but wow you have already made amazing progress with him! And he is simply divine

He is extremely smart and trainable!! I cannot believe how much he has learned in just 10 days either!!! It's like he's desperate to learn - I cannot believe someone just dumped him at the pound when he has so much potential.

He's probably not suitable as an agility dog (because he is a porker and will probably always kind of be a bit chunky :laugh:) but he could definitely be a good obedience or rally-o dog if someone was that way inclined. He is also EXTREMELY soft and cuddley :laugh:

[Plan B]

1. My foster is currently eating Royal Canin like my own dogs but some people have said that perhaps it's better to feed a cheaper dog food because a lot of adopters may not want to feed a premium kibble.

I think, so long as the dog is getting everything it needs while in care, nutrition-wise, you're fulfilling your end of the deal. Some adopters may choose to feed an entirely raw diet, some may choose wet food, some may choose the most expensive premium kibble in the world, and some may choose Supermarket kibble. Anything you feed the foster dog is most likely to change in their forever home, so I would just go with whatever you feel is best for the dog while it's with you.

2. My foster sleeps in our bedroom in a crate right now. Do you let your fosters sleep in the same place as your dogs or do you have them sleep in the kitchen/laundry/other room so that it's easier to make the adjustment to a new home? We are fostering working breeds, so it's possible that some families may want the dog to be an outside dog.

The only times I've let a foster into the bedroom [crated] is if there's been separation anxiety and we've slowly worked on that. I don't let fosters sleep in the bedroom, as I like to give that privilege to my own dogs, and reassure them that their place isn't being challenged. However, I don't necessarily see a problem with it either, so long as it doesn't cause problems between the resident dogs and the foster dog.

3. Do people let their foster dogs onto their bed/sofas? Our two are allowed but I'm hesitant about doing it with Ollie in case his future family doesn't want dogs on the sofa/bed and it's better to train him NOT to go up there in the first place ... Any views?

My foster dogs are allowed up on the sofas [my dogs even have their own sofa bed in the spare room] but fosters are only allowed when invited. For me, personally, I like my dogs on the sofa, watching a show, etc. I think it'd be unfair not to let a foster up with me too but they do get taught boundaries - so that, if an adopter doesn't want them on the sofa, it's easier for them to keep them off.

4. Is the first foster the hardest one to let go of i.e. does it get easier?

Yes and no. Depends what the first foster is. :laugh:

Generally, it doesn't get easier to say goodbye, but you do start to realise that, actually, the first dog you fostered, you didn't need to keep like you though, because there are so many awesome, nice, dogs that just fit into the home along the way. You'll probably want to not say goodbye to a few... but the next awesome dog is just around the corner.

5. What are your basic criteria that you have for a dog before you rehome it in terms of training? We have a checklist of training requirements and Ollie's doing very well so far but I'm curious about what other people expect before they rehome a dog. Friendliness is a given because we will not foster any dog that is not dog-friendly.

Toilet trained, crate trained [i find it best to crate train dogs while they're with me, as not all adopters will continue crating... but I'm sure some vets and groomers will thank me down the line!], basic commands like 'sit' and 'stay', socialisation with other dogs and people, and manners. There's probably more I'm forgetting but generally the basics... enough for the dog to be a balanced, respectful dog, but I don't worry too much about fancier things like making the dog shake or line dance.

Edited July 28, 2012 by Plan B

[keetamouse]

I have been fostering for over 10 years now and have had over 400 come through in that time. ALL the fosters are in crates at night, NEVER IN MY ROOM, as the majority of new homes will not have the dogs in their room, so it is going to be hard on the dog to then go to their new home and have to sleep in the laundry. I often lend the new owners a crate (they end up going and buying one themselves) because the dog will settle straight away and not keep the family awake all night, that is the worst thing that can happen and if the dog whinges for a few nights the new owners will get annoyed and return the dog.

Maree

CPR

[Staffyluv]

I know that the rule of thumb is to treat the foster dog the same way that you treat your own dogs. I have some questions though and would love to hear the views of others. The main thing is that while I am perfectly happy to treat our foster dogs the same way our dogs are treated - there is no guarantee that the dog will receive the same treatment in its new home - although of course the intention is to try very hard to find the best possible home. So here are the questions:

1. My foster is currently eating Royal Canin like my own dogs but some people have said that perhaps it's better to feed a cheaper dog food because a lot of adopters may not want to feed a premium kibble.

2. My foster sleeps in our bedroom in a crate right now. Do you let your fosters sleep in the same place as your dogs or do you have them sleep in the kitchen/laundry/other room so that it's easier to make the adjustment to a new home? We are fostering working breeds, so it's possible that some families may want the dog to be an outside dog.

3. Do people let their foster dogs onto their bed/sofas? Our two are allowed but I'm hesitant about doing it with Ollie in case his future family doesn't want dogs on the sofa/bed and it's better to train him NOT to go up there in the first place ... Any views?

4. Is the first foster the hardest one to let go of i.e. does it get easier? I get a bit misty-eyed when I think about handing over Ollie to a new home. He was at the pound and kennels for so long and he clearly LOVES being in a home surrounded by people and other dogs - he acts like THIS is his new home. I know dogs are very adaptable but it does cause me a bit of a pang to think of making him change scenes again.

5. What are your basic criteria that you have for a dog before you rehome it in terms of training? We have a checklist of training requirements and Ollie's doing very well so far but I'm curious about what other people expect before they rehome a dog. Friendliness is a given because we will not foster any dog that is not dog-friendly.

Thanks in advance!

1. I feed fosters the same as Ziggy, barf patties and royal canin. I explain that dogs do better on better food that agrees with them and changing food needs to be done slowly over a couple of weeks.. The choice to drop to a lower quality food is theirs but I do try to encourage them to use better foods by explaining that the higher quality food, you need less of, smaller poops etc..

2. I crate train my fosters but they are also invited onto the bed. Getting on the bed (or the lounge) is by invitation. This way, the new owners can choose to invite the dog onto the bed or lounge or not..

3. See number 2

4. My first foster, Gussy a lovely little kelpie cross was very hard to let go. I think I interviewed 3 homes before the right one came up..

My second, Coco was much easier to let go as she went to friends of mine and I get to see her and know she has a great home.... My third was very hard to let go of, I became very attached to Pippa and still today, think it was a mistake to let her go... She should have been a foster failure.. I miss her heaps.

5. I think the basic commands of sit, stay, drop and recall are great if you can get them all before they are rehomed. Some are easier to teach than others..

[tdierikx]

My fosters get fed Bonnie kibble - the same as my own dogs get. Easily swapped for Supercoat if the new owner wants to buy supermarket kibble.

All fosters are crated in my bedroom at night - they settle faster that way. My own dogs sleep on my bed.

Couch cuddles is a big part of my fosters' routine - but only when invited. My dogs also have their own couch - they aren't allowed on mine unless invited.

Some fosters will steal your heart completely - it's not only the first one you will fall in love with and want to keep yourself. When you do find the perfect home for them though, it's all worth it. (Note: I "failed" with foster #45 - I adopted her myself... *grin*)

Toilet training and basic obedience are very much appreciated by any prospective new owner - I also like to socialise my fosters with other animals and people too. I have a few friends with dog savvy cats, and they get to meet my fosters and put them into line... lol!

T.

[Guest muttrus]

mmmmm As my fosters are not from pounds and I know how they have been living before me I incorperate that into how they spend time in my care.

I treat all my fosters as if they were my own BUT as they are mostly puppies they not only need certain training/rules but can fall into my routines so Im mindful of that too.

They are fed the best I can afford they sleep inside/outside depending on size wether how they get along with my dogs etc.

They are NOT allowed on my lounges as mine aren"t either.We teach them the basics such as sit stay walk on a lead and road sense.It also is like puppy pre-school here they have play time social time nap time and so on .They are around other animals such as rabbits cats and reptiles We take them to the primary school to interact with crowds and kids they go to the park and beach.

There is a wide variety of things they are subjected to.It does help with rehoming plus adjusting within different homes.

As for when they go yes some I was sad to see go and some I was glad went (for different reasons) ALL our fosters no matter what are well cared for loved and happy but just like kids they are all different and have not only different needs but different personalities so with each new foster comes time getting to know them and caring for them accordingly .

I think each different foster carer has a different idea and its fair to say do whats right for both you and your home but also whats right for each new foster ----they may no always like the same food some dogs may really prefer outside or vice versa Im SURE no matter what you do you will work it out and get better and better there will always be a situation pop up thats new or unthought of (till it happens) common sense wins out 99% of the time-------------------------

Edited July 28, 2012 by muttrus

[Her Majesty Dogmad]

I feed them a mixture of different foods, sometimes I have Hills or Eukanuba, sometimes it's Supercoat with sardines, turkey mince, rice, veggies and so on.

I do talk to potential owners about healthy diets and the issues with canned food (wind, loose poops etc etc) and not many of the people applying for my dogs actually feed canned food. I definitely won't rehome an Italian Greyhound to that scenario as they have commonly have probelms with digestion even on the best of diets and I don't want them turfed outside - funny how some people don't equate diet to some of the problems they complain about ...

My foster dogs live like my own dogs - many haven't been inside a house before, so they do get on the sofa.

I draw the line at fosters sleeping on my bed because that may cause an issue for a perfectly good home that wants them to sleep elsewhere. I try and get my own foster carers to follow suit and explained why but quite honestly, they haven't. Most people with Italians do let them sleep on the bed so it hasn't been a major issue so far but with the other types of dogs I rescue, I crate them normally and if the new owner wants them to sleep on the bed then it's a bonus.

As for training, I always housetrain and teach basics. I won't have dogs that aren't good with other dogs, I don't have the facilities but I also don't believe in rehoming dog aggro dogs either. I introduce foster dogs (carefully) to my neighbour's children - they actually ended up adopting one from me - and try and see if they are good with cats, in the car etc and write an honest profile. Any issues are highlighted before a person adopts the dog so they can decide if they want to deal with a certain behaviour ie barking at birds in the garden, having accidents inside during heavy rain.

I have a very low rate of returns and stay in touch with new owners regularly during the trial periods.

As for letting them go, I have shed a tear almost every time and sometimes wept copiously .... I love them all but I find them the home that suits them perfectly and that isn't always mine - you have to be honest with yourself there. A small few have been destined to stay.

[koalathebear]

Thanks all - it's really useful to read all the different feedback. I guess with all things there are many different ways to handle the situation. Because of what keetamouse mentioned, I moved Ollie's crate out of our bedroom to a different room in the house last night just to see how he'd handle it. He was fine, not a peep out of him. I think in future, I will probably let the crated dog sleep in our room the first few nights to settle it and then move it to different rooms of the house after that (in its crate of course).

I'll probably keep going with the Royal Canin for all the dogs - they get a wide mix of different treats. I think I will also continue to NOT let fosters on the sofa/bed because even though I could train it not to go up unless invited, there's always a risk it could jump up in the first week and annoy the new owners. If they want the dog on the bed/sofa, it's very easy to teach it to do that :p

It is interesting to see the difference responses here and elsewhere because some people are very: "Don't discriminate against the dog - treat it the same as your own" and others are: "Be mindful that not all homes will be like yours, so it cannot have all the same privileges that your own dogs have".

[Staffyluv]

I disagree with the dog not receiving the same treatment in my home because they might not be treated the same in their new permanent home.

I actually look for homes similar to mine when rehoming... I like the thought that they can come inside and be part of the family..

Honestly (and I will probably be flamed for it) but I would never consider a permanent home for one of my fosters where they were not allowed to be inside at some time (I understand keeping them in a secure yard while at work and that is fine)...

I also don't have an issue with dogs not being allowed on the furniture in a new home (that is very much a personal preference), that's why they are invited up here, not just free reign to do as they please..

[Wendles]

Hi Koalathebear :)

I don't do fostering all the time to give my own boy lots of attention in his later years but definitely the dogs I do foster get treated as if they were my own.

My current foster is a greyhound through GAP so the rules for her are slightly different to dogs I have fostered in the past - there are expectations of what she will and won't do while she is with us and what she will have achieved by the time she leaves.

We haven't banned her as such from the furniture but we are supposed to discourage this behaviour - luckily in almost 3 weeks she hasn't tried the couch once. I am lucky because hubby makes beds for a living so uses all the off cuts of memory foam etc at the factory to make great comfy beds the dogs love - she loves hers so much she hasn't wanted to try anything else and will get to take it with her to her new home.

Our fosters sleep in our room with us at night on their own bed - I do not allow them on our bed as in the past this has led to dominance issues with my own dog I will not allow again. I also find it easier to instigate nightime toilet trips this way as I am a light sleeper and hear anyone moving around.

We were supplied her Optimum dry food which she has every night along with meat of some variety - usually mince or chicken the same as my boy. She also has a variety of foods for breakfast - toast, weetbix (found Weetbix to be the best way of getting my dogs to have fish oil!!) or diced chicken.

I try and make sure all foster dogs leave me toilet trained and able to sit and stay and go to their bed when told. Basic manners go a long way and I like to socialise them as much as I can.

I agree with Staffluv about treating them differently to my dog in case their new home does not allow certain behaviours - I hope as a foster carer my input would always be taken into account in the placement of a dog with a new family and would be letting the potential adopters know clearly up front how the dog has been living and whether it could continue to live like that would be a huge factor.

[kayla1]

My foster dogs had the same access as my own dogs - except my dogs always had the best spots on the bed, and foster dogs were never allowed to steal Kayla's bed.

Guess it depends on how your rescue group operates, but I agree with staffyluv - I do not treat foster dogs differently on the chance they will be treated differently in their new home, because I make sure my fosters are rehomed to similar environments that best suit them (all of my fosters are in wonderful homes).

I don't think it gets any easier to say goodbye, but I found it helped to take a new foster as soon as one left. :D

[koalathebear]

We're definitely determined to treat the dogs the same - but things like dogs on beds/sofas can be quite problematic for some people so I still think that I won't be letting them up on furniture. It can totally be the new owner's call about that. As to indoor/outdoor - our dogs are inside (with access to outdoors via a dog door) and we are going to be letting our fosters inside and our personal preference is that dogs are inside - but given that they are working dogs, it is entirely possible that there is a perfectly good home out there where the dog is going to be an outside dog. I guess we'll see on a case by case basis, depending on the people who want a dog.

[Little Gifts]

1. I foster shar pei and they need a good diet. Our 2 dogs actually eat cheaper kibble than the foster's do but extra's and treats are all the same. I'm kind of fussy about ensuring the fosters become as healthy and health stable as they can be and obviously potential forever homes are vetted to ensure they understand that an appropriate diet means a healthy, allergy free dog.

2. The fosters have always slept in my bedroom. I aim for them becoming crate trained. Because of some conflict I did want one foster to sleep in the bathroom (our laundry has too much dog food in there!) but he broke me down and ended up sleeping on my bed. He slept very soundly there! My preference of course is for fosters to sleep in their own beds, hopefully in a crate, but I do like to have them in my room so I can keep an eye on them, particularly in those early days when I'm trying to bond with them. Having them sleep on your bed sets them up for disappointment in their forever home and I agree that it also miffs your own dogs. Funnily the dog mentioned above does not sleep on the bed at his forever home. I really think he was pushy about it because he wanted to be where the other dogs were.

3. We have a thing where our dogs can be on the bed and lounges but only when invited to do so. We have lovely dog beds everywhere so there is no lack of comfy spots to lie. But as per point 2 above one foster just kept at it until I gave in and let him on the lounge. Once on the lounge he was very quiet and took up little room. When he went to his forever home I suggested to them that they put a blanket on their lounge and let him up but only onto where his blanket was. So far he has stayed on his dog bed! I think it is because he is not competing with any other dogs. I have not had any trouble with other fosters simply staying on the dog beds next to the lounge and that is my preference.

4. I have bonded with all my fosters. I can't help it. Our dogs also become extremely close to some of them. But once you see them interact with people who they have decided are 'the one' it is much easier to let them go. I have a heart girl and I really want these rescue dogs to find their heart people. The other thing is these dogs will get different experiences in their new homes. One boy I had here was a physical and emotional mess when I got him. He has gone to a family with young kids and he LOVES them! I never would've expected that and I could never offer him that kind of life here. I'm getting all teary even thinking about this topic!

5. I don't feel I control when a dog's forever home comes along but I do feel it is my responsibility to make each foster the best they can be in the time I have them so that they are ready for their forever home. The fosters that have been here have had fairly quick interest. I had one boy I still hadn't managed to get to walk alone (ie without the other dogs) and hadn't managed to get car trained (a panic vomiter). His forever home worked around this. The last boy was still a terrible weaver on the leash. I just share all this with potential adopters because I think it is important they still get to do something developmental with their new dog! I'm lucky in that SP are very smart and often simply follow the other dogs behaviours and learn quickly to do the same. All mine have already been toilet trained as well. At the very least I think the basics that are needed are of course toilet training and basic commands such as sit and recall. I'd also be focussed on stopping bad behaviours like jumping up or being mouthy as quickly as possible.

The other thing for me is recognising when a foster is in or has hit the limit of their comfort zone and working with that. I've had one boy who only ever ate outside without being watched. Fine by me. The same dog would not go to the toilet if anyone was around. Again, not such a big issue to work around. If they like toys then I encourage play with those types of toys. If they like balls they get balls. If they prefer to lie in the sun then I put a dog bed in a sunny area for them. If they don't like to be touched a certain way or in a certain area then I'm not going to force the issue (unless I have to for health reasons). And if they don't like me kissing or cuddling them all the time then I deal with it! Luckily I have not had one who doesn't like a smooch once they get used to me!

[mita]

PS, that was a great post.

[Panto]

It is always easier to allow new priveliges than to take them away - a gift to betow upon Ollie's new family, that they get to give to him.