The Value of Fostering Dogs

We had the joyous experience this last week with our first foster dog - Max. He was abandoned at a house, from what seemed like very unfortunate circumstances for his owner who couldn't take him with them. Someone actually called the "Dog Bakery" looking for help, thinking surely we knew what to do. Actually, we didn't, but we learned really quickly.

I went over and took ownership of him, and brought him to the store. I don't think he had ever been around dogs before, as he wet himself immediately upon seeing one of my dogs. He still had his puppy teeth, and seemed more interested in people than in other dogs. He wasn't house broken, and he didn't know any tricks. So, for 5 days we took on the task of keeping him for a couple that wanted him, but hadn't finished moving to town yet, and to acclimate him to the real world.

The first step was getting to know Sam and Hannah. They didn't know what to think of him. He is a large puppy, but he's still basically a bowling ball with legs. It kind of made me sad that he found a safe place under one of our bushes, almost as if he'd been outside a lot, and used bushes for cover. When I rescued him, he had been in a back yard with no dog house or shelter - just a crate, which wasn't going to do him much good in the rain.

Next, we worked on some basic "rules" that most dogs need to know, like to scratch or whine to go outside, not to jump up on furniture unless you are invited, not to jump up on counter tops, what was his and what wasn't. It was great watching him interact with Sam. That had to be the fastest potty training I have ever seen. In about 3 days of watching Sam whine at the door to go out, he figured out what was going on. He only had one accident at the house, and just a couple at the store, but he now knows to go outside to do his businesses. He seemed to be a quick learner, and took cues from Sam and Hannah very well.

We also worked on some tricks. This is a great way of focusing the dog's attention, giving them a "job", and they think it's play. He got sit, and mostly down in just a couple of sessions. The important thing is that he picked up on commands for treats, for he knew he expected a reward, and eagerly anticipated it - which will make it easier to train him other things in the future, like stay, off, leave it, etc.

The main point I am making with these examples is that not only was it a benefit for Max to not be at a shelter for this period of time, the one-on-one time with us, and with our dogs in a safe place, provides some introduction to the "rules of a dog's life". He didn't know what a play bow was before coming to stay with us, and was quite frankly afraid of Sam and Hannah. Now, he'd initiate play, and play for hours. He didn't know there should be rules in the house, like taking his business outside.

He basically got a crash course on good behavior with other dogs, with people, and on being inside. These can be invaluable assets to a dog looking for a forever home. It helps ease the transition if they are already house broken, know some rules of engagement, are ready for society - both canine and human. Well behaved dogs would stand a much less rate of return to the shelter if they all came this well adjusted. We should all help and foster dogs more to help those unsuspecting future dog parents who may not be adequately equipped to house break a dog, or teach them inside rules.

Maybe we can create a certification program to help less adoptable dogs, like an "I'm an A+ Dog", meaning he's spent time and has learned basic rules of human and canine engagement. It might help the large black dogs by giving someone a good reason to choose them over a less intimidating breed.