Meldrew79

Drew and I are seriously considering fostering for the first time. There's a young 13 mo old male that is in need and I have reached out to our rescue's director that we'd be interested. Our main concern is Brandy and Noir of course so I've asked if this boy has ever been around cats or other dogs. He is good with children apparently, but we're not around that many so that wouldn't be an issue.
I'm just wondering from all you seasoned fosters what tips you might have for a first timer like me? If he does come to our home, what should we do or shouldn't we do right away?
I've heard about the honeymoon period, is that pretty typical with most dogs?

Thanks!
Melissa

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dobedream

Oh, how exciting for you!
We've also considered going that route sometime in the future
I can't give you any advice, but I can tell you that Roxy was 13 months when she came to us, and I'm still waiting for the honeymoon to end now that it's a year later!
If anything, she has improved with consistent training and lots of love. She was a ball of hyper zoomies when we first got her!
Good luck, and bless you for even considering fostering!

Dobejazz

For fostering we do very slow intro's and I mean slow - crates and gates for up to 2 weeks if needed especially for your first foster you can't go to slow. Now that so many have come through and I pretty much only foster littles I can go much faster mingling them into the group and go from there. My foster pug X needed to be kept pretty much separate from Pete for the whole time he was here. (Pete has a low tolerance for rude puppies).

The current IDR + newsletter has a great bit on fostering - You can see it on FB or I can email it to you if you like. It's not letting me copy and paste it.

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Kelli
Toula, Pete, Bear Bear and Frosti

RIP Rogan 4-2008/3-2011

lulu582

I have only had 2 fosters (at separate times), but they were introduced slowly and carefully to my other dogs, and they were not left unattended together for quite a while. In my case, I was eventually able to leave all of the dogs out together since they got along so well...but that depends on each individual dog. Other than taking introductions slow and letting the foster get used to a new home and family, they were always treated just like my other dogs...from training and behavior expected of them to going places with me, they were part of the family for whatever amount of time I had them.

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SpecialK

First of all, thank you for considering being a foster! It is truly rewarding.

I agree with the importance of taking it slow. Remember that often foster dogs come to us with very little background info and part of the reason for fostering is to learn more about them. Understand that they are very stressed and may react in ways that are not typical even for them. Also, you may hear they are "good with dogs" or kids, cats, etc...but you should always be cautious, in my opinion. Go into it knowing that there is a possibility that they may never be able to mingle well with your dogs and be prepared to handle that if needed.

Also, make yourself aware of all of your valuable rescue contact people and utilize them. Know who to call if there is an emergency, or if you need a vet appointment or have questions about food/supplies or whatever. These are simple logistic questions, but can make life difficult if you find yourself needing that info!

Make sure you know what commitment you are making (are you covering any costs or is everything being provided for you? Are you expected to take your foster to vet appointments/adoption events and how frequently? etc). I am a believer that people are much more successful when they go into things with eyes wide open and know what to expect.

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"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself." --Josh Billings

UKC Ch. Bruda Weekend Warrior, TT, CGC, TDI "Rowan"
Bruda Pure Seduction, S.T.A.R. Puppy "Monroe"

Meldrew79

Great advice everyone, thank you! I know if we do this I'll be so nervous...I don't want to do anything wrong!

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SpecialK

You'll do fine! No situation ever ends up perfect, so everything else is a learning experience! Besides...saving a life is awesome, no matter how much you accidentally screw up.

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"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself." --Josh Billings

UKC Ch. Bruda Weekend Warrior, TT, CGC, TDI "Rowan"
Bruda Pure Seduction, S.T.A.R. Puppy "Monroe"

Dobejazz

You will be fine !!! Good foster homes are hard to find so I've found IDR to be very forgiving I'm sure your organization is similar

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Kelli
Toula, Pete, Bear Bear and Frosti

RIP Rogan 4-2008/3-2011

Meldrew79

Just a quick update, a rescue in MN was able to pick him up and they have a foster for him there. I'm very glad that he found a safe place to go!

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SpecialK

That's great...but I'm sure there will be plenty more!

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"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself." --Josh Billings

UKC Ch. Bruda Weekend Warrior, TT, CGC, TDI "Rowan"
Bruda Pure Seduction, S.T.A.R. Puppy "Monroe"

Meldrew79

I know! I was a little disappointed, got myself all excited about the prospect of being able to help. We've thrown our hat into the foster pool for our rescue and like our director said, it's only a matter of time before another dobe in need comes along.

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