Understanding Your Foster Dog
Transitioning a dog from a shelter to your home takes understanding. We’re here to help.
During California’s recent “Shelter In Place” mandate, we’ve been fortunate to have a deluge of people willing to bring a foster dog into their home, thereby increasing our ability to save dogs. We do our best to find a dog that is suitable to your home and lifestyle; i.e., cats, kids, other dogs, etc.
Our team of professionals is ready to help make your foster experience go as easily as possible.
Structuring a routine in the first few days when bringing your foster dog home is important for success.
Potty training; same place every time, consistently praise when they potty, take out 30 min after they eat.
Feed in the crate, same time everyday, leave food for 10-15 min and then take dog out of crate to potty within 30 min.
When you bring your foster dog home, do not give him or her free reign of the house. Let them drag the leash around and stay near you for at least a week.
Structure the time when your dog is in the crate: resting during the day with a Kong or treat where they can see you while you are at home. The crate is not a punishment, it’s their safe spot.
Always crate your dog when they’re left alone in your house.
Never put your face in their face.
We are setting up these routines at Thrive and ask that our fosters follow through so when the dog is adopted, they have an idea of what to expect. Setting them up to begin their happy new life, thanks to YOU!
Please reach out with any questions!