medium and large adult dog foster manual 4-11-17 -1 · • any medium/large dog • long stay dogs...
TRANSCRIPT
Startinga
MediumandLargeAdultDogFosterProgram
Projectsupportedby
StartingaMediumandLargeAdultDogFosterProgram
TableofContents
Introduction................................................................................................................................3
WheretoStart............................................................................................................................4BestCanineCandidates.................................................................................................................................................................5FindingYourFosters......................................................................................................................................................................5TheAsk.................................................................................................................................................................................................7VolunteersCross-TrainedasFosters............................................................................................9
PlayGroups.................................................................................................................................9
FosterLogisticsandTraining.......................................................................................................9FosterMentors..................................................................................................................................................................................9YourRelationshipwithFosterFamilies.................................................................................................................................9CommunicatingObjectivelytoShelterStaff.........................................................................................................................9FosterTraining...............................................................................................................................................................................12ImportantThingstoTeachFosters........................................................................................................................................13Example:Behavioral/BlueDotFosterProgram...............................................................................................................13SuggestedEquipmentforFosters............................................................................................................................................18FlexibleFostering............................................................................................................................................................................19
SupportingYourFosters............................................................................................................19TheFosterTeam............................................................................................................................................................................19BehavioralSupport......................................................................................................................................................................20
AdoptionsfromFosterCare......................................................................................................20ScreeningPotentialAdoptersandMakingAdoptionMatches..................................................................................21QueueingPotentialAdopters...................................................................................................................................................23MeetingwithPotentialAdopters...........................................................................................................................................23AddressingBehavioralIssues....................................................................................................................................................24
Adoption...........................................................................................................................................................................................24Post-AdoptionSupport.............................................................................................................26
KeepingYourFosters................................................................................................................28
AppendixA:Resources..............................................................................................................29Behavioralsupport.......................................................................................................................................................................30Fostercareforadultdogs..........................................................................................................................................................30Postshelterdecompression.....................................................................................................................................................30Dogplaygroups.............................................................................................................................................................................31AppendixB:AustinAnimalCenterFosterCareProviderAgreement..........................................31
AppendixC:SurveyofFairfaxCounty’sBehavioralFosters........................................................32
AppendixD:MentorFormforBlueDotFosters.........................................................................44©2017,AustinAnimalCenter
IntroductionCoreyhadbeenwaitingforhisadoptersfor7months,duetoadoptionrestrictionsonblocky-headeddogs.Hewassweet,intelligentandobedient.Overtime,hisbehaviorinthekennelbecamemoreandmorefrenetic,disintegratingtothepointthathedisplayedthesamebehavioroverandover.First,hewouldpickuphisdinnerKongandhurlitintohiswaterbucket.He’dstandthereforamomentlookingaround,asiftoensurethathehadanaudienceforhistrick.Suddenlyhe’dthrowhisentiregiantheadintothebucketandbobaroundfortheKong.Likeawhalebreaching,hisheadwouldsoarbackwardsoutofthebucket,waterflyinginalldirections,soakinghiskennelandtheadoptionfloor.Therehewouldstand,triumphant,waterpouringoffhishead,theKonginhismouth.Hisbehaviorontheadoptionfloortickledthefunnyboneofafewvolunteers,butitwasoff-puttingtopotentialadopters.Someshelterworkerssawitasasignthathe’dhadenough.Theybelievedhewasnolongerabletostandlifeintheshelterandthatadopterswouldcontinuetooverlookhim.Worse,theybegantoinsistthatatthispoint,euthanasiawashisbestoutcome.Butwasthereanotheroptionforhimthatwehadnevertried?Webelievedtherewas.Withafledglingshort-termfosterprogramandtwofamilieswhocouldonlykeephimforafewdaysatatime,Coreywentintoemergencyfosterwiththeunderstandingthatifhewasbroughtbacktotheshelter,hewouldnotsurvive.Outsideoftheshelter,glimmersoftheoldCoreywereseenwithinhours.Hewenttoworkwithhisfosterfamilyandevenonaroadtrip.Theydocumentedeverything.Pictureswerepostedontheshelter’sFacebookpage.ThepostwasforwardedtoafamilywhohadrecentlylostadogwholookedverymuchlikeCorey.Thenextdaytheymethimattheshelteranddecidedtoadopthim.Ittookallof4days.Overthenext2years,theshelterplacedmanymoredogslikeCoreyintofostercareforvaryinglengthsoftimeandsawequallyastonishingresults.Fostercarewasthemostobviousfactorintheirsuccess,butmanyotherfactors,suchasmarketing,wereequallyimportant.Thismanualwillexplaineachofthesefactorsandhowtheyworktogethertofacilitateadoptionsforlong-staydogs.
Figure1.Coreyinfostercare
Figure2.Importantcomponentsofasuccessfulfosterprogramforadultdogs
WheretoStartThemostimportantthingyoucandotofindliveoutcomesforlong-staydogsistotreateachdogasanindividual.Gettoknoweachdogandtakenoteoftheirneeds,levelofkennelstress,strengthsandweaknesses.Onlybyknowingeachdogindividuallywillyoubeabletoknowwhattheirneedsareaswellasthepersonalitytraitsthatmakethemagoodfitforparticularfosterandadoptivehomes.Dogswholiveintheshelterenvironmentfor30+daysareparticularlyvulnerabletoshelterstressthatcouldsendtheirbehaviorintoadownwardspiral.Inmanycases,certainbehaviors(barrierreactivity,leashreactivity,etc.)developorbecomemarkedlyworseduringadog’sshelterstay.Dogswhoseemparticularlyvulnerabletothisshouldbespendingasmuchtimeoutsideoftheshelteraspossible.Inmildtomoderatecasesofshelterstress,dogsmaybefosteredfor3daystoaweekuntiltheirstressleveldiminishesandthenreturnedtotheshelterforadoption.Inmoreseverecases,it’ssafertokeepthedoginfostercareuntiltheiradopterisfound.Thereisnooneformulathatfitsalldogs,askennelstressaffectseachonedifferently.Inallcases,heavymarketingisadvised.Forthis,youwillneedhelpfromthefostercaregivers.Eveninshelterswheresomeadultdogsgotofoster,thereareoftensomanybarriersinplace,mostdogsdon’toftengetachancetohaveashelterbreak.Barrierscanincludealengthy,cumbersomeonboardingprocess,rulesandrestrictionsthatonlyapplytofostersaswellasaregimentedplacementormatchingprocess.Herearesomechangesthatyoursheltershould
Successusingfostercaretofacilitate
adoptionsforlong-stayshelterdogs
Volunteerscross-trainedasfosters
Weekendfoster
Powerhourfoster
Shelterdogplaygroups
Foster-andVolunteer-Driven
MarketingShelter
socialmediasavvy
Behavioralsupport
Fostersinvolvedintheadoptionprocess
Dogwalkinggroup
considermakingtotheirfosterprogramrightaway.Thismanualwilldivedeeperintothelogisticsoftheseideas:
1. Simplifytheonboardingandtrainingprocessforfosterhomes2. Makesurethatallofyourvolunteersareautomaticallysignedupasfosterssothatifthey
connectwithadog,theycantakeithometofoster3. Trainyouradoptioncounselorsandotherstafftoprocessfosters4. Letpeoplechoosethepetstheywanttofoster,nottheotherwayaround5. Processnewfostercaregiversonthespot6. Makeallyourmediumandlargedogsavailableforfosteroradoption7. Marketyourlongstaydogstofostercaregivers,notjustadopters8. Letyourfostercaregiverscompletetheadoptionprocessforthedog,themselves
BestCanineCandidates
• Anymedium/largedog• Longstaydogs• Dogswithnohistoryofaggression• Clear-cutcasesofshelterstress
FindingYourFosters
Longshelterstaysincreasestressonpetsandcanoftenbeatriggerforundesirablebehaviorsthatcanendapet’slife.Fostercarecanshort-circuitthiscycleandsavelives,butfindingenoughfostersforallthepetswhoneedthemcanbedifficult.Ifyouhaveamedicalfosterprogram,you’vemostlikelyhadseveralfosterswhohavetakenhomeadogwithchallengingbehaviors,whetheryou’dplannedforthisornot.Experiencedfosterswhoyoucanalreadydependonaregreatcandidatesforfosteringmediumandlargeadultdogs.Anotherplacetolookisatyourbestmediumandlargedogvolunteers,sincetheyhavetheneededdogskillsandhavemostlikelyalreadydevelopedarelationshipwiththedogsthatneedfoster.WeconductedasurveyoftheFairfaxCountyAnimalShelter’sfosterfamilies,andtheyhadsomegreatsuggestionsforplacestofindfostercaregiversforadultdogs:
“Providesuccessstoriesfromotherorganizationswiththisprogram…iftheorganizationalreadyhasagroupofdedicatedvolunteers,perhapsbeginbyrecruitingfromthisgroup.”“Thesheltercouldtargetrecentlyretiredpeopleorempty-nesters.(Afterourkidslefthome,thehousewassoquiet.Thatiswhenwedecidedtostartfosteringdogs.)Also,seekreferralsfromexistingfostersandvolunteers.”
“Ithinkyouhaveto“grow”intofostering,sohavingnewfostershavewonderfulexperienceswithlotsofsupportwithrelativelyeasydogsfirst…thenhelpingthemacceptmoreandmorechallengingdogsastheygrowandtheirskillsincrease.”“Ithinkrecruitingvolunteerstobecomefostersisessential.”
Dogswhohavestayedintheshelterforalongperiodoftimebuildstress.Thiscanoftenbeslowedorreversedbyastayinfostercare.Ifyouwaittofindafosteruntilthedogisincrisis,thedog’sbehaviormaymakeitdifficulttofindafoster.Thebestwaytofindfosteristogiveshelterbreakswhenyoubegintoseestresstakingitstoll.Consideraskingyourfostersinthisway:
Whereshouldyoulookforfostersformediumandlargedogswhohavechallengingbehaviors?
• Yourmostskilleddogvolunteers• Yourbestcurrentfosters• Keepaneyeonnewfosters;newoneswhohavegreatdogskillscouldworkuptoit• Considerrecruitingdogtrainersand/orpayingastipend
Figure3.FosterSurveyResults:Howlikelywouldyoubetotakehomeafosterdogbasedonthefollowing,onascaleof1to5?
TheAskFostercoordinatorscanrecruitfostersforspecificdogsinmanyways.Hereareafewexamplesofpostsandemailsthathavebeenusedtorecruitfostercaregivers.
Figure4.Fosterrecruitmentformanydogsviasocialmediagroup
Figure5.Fosterrecruitmentforonedogviasocialmediagroup.
Figure6.Fosterrecruitmentforonedogviaemail
VolunteersCross-TrainedasFostersMakingitaseasyaspossibleforyourvolunteerstofosteryourdogsisakeycomponentofthisprogram.Volunteerswhoarecompetentinhandlingyourtoughestdogsaregreatfosterprospectsfortworeasons:theyhavethedogsavvythatyouneedinafoster,andsincethey’retheonesgettingtoknowthesedogs,theiremotionalattachmentmakesitmuchmorelikelythattheywillwanttotakethenextstepinsavingtheirlives.
PlayGroupsShelterdogplaygroupsareaveryimportantpartofanylongstayfosterprogram.Notonlydotheyenableshelterstobetterevaluatedogstodeterminewhichwouldbenefitmostfromfostercare,they’reassistinmakingbetterfostermatchesaswell.WehighlyrecommendreadingtheDogsPlayingforLifeplaygroupmanualathttp://dogsplayingforlife.com/dpfl-manual/andcheckingoutthevideosandinformationtheirorganizationproduces.
FosterLogisticsandTraining
FosterMentors
Inordertomaximizetheamountofsupportforfostersandensurethatyourfostercoordinator’stimeisusedefficiently,considercreatingfostermentors.Fostermentorsarechosenfromyourmostexperiencedadultdogfosterprovidersandcanassistotherfosterfamiliesbygivingadvice,helpingwithdogintroductions,andtrainingnewfosters.Thisway,thefostercoordinator’stimeisreservedforthemostcriticaltasks.
YourRelationshipwithFosterFamilies
Cultivatingapositiverelationshipwithyourfosterfamiliesisvitallyimportant.Notonlyshouldtheytrustyou,youshouldtrustthem.Infact,inasurveyofbehavioralfostersfromtheFairfaxCountyAnimalShelter,feelingasthoughtheshelterstaffseesthemasatrustedmemberoftheteamwasoneofthemostimportantaspectsoftheirrelationshipwiththeshelter.
CommunicatingObjectivelytoShelterStaff
Familiesneedtodescribetheirfosterpet'sbehaviorobjectivelywhencommunicatingtoshelterstaffinordertocommunicateeffectivelyaboutbehaviorinawaythatdoesnotallowformultipleinterpretations.Thevalueofinformationafosterprovidesisinfluenceddirectlybywhatwordstheychoosetouse.
Objective Subjective• Fact-driven• Measurable,observableverifiable
throughevidence• Onlywhatisseenandheardis
recorded• Neutraltone;carriesnoemotional
charge
• Opinion-driven• Feelings,opinions,judgements;
cannotbeevaluatedorverified• Motivationsandinternalfeelings
areattributed• Positivelyornegativelycharged;
conveysagoodorbadimpressionofanimal
Objectivedescriptionshelpshelterstaffto:
• Collectaccuratedataandinformationaboutwhenandhowoftenabehavioroccurs.• Designeffectiveinterventionsandindividualizedgoals.• Determinewhetheraninterventionisworking.• Writeindividualizedgoals.
Thepitfallsofsubjectivewriting:
• Thewriterlosescredibility:Whenwritinganopinion,ifsomeonedisagreestheywillbelessinclinedtolistentoyou.
• Itallowsformultipleinterpretations.Forexample,“Idonottrustthisdog,”couldmeanthatthedogisunpredictablyaggressive,thatthedoghassomefearfulbehaviorsthatcanbeimprovedviatrainingandsocialization,thattheobserverisafraidoflargedogs,thattheobserverisbiasedagainstthedog’sbreed,etc.
• Thereadercannotgetaclearpictureofthebehavior.
Guidelinesforwritingobjectivedescriptions
• Beobservableandmeasurable.Describethebehaviorpreciselyasitwasseenorheard.Ratherthanwriting,‘Hewantedtoattacktheotherdog,’write,‘Whenthedogontheothersideofthefencecamewithin3feetofhim,hebeganbarkingandshowinghisteeth.’
• Useactionwords.• Avoidascribingmotivations,feelingsorreasonsfordoingthings.Thereisnowayto
observeadog’smotivationorfeelings.Isadogplayingfetchbecausehelovesit,orforanotherreason,suchasboredomortoyguarding?Ratherthansaying,‘Shelovesplayingfetch,’say,‘Whenwewentintothebackyard,shepickedupatennisballinhermouthandranawayfromme.Ithrewanothertennisball.Sheretrieveditandlettheotherballgo.Ithrewthefirstballandsheretrievedit,lettingthesecondballgo.Wedidthisforthenext20minutes,untilshelaiddowninthegrassanddroppedtheball.”
• Bespecific,notvague.Ratherthanwriting,‘Heisasweetheart,’write,‘Whenhemetmyhusbandanddaughter,hisbodywaslooseandwigglyandheimmediatelylickedbothoftheirhandsandfaces.’
• Beconcise.
• Recordenoughdetailtorelatewhathappened,butavoidbiasingyourdescription.• Wordsshoulddescribebutnotjudge.• Recordbehaviorsintheordertheyoccurred.• Contextisimportant!Makesuretoincludethisinformation.Behaviorsthatappearinthe
shelterdonotalwaysappearinthehome.Adogwhoplaysfetchforhoursatthesheltermaynotdothisathome.
TheTeacherTestWhenwritingaboutananimal’sbehavior,imaginethatyouareateacherwritingthebehaviorsintoahumanstudent’sfile.Howwouldyoudescribethebehaviorsothatthestudent’sparentscaninterveneappropriately,yetnotfeelthatthewritingisbiasedortakethedescriptioninapersonalway?IncludeDetailWhenrecordingbehavior,includedetailssuchaswhere,when,andhowmuch.Dependingonthesituationtheremaybeotherdetailsthatwouldbehelpfultoinclude,suchasprecedingevents,numberofpeopleinthearea,preexistingmedicalissuesorhowmuchfoodtheanimalhadeateninthepastdayortwo.Forexample,ifacathissedatsomeonewhocameuptomeethim,itmightbehelpfultonotedetailslikeifthepersonwaswearingsunglassesandahat,iftheywereholdingatoddlerwhowascryingloudly,oriftheroomwasnoisyandcrowdedwithpeople.AvoidLabels
stubborn sweet aggressive sketchy affectionate
Labelstellusnothingaboutananimal’sbehavior.Insteadofusinglabels,describethebehaviorthatmadeyouwanttoapplythatparticularlabel.“Iextendedmyhand,andsherubbedherfaceonmyknuckles.Sheapproachedmeandrolledoveronherbackatmyfeetwhilerubbinghercheekonmyshoe.Ipettedherforapproximately10minutes.”AvoidVagueWords N ever frequently usually always some oftenInsteadofusingvaguewords,useexactnumberstodocumentinteractions,items,ortimesabehavioroccurred.“Wetookfourshortwalkstoday.3outofthe4timesIputherleashon,shebeganjumpingandbitingattheleashforapproximately20secondseach.”AvoidUsingFirstPerson
“Idon’ttrustthisdog.”“Iwouldassumethat…”Keepitabouttheanimal’sbehavior,notyourfeelingsaboutit.Usefactstomakeyourpoint.Ifyoufeelacertainwayaboutananimal,describeonlythebehaviorthatmadeyoufeelthisway,notthefeelingitproduced.“Herbehaviortowardmehasbeeninconsistenttoday.ThismorningwhenIgaveheratreat,shetookthetreatquietlywithloosebodylanguage.ThisafternoonIofferedheratreatinthesamewayandshestiffened,stoodandbarkedatme.”OnlyReportBehaviorthathasHappened“Hehasyettobitebuthehascomeclose.” “Shedidn’tcowerwhenIpetherthismorning,butthatmayhavebeenaone-timething.”Onlyreportthefacts.Donotmakepredictionsabouthowananimalwillbehaveinthefuture.Forexample,“Helearnedawayandshowedthewhitesofhiseyeswhenthevacuumgotwithin2feetofhim.”ExamplesSaki continues to do extremely well in our home. He had a good visit to Austin Animal Center this week for a meet and greet with a different family with dog. He visited the vet and remained in control of himself. He enjoyed riding in the car (finally), with his head out of the window. He is now reconditioned on his interactions with our cat, and does not react to her even when she enters a room at full tilt or walks right by his nose. He is now reconditioned with strangers at the fence; he does not bark at children or strollers, and can be easily called away if barking at passersby with dogs. He is not reactive to cars passing by. He sits to be leashed or let into doors, he sits and waits to be released before feeding, he "kennels up" on command. He comes when called, even from across the yard. We have started his muzzle training and he's doing well -- not afraid, not reactive. He is showing control of himself when uncertain or startled; we have continued his "startle awake" training and he has not snapped or shown any disconcerting behavior. He learned to play Frisbee this week and within 8 minutes of being introduced to it, had learned to catch, retrieve, drop it and reset for the next toss. I can't say enough positive things about this dog and I'm extremely excited about the future ahead of him. Thanks for giving Saki a chance!
FosterTraining
Trainingmediumandlargeadultdogfostercareprovidersindogbodylanguage,behaviorissuesthattheymayencounter,techniquestheycanusetohelptheirfosterdecompressbetweentheshelterandtheirhome,dog-to-doginteractionsandhowtoworkwithpotentialadopterswillhelptoensureasafeprogramandafosterwhofeelssupported.
ImportantThingstoTeachFosters
• Wheretofinddifferenttypesofhelp• Whattodoifadoghasbitten• Theymusthavethedog’sshelterID#withthematalltimes• Whotocallincaseofemergency;havethephonenumbersprogrammedintotheirphones
• Fostercoordinator• Whotocallforamedicalemergency(vet?)• Whotocallforabitereport• Whotocallforalostdog
MoreConsiderations:
• Considereverydogandeverysituationindividually• Considerusinglocaltrainersas‘bridge’fosters
• Getmoreinformationandassessmentoutsidetheshelter• Wheneverpossible(andsafe),ifthefosterfamilywantstocontinuetohouseandwork
withthedog,considerprovidingtheresourcesincludingtrainingsupporttoallowthemtodoso.Ifyoudonothaveresourcesfortraining,thinkaboutallowingthefostertocreateafundingcampaigniftheywish,foratrainerpre-screenedbytheshelter.
Example:Behavioral/BlueDotFosterProgram
Thisprogramworkswhenashelterusesacoloreddotprogramforwalkingdogssuchasthis:
Puppiesanddogsthatcannotgooutsideformedicalreasons
Cangooutside;norestrictionsExperienceddogwalkersonly;mustbetrainedandpre-approvedbymanagerorsupervisorStaffonly;Volunteersdonotwalkorsocialize(withoneexception:agroupoftwoapproveddogtrainers)
BlueDotMentors
• 3-4mentorschosenbystaff• Givepresentationandleadsmallgroupsinhands-ontraining
• Demonstratehowtouseessentialsupplies• In-shelterpracticewithtechniquesforcommonbehavioralissues• Discussplanforintroducingfosterdogtootherdogsandpotentialadopters• Wheretogoforhelp
• Provideemailandphonesupportforfosters
BlueDotFosterTraining
Fostersofbluedotdogs(dogswhohavemorechallengingin-shelterbehaviors)receiveadditionaltrainingindogbodylanguage(seeAppendix__forthechecklist),post-shelterdecompression,commonbehavioralissues,dogintroductionsanddogplay.
CanineBodyLanguage
Fostersmustbeabletounderstandwhatadogiscommunicatingtotheminordertorespondappropriately.Educationincaninecommunicationcanhelpfostersidentifywhenadog’ssignalsearlyandunderstandwhattheymean.TheCenterforShelterDogshassomegreatgraphicsondogbodylanguagethatyoucanuse(seeAppendixBforalink).
Decompression
Usingthetimeperiodbetweenwhenthedogleavestheshelterandwhenitentersafoster’shomewiselycanimprovesafetyandcanmeanthedifferencebetweenadogwhoisbroughtbackfromfosterwithinhoursandasuccessfulfosterplacement.Whenapetissuffersfromkennelstress,itcantakefrom5minutesto48hoursormoreforthatpet’sanxietytoreturntonearnormallevels.Additionally,ittakestimetobuildtrust,andtrustisthebasisforobedience.Themoreadogtrustsit’sfoster,themorelikelyitwillfollowtherules.Insomecases,thebuildupofshelterstresscanmakeadogdifficulttotireout.Evenafteralongwalk,thedogmayrunincirclesaroundthehouse,jumpingonfurnitureandhaveadifficulttimesettlingdown.Othersmaymanifestanxietybywhiningalmostconstantlyforthefirst24hours,orbyhavingseparationanxietysointensethattheypanicifthefostergetsmorethan4feetawayfromthemorjumpupfromasoundsleepifthefosterevenshiftsintheirchair.Thisnearlyalwaysimproveswithtime.Thereareseveralthingsafostercandotohelpthisprocessalong:
• Createaplanforburningoffthedog’snervousenergy.Thismayincludetakingthedogforaverylong(1-2+hours)walkorhike,bikingwhilethedogsrunsalongside,orplayingfetch.
• Ifthetimeofdayisflexible,fostersshouldconsidertakingadogrightafterit’sbeenexpendingenergyinplaygroup—justdon’tskipthelongwalk!
• Ifthedogisfearful,considerwalkingwithalongerleash(inplacesthatarenotpublic)sothatthedogdoesn’tneedtobeclosertoyouuntilit’smorecomfortable.
• Ifit’snotpossibletotakethepetintofosterrightaway,itwillhelpifthefostercomestothesheltertobringthedogtreatsortakeitoutsideseveraltimes.Considerleavingsomethingwithyourscentonit,suchasatowel,withthedogwhileit’sthere.Thiswillhelpthedogtofeelmorecomfortableandassociatethefosterwithgoodthings.
• Useapheromonediffuserorcollar.• Ifthedogstillcan’tsettledownaftertheinitiallongwalk,usealaserpointer,puzzletoys
orplayfetchtokeepthedog’smindactiveandkeepitfromgettingitselfintrouble.
• Consideronlyusingessential(safety-related)commandsduringthisperiod.Don’twantthedogtojumpontoyourcouchwhilejumpingaroundthehouse?Thinkaboutsavingthatlessonforanotherdaywhentheyaremorecalmandavailableforlearning.
• Makesureyouractivitiesdon’toverstimulatethedog.• Doonlyessentialmeet-and-greetswithhumansandotherdogsforthefirst48hoursto
week,dependingonthedog’scomfortlevel.• Stickitoutforthefirst24hours.Itwillgetbetter,wepromise.
DogBehavior
Someofthemostcommonbehavioralissuesthatfostersseeinlong-staydogsare:• Homealoneproblems• Highenergylevel• Jumpy/mouthybehavior• Lackofsocialization• Lackofhousemanners• Fearofnewpeopleand/orotherdogs• Leashand/orbarrierreactivity• Resourceguarding• Handlingissues
LackofHouseMannersTheBehavior:
• Incompleteorabsentunderstandingofbehaviorthat’snormallyexpectedofadogindoors• Maystemfromhavinglivedoutdoorsforalongperiodoftime,havingseveralownerswith
differenthouserules(orfewrules),orlongshelterstays• Dogsmayexhibitbehaviorssuchasmarkingorotherpottytrainingdifficulties,jumping,
walkingorchewingonfurniture,etc.TheApproach:
• Triagebehaviorsandworkononeatatime.• Teachthemanalternatebehavior• Catchthembeinggoodandrewardforit!• Givethemthingstodo,stuffedKongs,nosework,foodpuzzles.
LackofSocializationTheBehavior
• Fearwhenconfrontedwithnewpartsofanormalhumansocietyduetoalackofexposuretothemasapuppy.
• Fearsmayincludedifferentenvironments,buildings,sights,noises,objects,people,otherpets,etc.
• Manyundersocializeddogsareunfamiliarwithnormalcaninesocialbehavior
TheApproach:• Triagethedog’sneeds
• Systematicdesensitization;introducetonewthingswhilekeepingthemfrombeingoverwhelmed
• AskforhelpinVolunteer/Fostergroup!HomeAloneProblemsTheBehavior:
• Maybarkorhowl,bedestructive,and/orurinateordefecateinthehousewhenleftalone.• MostdogsgetoverthisintimeTheApproach:• Findoutwheredogismostcomfortable(incrate,inroom,withaccesstofrontdoor,etc.)• Systematicdesensitization;keepdogunderthreshold
HighEnergyLevelTheBehavior:
Pent-upenergythatcanleadtoallsortsofunwantedbehaviors,suchasjumping,mouthing,destructionofbelongings,diggingandmore.
TheApproach:
• Walk,hike,run!• Playingwithanotherdog• Activitiesthatmakethemthinkcantirethemoutjustasmuchasregularexercise.Tryfood
puzzles,nosework,orteachingnewtricks.Jumpy/MouthyBehaviorTheBehavior:
• Adolescentoradultdogswhohaveanenergetic,playfulandoutgoingpersonality.Thesedogsenergeticallyjumpup,puttheirmouthsonpeopleandmaygrabatclothingortheleash.
• Thereisnointenttoharm.• Mayuseasoftmouthorahardmouth.
TheApproach:
• Theroleofattention• Putbone/toyinmouth• Donotoverstimulate• Basictrainingskillset• Metalleash• Ensureadequateexercise
FearofNewPeopleTheBehavior:
Maydemonstrateoneormoreofthefollowingbodylanguagesignalsinthepresenceofnewpeople:moveaway,avoideyecontact,tucktheirtail,crouch,cower,tremble,puttheirearsbackorhide.Dogsmayalsodisplayfearaggression(liplift,growl,snap,bite,lungeorbark).
TheApproach:
• Don’tlookineye• Havenewpersonsitdownandletdogcometothem(don’tcrowdthedog)whenthey
meetthedog• Ignorethemwhiletheysniff,andmoveslowly• Newperson=lotsoftreats!• “Watch”command• Don’tputthedoginasituationwheretheyareoverwhelmedwithnewpeople
LeashReactivityTheBehavior:
• Aleashreactivedogmaylunge,pull,whine,barkorgrowlatotherdogswhileonleash.Theymaysnaporbarkatanotherdogiftheygetcloseenoughwhileonleash.
• Manytimesthesedogsarefriendlytowardotherdogsiftheymeetoff-leash.
TheApproach:• Findthedog’scomfortabledistanceawayfromotherdogsand/orpeople• Usetreatstolure• “Watch”commandornamegame• Turnaroundormovetotheothersideoftheroadtoavoidconflicts• Walkregularlywithotherdogs!
BarrierReactivity
• Aleashreactivedogmaylunge,pull,whine,barkorgrowlatpeopleorotherdogswhileabarrierisbetweenthem.Theymaysnaporbarkatanotherdogiftheygetcloseenoughtothebarrier.
• Manytimesthesedogsarefriendlytowardotherdogsiftheymeetwithoutabarrierinbetweenthem.
HandlingIssuesTheBehavior:
Uneasinesswhenparticularpartsofthebodyarehandled,suchastail,mouth,feet,earsandhindend.
TheApproach:
• Goslowlyandmonitorbehavior• Muzzletraining• Systematicdesensitization• Avoidputtingthedoginsituationswheretheybecomenervous,ifpossible• Punishmentcanexacerbatethisissue
ResourceGuardingTheBehavior:
• Behaviorintendedtoconvinceotherstostayawayfromsomethingorsomeonetheyhighlyvalue.Aresourcecanbeanythingthedogvalueshighly:food,treats,aplace,aperson,etc.Thevalueofeachresourcemaychangewithtime.
TheApproach:• Donotdisturbdogwhileshe’seatingorplayingwithatoy• “Place”command• “Sayplease”program• Tradehighvalueitemsforitemsofhighervalue• Don’tleavefood/toysoutwhenvisitors/otherdogsarearound
Dog-to-DogIntroductions
• Fosterscanchooseintroductionmethod,buttheparallelwalksystemisrecommended• Consideraskingfostermentorsorvolunteertrainerstoassistwithdogintroductions• Fostercanalsobringtheirdogtothesheltertogethelpwithintroductionsbystaff
DogPlay
Teachfosters:• Whatitlooksandsoundslike• Whenandwhennottocorrectthemorslowthemdown• Whentoseparatedogs(incasesofbullying,whenonedogismakingtheother
uncomfortable,etc.)
SuggestedEquipmentforFosters
• Sturdy4’,5’or6’leash• SuggestusingtheEasyWalkorFreedomharnesses• Martingalecollar• Fostertags• Crate• Foodpuzzles,Kongsand/orothertoys
OtherHelpfulTools
• Severaltypesoftreats• Plug-inorspraypheromonediffuser• StuffedKongs/Nylabones/Goughnuts• Metalleash(forpersistentleash-biters)• Laserpointer• Yourwalkingshoes
*Babygatescanbehelpful,butagoodruleofthumbistoonlyusethemasasecondlineofdefensewhenseparatingadogfromanotherdogorcat.Somedogscanjumpeventhetallest
babygate;othershavebeenknowntobarrelrightthroughthem.
FlexibleFostering
Openingyourfosterprogramuptoshort-term,moreflexibleoptionsallowsmorepeopletobecomeinvolvedandmoredogstogetoutoftheshelter.Someofthesepeoplemayrealizethattheyareabletotakeonlonger-termdogs.Othersmaybeabletohelpproviderespitetolong-termfosterfamilies.Allowingyourfosterstonetworktofillgapsincarewillhelptorelievetheburdenonyourshelter’sfostercoordinatorandwillempowerfamiliestofindsolutionsfortheirfosterdogs.Therearemanywaysthiscanbehelpful.Ifafamilyhasavacationplanned,theymightpostarequestforatemporaryfosterintheshelter’svolunteerandfostergrouporcontactanotherfostertheyknowisopenpersonally.Afostermightbemorewillingtotakeonahigher-energydogiftheyknowtheycanpostarequestforanotherfostertotakethedogonapowerhourwalkonceaweek.Onceasub-fosterisfound,anemailissenttothefostercoordinatortoalertthemtothedetailsoftheplacementchange.Thefostercoordinatorcanthencontactthesub-fostertoensurethatallneededpaperworkhasbeensigned.
SupportingYourFosters
TheFosterTeam
Whileeachdogmayhaveonemainfosterhome,othervolunteerscanhelpwithphotography,videography,writingbiosandmarketing.Othervolunteersmayassistwithtrainingadviceandsupportandevenserveasaback-upfostersifthemainfosterfamilygoesoutoftownorneedsabreak.Thisapproachcostsorganizationsnothingandgetsdogsadoptedfaster,oftenwithoutthemhavingtoreturntotheshelter.Fosterteamshelpensurethatyouradultdogfosterprogramiscommunity-focusedandyourfostersaregivenmultipleavenuesofsupport.
Figure7.Exampleofanemailaboutachangeoffoster
Thetraditionalapproachtofosteringisthatallfosterquestions,sheltercheck-outs,medicalapprovalsandothersupportarehandledbythefostercoordinator.Thisputsanenormousamountofpressureononeperson,andoftenaccidentallyleadstounansweredquestionsandbottleneckedlogisticalissues.Medicalapprovallogisticsaremucheasieriffosterscanmakeneededappointmentsontheirown.Shelterscancreateanallowanceofaspecificamountofmoneythatcanbespentonemergencycarewithoutapproval.Thisremovesthebarrierofwaitingsometimeshourstogetapprovalfortreatment,andfosterswilllovethereductioninredtape.Whenashelterhasavolunteerandfostersocialmediagroup,questionspostedthereoftenreceiveanswersinstantly.Fostermentorscanalsohelpanswerquestionsandprovidesupport.
BehavioralSupport
• Fosterscanreceivesupportfrom:o Behavioralstaffo Fostercoordinatoro Fostermentorso Otherfosters/volunteers
• Considerformingpartnershipswithgoodlocaltrainers• Ifadogneedsbehavioralsupportthatyourorganizationisunabletoafford,consider
discussingitwiththefoster–you’llbesurprisedathowmanywillbeopentocreatingaGoFundMeorevenfundingitthemselves
AdoptionsfromFosterCareMakingContactwithPotentialAdoptersSheltershavedifferentmethodsforputtingpotentialadoptersintouchwithfostercaregivers,andtherearebenefitsanddrawbackstoeachsystem.Sheltersshouldconsidertheoptionsandchooseasystemthatwillworkthebestforthem.
• Forwardingpotentialadopters’contactinformationtofosterswhentheymakecontacto Thissystemonlyworkswhentheshelterisabletoforwardtheinformationtothe
fosterimmediately;iftimegoesbybetweentheinitialcontactandthefosterreceivingtheinformation,thepotentialadoptermayhavefoundapetbeforecontactwiththefosterismade.
• Theshelterpostsorgivesthefoster’scontactinformationtopotentialadopterswhencontactismade.
o Theremaybeissueswithprivacyhere;itdoesallowforinstantcontactwithfosterswithouttheshelterneedingtoforwardmessagesorinformation.
• Thefosterchoosesorisassignedanemailaddressthatdoesnotincludeanyprivateinformation;thisemailaddressisgiventopotentialadoptersdirectly.
o Theprivacyissuesareavoided,asareanyissueswiththeshelterneedingtoforwardmessages.Thefostercoordinatormayneedtocreateadatabaseofemailsandfosternamestoensurethattheinformationforthecorrectfosterisgiven.
Figure8:Thefoster'semail,whichdoesnotincludeidentifyinginformation,isgivendirectlytopotentialadoptersinthispost
ScreeningPotentialAdoptersandMakingAdoptionMatchesFostersmayneedtobetrainedinhowtocontactpotentialadopters,hostmeet-and-greetsandtalktopotentialadoptersabouttheirfosterdog.Whenashelterremovesadoptioncounselingfromtheirmarketing,itbringsinawiderrangeofadopters.Thisisagreatthingbecauseitmeansthatyouwillhaveachoiceofadopters,butitalsomeansthatsomepotentialadopterswillbewrongfortheparticulardog.
Whileincontactwithapotentialadopter,youmaywantyourfostersto:
• Askquestionsabouttheperson/familythatmayhelpyoudetermineiftheyareagoodmatchforthedog
• Pointouttheirfoster’sadorablequirks• Describeanybehavioralissuesobjectively• Keepanopenmind,butputsafetyfirst• Phonecallvs.Emailonfirstcontact
• Cannedemailaboutdogsavestimeiftherearemultipleinquiries• Attachorfollowupwithphotos,video
Ifafosteriscertainthatasafeplacementforadogisahomewithoutyoungchildren,gowithit.However,fostersmightwanttokeepanopenmindaboutotherqualitiesofadopters.Here’sanexamplethatillustrateswhy:
“Pattyhadfairlysevere,destructiveseparationanxiety,sowewerelookingforanadopterwhoworkedfromhomeorwasretired.Awomaninquiredwholivedinarentedapartmentoveraretailstore–theoppositeofwhatwewerelookingfor–butshehadaveryinterestingjob:teachingseverelyautisticchildrenusingaspecializedtechnique.Doingthistherapyrequiresanincredibleamountofproblem-solvingskillsandmotivation.Ifeltcomfortablethatshewoulddowhatevershecouldtomakeitwork,soaftermeetingher,theadoptionwasapproved.ItoldheritmightbebesttocratePattytolimitpossibledestruction.Shetookherhome,putheronProzacandleftherlooseintheapartmentwhenshewenttowork.Problemsolved.”
Ifthefosterhasthepotentialadopter’semail,theyshouldsendapolitethankyoufortheirtime,confirmanymeetingdatesandaddsomephotosorvideotheymaynothavealreadyseensothattheycangettoknowthedogbetter.
Hi!I'mJack’sprimaryfosterMomandwillbefieldingrequestsabouthim.There'sbeenalotofinterestinhim,soatthispointI'mjustlookingtogetsomeadditionalinformationfrompeopletohelpdetermineifJackwouldbeagoodfit.I’mhopingyouwon’tmindansweringafewquestionsforme.-Canyoutellmealittlemoreaboutyourhomesituation.Doyouliveinanapartment,condo,housewithayard?Howmanypeopleliveinthehouse?Anychildren?Anyotherpets?-Whatareyoulookingforinadog?Whattraitsareimportanttoyou?(i.e.anactivepuporonethat'smoresedentary.Asupercuddlydogoronewho'smoreindependent.Aplayfulpuporonewho'scalmer.)OnceI'vegonethroughalltherequestswe'llmakeadecisiononmeet&greets,mostlikelysometimenextweek.ThanksforyourinterestinJack,he'sawonderfuldogandwejustwanttotakethetimetofindtherighthomeforhim!Jenny
Figure9.Information-gatheringemailtopotentialadopter
QueueingPotentialAdoptersYou’dneverexpecttohavemorethanonepotentialadopteratonceforalong-staydog,butonceyoubeginusingthemarketingtechniquesinthismanual,you’llfindithappeningallthetime.Dogshavenointerestedpartiesformonths,butjustaweekendstayinfosterandagreatwrite-upcanopenupawholenewworldofpossibilities.Havingmorethanonepotentialadopterinquiringcanbeoverwhelmingtofosters.Additionally,potentialadopterswillthinkhighlyofyourshelteriftheyfeeltheyaretreatedfairly.Queuingpotentialadoptersisonewaytohandlethistypeofsituation.Here’sonewaytoqueuethepotentialadoptersviaemail:
• Letthemknowthere’saqueueandwhattheirplaceisinit• Givethemadate/timewhenyou’llgetbackintouch• Letthemknowofanyotherdogswhomayfittheirlifestyle
Figure10.Exampleofanemailtoqueuepotentialadopters
MeetingwithPotentialAdopters
• Behonest• Askquestions• Describeanybehavioralissuesobjectively• Controltheintroductoryprocess• Meetinglocation:
– Sheltermaynotbebestmeetinglocation(stressful)– Consideranybehavioralissues– Meetingotherdogs?– Neutrallocation
• Followup Ifthere’sanyonepieceofadvicethatwehaveforfamilieswhoareintroducingtheirfostertopeopleorotheranimals,itisthattheyMUSTremainincontroloftheintroductoryprocess.Thisiscriticallyimportantfordogswithbehavioralissuesthatmakeitnecessaryforthemtobeintroducedinaparticularwayforsafetyreasons.
AddressingBehavioralIssues
Guidelinesforfosters:• NEVERwithholdinformationaboutadog’sbehaviorfrompotentialadopters.• Discussanythingthat’slikelytocomeupwhentheyreadthepet’sfileinanobjectiveway.• Showthemtechniquesyou’vefoundthatworkwiththeirdog.• Considerschedulingmultiplemeetingsifdoghasbehavioralissuesthattheadopterwill
needtoaddress.• Makesuretheadopterseesthewholerangeofthedog’sbehaviorandknowhowto
addressanybehavioralissues.
Describeanybehavioralissuesobjectively:DON’T“He’saggressivewithotherdogswhenwewalk.”DO“Whenhe’sonaleashandanewdogcomesclose,hewillbeginbarkingandpullingtowardthem.Hewasevaluatedinplaygroupandhereallyenjoysplayingwithotherdogs,butwhenhe’sonleashandcan’tgettoanewdog,hesometimesgetsfrustrated.Wehavesomeexerciseswe’reworkingonthatarehelpingwiththis,whichI’llshowyouwhenwemeet.”
Adoption
Makeiteasyforyourfosterfamiliestoassistingettingtheirfosterpetsadopted.Makesureeachfamilyhasseveralcopiesofanyliteratureyougivetothepublicontheadoptionprocess.Whenfamiliesmeetwithdogsinfoster,theyalmostalwaysaskabouttheadoptionprocess.Whenfosteringadogwhoisseverelystressedbybeinginsidetheshelter,allowfosterstocompleteasmuchoftheadoptionprocessfromhomeaspossible.Fosterscancheckwiththeshelterpre-adoptiontomakesurethedog’svaccinationswereup-to-dateandthattheyhadbeenmicrochipped.Ifthesewereinplace,thedogwouldnotneedtoreturntotheshelterduringtheadoptionatall.Theadoptercouldgototheshelter,dotheadoptionpaperworkandpickuptheirnewfamilymemberafterward.Ifvaccinesand/ormicrochippingwerestillneeded,fosterswouldasktheadoptertocallthemabout30minutesbeforethepaperworkwascompletedandbringthedogtothesheltertogetthemthen,sparingthemwhatcouldbehoursinsidetheshelteriftherewasalonglineforadoptions.Here’sagreatexampleofbehavioralrecommendationsthatafostercreatedforanadopter:
AdopterunderstandsthefollowingwithregardtothebehavioralneedsforSaki:Astructured,predictableenvironmentisrecommendedforthisdog.Hisroutineshouldincludemultipleperiodsofexerciseandtrainingdaily,followedbyquiet,"downtime"duringwhichhecan"turnoff,"thinkabouttheday'slessons,andnotfeeltheneedtomonitorandcontrolhisenvironment.Hisfosterhomerecommendsthatthathecontinuedtobecratetrainedandthathiscratebeconsideredasafeplaceforhimtoretreat.
Sakiwilldobestifhehasadedicatedhandler;apersonwithwhomhecanbond,workfor,andwhomhecantrusttopartnerwithhimasheistryingtolearntomaintaincontroloverhimself.Sakineedstoslowlyacclimatetonewenvironments,newpeopleandotheranimals.Hisfosterhomehasobservedthatheisnaturallycuriousaboutpeopleandotherdogs,andfriendlywhenhebecomesfamiliarwiththem.Infoster,hehasshownthatheisdeferentialtohumansandhaslearnedbetterintroductionswithdogs.Sakineedspositivereinforcementwhenheinteractswithpeopleandotherdogsinanappropriatemanner.Sakihasshownnoobvioussignsofstrangerreactivityinhisfosterhome.However,becauseofhispastencounters,heneedstobeintroducedtostrangersrespectfullyandcarefully.Itisadvisedthatstructuredtrainingbecontinuedtohelphimdevelopfamiliarityandcomfortwithpeopleinthehome.Theadopterisadvisedtoconsultwithabehavioralspecialistonthisissueandfollowthetrainer’sinstructionsforintroductionstonewpeopleandchildren.Priortoformingaplanwiththebehavioralspecialist,theadopterisadvisedtolimitinteractionswithnewpeopleandtosecurethedoginaroomorcratewhennewpeopleenterthehome.ThefosterhomehasobservedthatSakidoeswellwithon-leashintroductionstonewpeopleintheyard.ThefosterhomehastrainedSakitonotreacttodoorbellsorknocksatthedoor.Theadopterisadvisedtocontinuethistraining,utilizingtheRelaxationProtocolandothermethodsrecommendedbyabehavioralspecialist.Mostimportantly,Sakirequiresstructure,routineandfamiliarity.Herequirescareful,slowintroductiontoanything"new."Theadopterisadvisedtorecognizethetypicalsignsofstressoranxietyindogs.Theseinclude:bodytensing,uprightpostureandalertness,“whaleeye,”lipspulledbacktobareteeth,growling.Adopterisadvisedtocallthedogawayfromthestimuliwhenhedisplaysthesesigns.Adopterisadvisedtonotnecessarilycorrectthedogforshowingsignsofdiscomfort,recognizingthatthedogiscommunicatingtohishandlerthroughthesesignsthatheisinanuncomfortablesituation,priortoescalation.ThefosterhomehasobservedthatSakipantsandyawnswhenanxiousorexcited,butthesearenotnecessarilysignsofdiscomfort.Theadopterisadvisedtotakenoteofthesesignsandmonitorthattheydonotescalatetothesignsofstressnotedabove.ThefosterhomehasalsoobservedthatSakigruntsinhissleep;thisshouldnotbeconfusedwithagrowlorsignofdistress.Arecommendedplanforrehomingisasfollows:
1. AdopterwilltakeSakiintotheirhomeonSaturday,February4.2. Adopterisadvisedtoprovide2-3daysofadjustmentforthedog,allowinghimto
decompressin“hisroom/space”andlimitingactivityandinteractionwithnewpeople.AdopterisadvisedtointroduceSakitohishousemateswhileonleash,andtokeepintroductionsbriefandpositiveduringthistime.
3. Duringthefirstweek,adopterisencouragedtoestablishanearlyroutineof“exercise-learnsomething-rest”inordertohelpSakiprocesshisnewenvironment.Inthefirstfewdays,“learningsomething”canbe,forexample,exploringnewareasofthehomeonleash,meetinghousematesonleash,dedicatedsessionsoftrainingin10-15minuteintervals,etc.
4. Adopterisadvisedtocontactabehavioralspecialist/trainerwithinthefirstweekandtoworkwiththemtocreateatrainingplan.TheadoptercancontactSaki’sfosterhomewithquestionsorassistancewithbehavioraltraininginthemeantime,oratanytimeafteradoption.
5. AdopterisencouragedtocontinuefollowingtheRelaxationProtocolwithSakiinhisnewenvironment,andtoutilizethistoolthroughoutthefirstthreemonthsofhisnewliving
arrangements.UponcompletionoftheRelaxationProtocol(15days),theadopterisadvisedtoperiodicallyreturntothetraining,andutilizethetrainingparticularlywhenheencountersstressfulsituationsandneedstorefocus.
6. AdopterisadvisedtocreatestructureandrulesaroundSaki’shomebehavior,andtoenforcethemconsistentlyandinsistthatallhousememberssticktothesamerules.KeepingSakionadroppedleashwhileinthehomewillhelpallhumansfeelcomfortableredirectinghimifneeded.AdopterisadvisedtouseonlypositivereinforcementtrainingwithSaki.
7. Theadopterisadvisedtocreateandfollowaplanwithherbehavioralspecialist/traineronhowtointroduceSakitostrangersinthehome.Priortotheimplementationofthisplan,adopterisadvisedtolimitvisitorstothehome.AllvisitorsshouldbenotifiedofSaki’sbehavioralconcernsandwillnotbeallowedtointeractwithSakipriortothedevelopmentofatrainingplan.Priortoimplementationofthetrainingplan,Sakiwillbecratedorotherwiseisolatedwhenvisitorsarepresent.
8. TheadopterisadvisedthatSaki’sexposureto,andinteractionswith,childrenareunknown.TheadopterisadvisedtoconsultwithabehaviorspecialistandcreateatrainingplanpriortointroducingSakitochildren.
9. TheadopterisadvisedtointroduceSakitootherdogscarefully,andbemindfulofthepotentialforterritorialbehaviorsandatendencytowardresourceguardingoffoodandhigh-valuetreatslikebonesandrawhides.Further,theadopterisadvisedtoexercisecautionwithSakiaroundcatsandtobemindfulofthepotentialofchasingandresourceguarding.TheadopterisadvisedtoconsultwithabehavioralspecialistandcreateatrainingplantoaddresstheseissuesifSakiwillbeinteractingwithotherpets.
10. IfAustinAnimalCenteragreestowaivetheadoptionfeeforSaki,theadopteragreestoputthetypicaladoptionfeeof$75towardthecostofSaki’straininganddevelopment.
Post-AdoptionSupportAmajorbenefitofhavinganimalsadopteddirectlyfromfosteristhatthefostercaregiverandadoptergettoknowoneanotherduringtheprocess.Ifadogwhohasbeeninfosterisadopteddirectlyfromtheshelter,thesheltercanputthetwointouchtodiscussthedog’sneeds.Oftenthisdevelopsintoaninformalsupportsystem.Fosterscanelecttokeepthelineofcommunicationwithadoptersopenpost-adoptionandbearesourceforthenewfamily.We’veseenadoptersaskforadviceonthingslikewheretofindagreatdogtrainerorpetsitter,whatharnessworksbestforastrongpuller,andhowtobestgoaboutsettingupaplaydatefortheirdog.Manytimes,we’veseenadopterscontactafosterwhentheyareseriouslyconsideringreturningtheirdogtotheshelter.Inmostcases,allittookwaslisteningtotheadopterandmakingafewsuggestions,andthedoghasremainedinthehome.
Here’sanexampleofadviceandrecommendationsfortheadopterofahighenergydog,whowasconsideringreturningthedog(spoileralert--theykepttheirdog!):
HiAnn,
IrealizedwhenIgotoffthephonewithyouthatImadeoneveryimportantmistake.IforgottotellyouonethingthatSagedoesthatmayseemunusualtoyou:shegrowlswhensheplays.Whenwefirstadoptedourowndog,thistraittookusawhiletogetusedto.Ifyoudon'tknowthatit’sasignalofplay,itcanbeeasilymistakenforaggression.Intime,you’llbeabletotellher‘playgrowls’fromherothertypesofvocalizations.
Itsoundedlikeyoucouldusesomeguidanceonwearingherout,asdogstendtogetintothemosttroublewhentheyareinneedtoexercise.Luckily,thereareseveralthingsyoucandototireoutadogmentallythatcanworkjustasgoodasalongwalkorrun.
-Kongtoy:Fillthiswithamixofwetanddryfood,peanutbutter,oracombinationofyourownfoodthatisokayfordogstoeat:regular&sweetpotatoes,banana,meat,peas,etc.Freezeovernightandgiveittoyourdogthenextday.Mydogsspendfrom20-60minuteswiththese,workingtogetallthefoodout.Thisprovidessomementalstimulationforthemandsomequietforyou.Makesuretodoitinthekitchenorsomewherecontainedsothatthefooddoesn’tendupinplacesit’snotallowed.
-KongWobbler:Putherdryfoodinitwhenyoufeedher,andshe’llneedtoworkbypushingtheWobbleraroundtogetthefoodbackout.Again,makesuretodoitinthekitchenorsomewherecontained.
-Foodpuzzletoys:Morewaystostimulateadog'smind.YoucanputdryfoodinaKongwobbler,andshe'llhavetoworktogetitout.http://www.firecrackerdog.com/dog-puzzles
-Training:learningsomethingnewisalsoagreatwaytostimulatethemind.
-Bones:shelovestochewonbonesandbullysticks.Youmighttrygivingheraboneuponreturntothehouseafterawalktoseeifshemightuseupthatextraenergyonit.
-Othergames:Oneoftheotherfosterslikestohangaballoonfromtheceilingonafishingline.Theirfosterwillplaywithitforhours.Lotsofdogswillalsochaselaserpointersjustlikecats;wehadafosterwholovedtochasethelaseratnightintheyardwhenitwasdark.
Ifyoudecidethatsheisnottherightmatchforyou,don’tworry;theshelterwillbehappytotakeherbackandwillprobablyhavesomerecommendationsofotherdogsthatmightbeabetterfit.PleaseletmeknowifyoudecideonthissoIcanmeetyouattheshelterandtakeherbacktofoster.
Sincerely,
Kelly
Figure11.Emailtoanadopterwhowasadjustingtotheexerciseneedsofherhigh-energydog
KeepingYourFostersTofigureouthowtokeepmediumandlargeadultdogfosters,wefirstneededtofindoutwhytheydowhattheydo.WhenwesurveyedFairfaxCounty’sbehavioralfosters,nearlyallofthemmentionedsavinglivesthatmightbeendedduetokennelstressand/orthebehavioralimprovementmostdogsshowinfostercareasthemajorreasonsthattheyfoster.Herearesomeoftheiranswers:
• “We'venoticedanappreciablechangeinbehaviorindogswhoarenotadjustingwelltotheshelter.Afostersettinghelpseaseanxietyandhelpsuspinpointspecificbehavioralneeds.Thatway,notonlycanwebegintrainingandreconditioning,butwecanalsomarketthedogmoreappropriatelytofindthemostsuitablefamily.”
• “Weenjoyhelpingthedogsandasempty-nesters,wehaveaquiet,calmhomethatthedogsseemtorespondwellto.”
• “Togivethemasecondchancetheymightnototherwisehave,duetonofaultoftheirown.”
• “Iknowshelterbehavioralmostneverreflectsadog’struepersonality.Everydogdeservesthechancetobejudgedonwhotheytrulyare.”
Wealsoneededtofindoutwhataspectsoffosteringadultdogsweremostrewardingtothem.Fostercaregiversdon’tgetpaid,buttherearemanyotherreasonsthatfosteringisrewardingtothem.Findingoutwhichintangiblerewardsarethemostimportanttofostercareprovidershelpsustodesignprogramswiththeserewardsbuiltin.
Figure12.FosterSurvey:Howimportantarethefollowingintangiblerewardstoyou,onascaleof1(notimportant)to5(veryimportant)
AsyoucanseeinFigure9,thetop3mostimportantintangiblerewardsarethingsthathavenothingtodowiththeshelter,buteverythingtodowiththedog!The#4mostimportantrewardissomethingyourorganizationcando:TRUSTthem.Eventhoughexpressingthanksforafoster’shardworkisthelastonthislist,itisstillimportanttodo!Hereareafewotherofthefosters’intangiblerewards:
• “Learningmoreaboutmydogassheinteractswithafosterdog.”
• “Beingasupportsystemfortheadoptershouldtheyhavequestionsorissuesaftertheadoption.”
• “Beingabletosharethedogssuccesseswithfellowvolunteersandfostersthathaveformedarelationshipwiththatdogwhilehe/shewasattheshelter.”
• “Knowingthedogandthenewfamilyareenjoyingeachotheriseverything!”
AppendixA:Resources
BehavioralsupportCenterforShelterDogscommunicationandbodylanguagehttp://centerforshelterdogs.tufts.edu/dog-behavior/dog-communication-and-body-language/AnimalFarmFoundationdogtraininge-bookhttp://animalfarmfoundation.org/files/Dog-Training-E-Book_2014.pdfCenterforShelterDogsbehaviorproblemsandmanagementhttp://centerforshelterdogs.tufts.edu/dog-behavior/problems-and-management/HowtointroducetwodogsbyRandyMourihttp://media.wix.com/ugd/077aa8_f0e713f7d0ac4963a456ffe74fdbf9b3.pdf
FostercareforadultdogsASPCAdiscussesbehavioralfosteringforadultdogshttp://aspcapro.org/blog/2015/12/02/we-don%E2%80%99t-know-what-we-don%E2%80%99t-knowHowfosterreducedlengthofstayandincreasedadoptionsforadultdogshttp://stories.barkpost.com/shelter-dog-foster-study/Whyfosteringashelterpetisthebestthingintheworldhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/23/foster-shelter-pet_n_6720804.htmlTheeasiestwaytogetyourshelter’slongstaydogsadoptedhttps://animalfarmfoundation.wordpress.com/2016/10/25/you-might-be-overlooking-the-easiest-way-to-help-your-shelters-long-term-stay-dogs/Howfostercandecreaselengthofstayhttp://chewonthis.maddiesfund.org/2015/06/decreasing-shelter-length-of-stay/Bringingyourshyfosterdoghomehttp://www.maddiesfund.org/bringing-your-shy-foster-dog-home.htm
PostshelterdecompressionBringinghomeanewdoghttp://www.dogsoutloud.org/2013/05/so-youve-brought-home-a-new-dog-now-what/
Bringingyourshyfosterdoghomehttp://www.maddiesfund.org/bringing-your-shy-foster-dog-home.htm
DogplaygroupsDogsPlayingforLifeManualhttp://dogsplayingforlife.com/dpfl-manual/Howplayingsavedthesedogs’liveshttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/05/08/playing-for-life-pit-bulls_n_7226240.html
AppendixB:AustinAnimalCenterFosterCareProviderAgreementI,_____________________________,makethefollowingstatementsandvoluntarilyenterintothisFosterCareAgreement(hereinafter“Agreement”)toprovidetemporarycareasafostercaregiverfortheAustinAnimalCenter((hereinafter“AAC”).
1.________Ihaveneverbeenconvictedofanimalcruelty,neglect,orabandonment.IagreetonotifyAACifIamconvictedofanimalcruelty,neglect,orabandonmentinthefuture.2.________Iagreetocomplywithallotherfederal,stateandlocallawsthatpertaintocompanionanimalsandpetownershipinthejurisdictionwhereIreside.3.________IunderstandthatAACreservestherighttocheckonthewelfareofmyfosteranimal,whichmayincludeavisittomyfosterhome.IfurtherunderstandthatifAACfindsadirectandimmediatethreattomyfosteranimal,AACmayremovetheanimalfrommycare.4.________IacknowledgethatIhavereceivedacopyoftheAACFosterCareManual(“Manual”),andthatIhavereadtheManual.Iagreetofullycomplywiththepolicies,guidanceandrequirementssetforthintheManualasapplicabletomyfosteranimal.5.________Iagreetonottakemyfosterdog(s)ormyfostercat(s)todogparks,off-leashareas,daycarefacilities,crowdedpublicareas,oranysimilarlocations,unlessgivenpriorapprovalbytheAACFosterCoordinator.IunderstandthatIwillbesolelyresponsibleforanyinjuryordamagecausedbymyfosteranimalifIdonotcomplywiththisprovision.6.________IunderstandthatAACrecommendsthatmyfosteranimal(s)istobekeptseparatefromanyotheranimalscurrentlylivinginmyhome.IagreethatifIchoosetointroducemyfosteranimal(s)toanyotheranimallivinginmyhome,Iwillbesolelyresponsibleforanyillnessorinjurytootheranimals.7.________Iagreethattheanimal(s)thatIfosterwillresideinmyhome,willbekeptashouseholdpets,andwillnotbeusedforbreeding.8.________IagreetonotifytheAACFosterCoordinatorimmediatelybyphoneandinwritingat512-978-0541andAnimal.Foster@AustinTexas.govimmediatelyifmyfosteranimal(s)becomeslostorseparatedfromme.9.________IagreetonotifytheAACFosterCoordinatorimmediatelybyphoneandinwritingat512-978-0541andAnimal.Foster@AustinTexas.govifmyfosteranimaldemonstratesanyaggressivebehavior,including,butnotlimitedto,bitingapersonoranotheranimal.10.________IagreetoseekimmediatemedicalattentionifIambittenbymyfosteranimal,orifIreceiveanyotherphysicalinjuryresultingfrominteractionwithmyfosteranimal.Ifurtheragreetoseekimmediatemedicalattentionforanymemberofmyhouseholdwhoisbittenorsuffersanyotherphysicalinjuryresultingfrominteractionwithmyfosteranimal.11.________Iagreetoreturnmyfosteranimal(s)atanytimeupontherequestoftheAACFosterCoordinatororanyAACstaffmember.12.________Iagreetoreceiveandrespondtocallsandemailsconcerningmyfosteranimal(s),fromAAC.
AppendixC:SurveyofFairfaxCounty’sBehavioralFosters
Whatisthemainreasonyoufosterdogswithbehavioralissues?
• Togivethemasecondchancetheymightnototherwisehave,duetonofaultoftheirown.• Tohelppreparethemforlifeinahome.
• Iknowshelterbehavioralmostneverreflectsatruedogspersonality.Everydogdeservesthechancetobejudgedonwhotheytrulyare.
• Tohelpthosedogsthatwouldbemostdifficulttoadoptoutwithoutpropertrainingandtopreventpossibleeuthanasia.
• We'venoticedanappreciablechangeinbehaviorindogswhoarenotadjustingwelltotheshelter.Afostersettinghelpseaseanxietyandhelpsuspinpointspecificbehavioralneeds.Thatway,notonlycanwebegintrainingandreconditioning,butwecanalsomarketthedogmoreappropriatelytofindthemostsuitablefamily.
• Weenjoyhelpingthedogsandasempty-nesters,wehaveaquiet,calmhomethatthedogsseemtorespondwellto.
• ThedogsIfosterwithbehavioralissuesIsenseiseitherfromthestressoftheshelterenvironmentandareacompletelydifferentdogoutsideoftheshelterorassumetheyhavehadsomeabuseinthepastandjustneedtolearntotrust
• IknowIcansavethelifeofadogwhomightotherwisebeeuthanizedforshelterstressifIjustgetthemoutoftheshelter.
• tosavetheirlives..• Topossiblysavetheirlivesandgivethemabreakfromtheshelter.Alotoftheirbehaviorsmayberelatedto
kennelstresssojustgettingtheminahomeenvironmentcanmakeallthedifference!• Theyalldeserveachance.Somedogsjustdon'tdowellintheshelter• Givingdogsachance(whomightnototherwisehaveone);savingalife!Alwaysgreattoseehowdifferent
dogsareoutsideoftheshelterenvironment.• Becausetheyarethelast10%,thedogsmostinjeopardyatkillshelters.
IntangibleRewardsOnascaleof1(NotImportant)to5(VeryImportant),howimportantarethefollowingintangiblerewardstoyou?
Pleaseaddanyotherintangiblerewardsyoucanthinkofthatareimportanttoyouasafoster:
• JustknowingthatIpreparedadogforahappyeverafteriswhattrulymotivatesme.• Beingabletosharethedogssuccesseswithfellowvolunteersandfostersthathaveformedarelationship
withthatdogwhilehe/shewasattheshelter.• Seeingmydoginteractwithourshelterdog!• Themostimportantandrewardingaspectishelpingthedogfindalovingforeverhome.Knowingthedogand
thenewfamilyareenjoyingeachotheriseverything!• Beingasupportsystemfortheadoptershouldtheyhavequestionsorissuesaftertheadoption.• Learningmoreaboutmyowndogassheinteractswithafoster.
GettingFostersInvolvedOnascaleof1(NotImportant)to5(VeryImportant),howlikelywouldyoubetotakeadoghomebasedonthefollowing:
FosterCareLogisticsOnascaleof1(NotImportant)to5(VeryImportant),howimportantarethesethingstoyou?
SuggestionsforSheltersCreatingSimilarProgramsBasedonyourexperience,whatwouldbethebestway(s)forasheltertorecruitmorebehavioraland/orlong-staydogfosters?
• Providesuccessstoriesfromotherorganizationswiththisprogram.Workonhavingalargenetworkofpotentialfosterssoasnottooverwhelmthosewhoarecalledonfrequently.Iftheorganizationalreadyhasagroupofdedicatedvolunteers,perhapsbeginbyrecruitingfromthisgroup.
• Ithinkyouhaveto"grow"intofostering,sohavingnewfostershavewonderfulexperienceswithlotsofsupportwithrelativelyeasydogsfirst...thenhelpingthemacceptmoreandmorechallengingdogsastheygrowandtheirskillsincrease.
• Ithinkrecruitingvolunteerstobecomefostersisessential.Youalreadyknowtheycareaboutanimalsandiftheyseethesuccessofotherfosterstheywilltrusttheprocess.Thenthere'swordofmouth.Ifyoutreatyourfosterswellandthey'rehappytheywilllikelyrecruitforyou.
• Educationandtraining.Ithinkitwouldbeimportanttobreakdownthefosterintolevelsofneedandlevelsofdanger.Thefosterfamiliesabilityshouldmatchorexceedthatofthedog/sbeingfostered.Makingsafetythepriority.
• Grouptrainingwithaneedydog.Buildacommunity.• Thesheltercouldtargetrecentlyretiredpeopleorempty-nesters.(Afterourkidslefthome,thehousewasso
quiet.Thatiswhenwedecidedtostartfosteringdogs.)Also,seekreferralsfromexitingfostersandvolunteers.
• Createleadswhoactivelytouchbasewiththefosters
• Looktoyourbluedotdogvolunteersandothertypesoffosters(medical,puppy,etc.)whoareparticularlyskilled.
• Highlighttheprogramonsocialmediaandothermediaoutlets.• Weekendfosteringiswhatgotmehooked!Startsharingweekendfosteringadventuresandstoriesagainto
encouragemorefosterstosignup!Target"dogpeople"withcommonsense.Mostofthesedogsdon'tneedspecialfosters,justfosterswithpatiencewhogetit.Marketitaslongtermfosteringandprogressivelygivefostersmorechallengingdogsastheymasterhandlingeasierissues.Buildconfidenceinthefosters.Labelingdogsturnspeopleoffwhomightotherwisebeabletoperfectlyhandlethatdog.Gettoknowyourfostersantheirabilities
• Askexistingvolunteers/fostersforreferrals--inparticularpeoplewithnodogs/childreninthehome(fewervariablestendstomakeiteasier!).
• Recruitfromyourvolunteerpoolfirst!IstartedfosteringbehaviordogsbecauseIsawthemattheshelterwhenIwentintovolunteereveryweek.Gettingtoknowthedogsandthenalsoknowingthattheirliveswereindangerbecauseofbehaviorissues,mademewanttodosomethingmoretohelpthem.Whenpeopleformaconnectiontoananimalit'sverydifficulttothenwalkawayfromthemandnothelp.Andthesecondthingistobetransparent.LetpeopleknowWHYbehaviorfosteringissoimportant.Don'tsugarcoatit-explainthatthesearethedogsmostindangerandoftentimesiftheyaren'tfostered,theywon'tmakeitoutoftheshelter.It'sasadfactbutitISafactsodon'thideit.
Whatarethemostimportantthingsforasheltertoknowordoifthey'replanningtocreateabehavioraland/orlong-staydogfosterprogram?
• Timelycommunicationwithfostersiskey,aswellasongoingsupportforthosewithanimalsintheircare.• ThatitwillnotALWAYSbesuccessfulandtheyhavetoacceptthatwithoutmakingthefosterfeellikea
failure.Fostersfeelingliketheyarevaluedandsupportedisimportanttokeepthemcomingbackformore.• Theyneedtobe100%committed.Iftheybringonfostersanddon'tsupportthemfullytheywillnotbeable
tokeepthem.Lotsoftrainingopportunitiesandcommunicationisessential!• Ithinkwhatyouaredoingisit.Promoteit,supportit,sharesuccessstories.• Theyneedapersonor2dedicatedonlytofosterplacementandrecruitment.• Makesurethefostersunderstandhowtogethelpiftheyneedit.Theshelteralsoneedstohavean
evaluationmechanismtomakesurethatadogcansafetygotofoster,andtomatchdogswithappropriatefosters.Thefostershouldbefullyinformedofallbehaviorissues.Somedogfostershavemuchmoreexperienceinhandlingdifficultdogsthanothers.
• Tomeit'saplantorecovery/improvementoratleastahighleveloutlinedtobereviewedwiththefoster.Thiskeepseveryoneinvolvedandattemptsahighlevelunderstandingtoavoidconfusion
• Keepyourfosters'trust.Promotethedogsalotsotheygetadoptedandnewonescangointofoster.• Havetrainingandsupportprogramsinplace• Makesureyourfostershavecommonsense.Setthedogsupforsuccessintheirplacement• Havementors/advisorsavailabletohelpanswerquestionsfostersmayhave--itcanbefrustratingtofosters
whentheyfeelliketheycan'treachshelterstaffaboutaquestionorconcern(frompersonalexperience).Havealargeenoughnetworkoffosterssotheremaybeanalternativeplacementforadogifthefirstfosterdoesn'tworkout(esp.dogswhoaredoingverypoorlyintheshelterenvironment).
• Thebigthingformeistounderstandthatyourbehaviorfosterswillneedmoresupportthentheaveragefoster,sobepreparedthatitwillrequireadedicatedpersonorpersonstooverseethem.Forthemostpartyourbehaviorfostersarenotgoingtobetrainersordogbehaviorists,andwhiletheywilllikelybemoreofanexperienceddogperson,theywillstillneedsupport.TheworstthingyoucandotoafosterisgivethemadogwithissuesbutgivethemNOtoolsortrainingsupportsotheyactuallyknowhowtoworkontheissues.Also,showcaseyourfostersandtheiranimals,andcelebratetheirsuccesses.Everyonelikesathankyou,butit'sespeciallygratifyingwhenyouarerecognizedforhelpingabehaviordog.ApostonsocialmediathatFluffywasadoptedafterbeingfosteredbyJanegoesalongwaytomakefostersfeelappreciatedandvalued.
Whatshouldashelterdoinordertoretainthebehavioral/long-stayfosterstheyalreadyhave?
• Beresponsivetoandsupportiveoffosters.Buildastrongnetworkoffosterstohelpcreateasenseofteamwork.Neverforgetthatfostersopentheirhomesandcaredeeplyfortheseanimals,andareveryinvestedintheiroutcomes.
• Again,support,support,support!Thatmeansbeingtherewithanswersimmediatelyifthereisaproblemandkeepingthelinesofcommunicationopen.Ithinkifsheltersarehonestandopenwithfosterstheycreatetrustwhichiscrucial.
• Communicate!Showyourfostersthatthey'reappreciatedandthattheiropinionsmatter.Theyaresavinglivesandthatshouldbeacknowledged.
• Sameasabove.ThoughIpersonallydonotseekoutrecognitionforwhattheydo,Ifeelmanydo.Acknowledgingwhattheydoandreportingonhowtheyhelptheoverallcauseofsavinglivescanhaveabigimpactonhowpeoplefeelaboutaprogram.
• Createapositivecommunitywithopenandnon-judgmentaldialogue.• Thesheltershouldlistentothefosterswhenthedogisputupforadoption.Forexample,ifthefosterssay
"nosmallkids"thenthesheltershouldnotadoptthedogouttoafamilywithyoungkids.Thisjustsetsthedoguptofailandfrustratesthefoster.Also,thelongerthefosterhasthedog,thehighertheriskofa"fosterfail"situation.Whilethisgivesthedogagoodhome,itoftenpreventsthefamilyfromcontinuingtofoster,especiallyifthedogisselectivewithotherdogs.
• Recruitmoretrainersandcreateanopportunityforhighenergydogstohaveanopportunityoutsideofshelterruns.IknowmanytimesthedogsarejustlosingitbeingcoopedupwhichIcannotblamethem.Fulltransparencyonrolesandresponsibilitiesandvariousparticipantsleverageorsay.
• Ifadoggoesintofosterthattheshelterultimatelyisnotcomfortableadoptingout(yetthedogissafeforthecommunityinitsfosterplacement),workwiththefostertodetermineasafeplacementifatallpossible.Ifadogcanbesenttoagoodsanctuaryorarehabilitativerescue,agoodfosterwillfindawaytomakeithappen.
• Providecontinuedandconsistentsupportandtraining.• Thankthem!Followtheirsuggestions,theyknowthedogbest.MarketthosedogsinfosteraLOT!Youdon't
wantyourlongtermfostersgetttingburntout• Maybehaveregular,casualmeetings/gettogethersattheshelterorhavearegularnewslettertokeep
everyoneengaged/intheloop.OrmaybeevenhavingaseparateFacebookgroupforthesefosterstocommunicate.Forme,feelinglikeIampartingofsomething"bigger"isimportantsothiskindofthingswouldinterestme.
• Providethemthesupporttheyneedinatimelyfashion.Empowerthemtohavecontrolovertheoutcomeforthedog.It'stoughtobeabehaviorfosterknowingthattheultimatedecisionontheanimal'sfateisnotyourown.Ifadogisbeingsenttofoster,thenitshouldbewiththeassumptionthatit'stogetthedogreadyforadoption.NOTtoseeifthedog'fails'andtojustifyeuthanasia.Unlessadogisdeterminedtobedangerousorunsafewhileinfoster,theyshouldbemadeavailableforadoption.Andthefostershouldbethecriticalpartyinmakingthatdetermination.Also,encourageyourbehaviorfosterstotakebreaksinbetweenfosterssotheydon'tburnout.Buttodothatyouneedtohaveenoughfosterstotakeinthebehaviordogssothatoneortwofostersaren'tleftfeelinglikeiftheydon'ttakethedog(becausethereisnooneelsewhowill),thedogmaydie.
Whatshouldashelteravoidwhencreatingandimplementingabehavioraland/orlong-staydogfosterprogram?
• Lackoftimelyresponsivenessincommunicationandsupportcanmakeafosterfeelunappreciated,frustratedandalone.Fostersshouldalwaysbegivenarealopportunitytoprovideinputondecisionsregardingtheoutcomeforafosteranimal.
• Expectingmorefromafosterthantheyarecapableofgiving.Everyonehasstrengthsandweaknessesandtheywillneedtoknowjustwhocandowhatandforhowlong.
• Neverkeepinformationfromthefoster.Alwaystellthetruthevenifit'shard.Transparencyiskey!Youneverwanttolosesomeone'strustorputananimalinabadsituation.
• Animosity,smalltalk,gossip,etc.• Neverlieaboutknownorassumedbehavior.Don'tputkidsorotheranimalsindanger.• Lackoftransparencyonnextstepsorpossibleoutcomes.Notlisteningorincorporatingfoster
observations/inputandassumingstaffonlyknowsbest.Notworkingwithcreativealternativesandempoweringforvolunteerstocreativelyexpandtheprograms.
• Sheltersshouldavoidblindsidingfosterswithoutcomestheydon'thaveinputintoand/ordidn'texpect.Alwaysbetransparentwithfosters.
• Lackofsupport(oratleastperceived)• Morerelatedtogeneralshelterpolicies/proceduresbutsomethingshouldbedoneaboutrepeatednegative,
yetunhelpful,notesinpetpointaboutdogswithbehaviorissues.Whenpotentialfostersreadthemitcanbeconfusing/misleading.Thosenotesarealsosharedwithpotentialadopters.Agreethattotaltransparencyisneededbutnotesshouldbefact-basedanduseful.Example-BasedonAlfred'spetpointnotesafostermaynothavesteppedupbutaftertakinghimonanalldaypowerhourandreadingthewriteupMarshawaswillingtofosterhim.[Shemighthaveanyway,butknowmywriteuphelpedbalanceouthisverynegativepetpointrecord]
• Lackofsupport.Sendingdogstofosterforthewrongreasons(i.e.toseehowtheydoinordertodetermineiftheyshouldbeeuthanized).Ifabehaviordoggoestofoster,itshouldbetoreadythemforadoption.Notshowcasingthedogsandtheirfostersandhelpingtopushtogetthemadopting.
AdditionalComments*:
• Fosteringisverydeartomyheart,butIknowitisnotforeveryone.Peopleshouldfeelliketheyareneededandwantedbystaff.Growinggoodfosterstakestimeanddedication,buttheendresultsarewonderful.Noonepersoncandoitall,buttogetherfosterscandomorethanyouthoughtpossible.
• Thesheltershouldtrytoberesponsivetofostersespeciallyiftheanimalinfostercareisill.Keepingthelinesofcommunicationopenisessentialtoasuccessfulfosterprogram.
• TrulywishIwasinabetterspottofosterbehavioralfostersunfortunatelya1BRcondowithanotherdogalreadyisnottheidealarrangement!I'llcontinuetodothebluedotpowerhours/daysuntilwegetabiggerhouse!
AppendixD:MentorFormforBlueDotFosters
MentorFormforAdultDogFosters
Mentee’sName:Mentor:
Date:
Checkeachitembelowtoindicateithasbeenintroducedand/orpracticedasappropriate.Afterin-sheltertrainingsession,pleasecompletethisformandreturnittotheFosterCoordinator.Skills/TalkingPoints____Knowwhereintheshelteryoucanfindtheessentialsuppliesforyourfosterdog
• Properlyfittedmartingalecollar(2fingerrule)• EZ-walkharness• Toys–especiallyforhighenergydogs(Kong,Nylabone,etc.)• Crate–alwayshaveacrateorsomewherethatyoucansafelyleavethedogwhen
notsupervised_____Discussbehaviorsobservedintheshelterenvironmentvs.homeenvironment_____Haveaplanforintroducingthefosterdogtocurrentdog(s)inhome
• Knowyourdog’splaystyle• Slowintroduction/monitorbodylanguage• Longwalkwithcurrentdog(s)• Leaveleashonuntilcomfortable• Limitfreeaccesstotoys/bones• Haveplanforkeepingseparateifneedbe(crate,separaterooms,etc.)
_____Alwayskeepdogseparatefromcatsorothersmallanimal(s)inthehome–catsandsmallanimalsshouldhaveanescaperouteandsafeplacetorelax
_____Understandthatsomedogstakelongertodecompresswhentransitioningfromsheltertohome
• Haveplantoburnoffnervousenergy• Givethemspaceandtimetorelax• Don’toverstimulate
_____Understandseparationanxietyandhowtomanageand/orworkonthebehavior• Isawareofthebenefitsofcratetraining/useandhowtodevelopapositive
relationship• Protectyourpersonalbelongings–don’tleaveafearfuldoglooseinyourhome
alone_____Understandhowtoworkwithjumpy/mouthy/highenergydogs
• Basictrainingskillset(sit,stay,down,look,touch,recall)• Havehelpfultools(Kongs,laserpointer,metalleash,playnosegames)• Don’toverstimulate/usetimeouts• Practicetakingatleastonejumpy/mouthy/highenergydogoutofthekennelfor
walking/playtime_____Discusshowtoworkwithfearfuldogs
• Slowandsteady• Buildtrust• Recognizebodylanguage• Workonintroducingdogtonewpeopleandsituations• Watchexits!Fearfuldogscanbeflightrisks• Practicetakingatleastonefearfuldogoutofthekennelforwalking/playtime
_____Knowswhattodowithaleashreactivedogifoutonwalks(e.g.,getattention/treats,turnand
avoidconflicts/engage-disengagegame,etc.)• Practicetheseskillswithatleastoneshelterdog
_____Isawareofresourceguardingandhasskillsettomanageand/orworkonissue• Removetheresource(toys,food,etc.)especiallyifotheranimalsarearound• Traderesourcefortreats/praise(practicethistechniquewithatleast1shelter
dog)• Safetyfirst!trainingvs.provoking(don’t‘test’foodguardingbystickinghandin
dog’sfoodbowl)_____Isawareoftechniquestoseparatedogsifinvolvedinconflict(ownpetsorasonwalks)_____Knowthatyou’renotaloneandthereareresourcestohelp–don’tbeafraidtoask!!!
• Fostercoordinator• Behavioralstafforotherbehavioralsupport• Adultdogfostermentor• Theshelter’sFacebookvolunteer/fostergroup
_____Understandingofproceduresforadoptingfromfostercareandtheproperwaytointroducingfosterdogtopotentialadoptersandotherpet(s)inthehome• Whattodowhenmorethanoneadopterwantstomeetthedog• Wheretomeet(sheltermaynotbethebestplacetoshowthedog)• Howtotalkaboutthefosterwithpotentialadopters
_____Knowswhattodoincaseofemergencyandhavephonenumbersprogrammedintoyourphone
• Alwayshaveyourfosterdog’sshelterID#withyou!• Fostercoordinator-call____________________________________• Medicalemergency-call_____________________________________• Bitereport–call_______________________________________• Lostdog–call______________________________________
FeedbackInyouropinion,doesthisconditionaladultdogfoster:
1) Listentoinput/followadviceandshowgoodindependentproblemsolvingskills?___Yes___NoIfno,why:_______________________________________________________________________
2) Askquestionswhenhe/sheseemsconfused?___Yes___NoIfno,why:_______________________________________________________________________
3) Followallsafetyproceduresandguidelines?___Yes___NoIfno,why:_______________________________________________________________________
4) Understandthathe/sheneedstoobservebehavior?___Yes___NoIfno,why:_______________________________________________________________________
5) Needanothermentoringsession?___Yes___NoIfyes,why:______________________________________________________________________
6) Handlewalkingbig,energeticdogswell?___Yes___NoWhyorwhynot?_________________________________________________________________
7) Othercommentsorconcerns:_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Checkeachitembelowtoindicateithasbeenintroducedand/orpracticedasappropriate.Afterin-sheltertrainingsession,pleasecompletethisformandreturnittotheFosterCoordinator.Skills/TalkingPoints____Knowwhereintheshelteryoucanfindtheessentialsuppliesforyourfosterdog
• Properlyfittedmartingalecollar(2fingerrule)• EZ-walkharness• Toys–especiallyforhighenergydogs(Kong,Nylabone,etc.)• Crate–alwayshaveacrateorsomewherethatyoucansafelyleavethedogwhen
notsupervised_____Discussbehaviorsobservedintheshelterenvironmentvs.homeenvironment_____Haveaplanforintroducingthefosterdogtocurrentdog(s)inhome
• Knowyourdog’splaystyle• Slowintroduction/monitorbodylanguage• Longwalkwithcurrentdog(s)• Leaveleashonuntilcomfortable• Limitfreeaccesstotoys/bones• Haveplanforkeepingseparateifneedbe(crate,separaterooms,etc.)
_____Alwayskeepdogseparatefromcatsorothersmallanimal(s)inthehome–catsandsmallanimalsshouldhaveanescaperouteandsafeplacetorelax
_____Understandthatsomedogstakelongertodecompresswhentransitioningfromsheltertohome
• Haveplantoburnoffnervousenergy
• Givethemspaceandtimetorelax• Don’toverstimulate
_____Understandseparationanxietyandhowtomanageand/orworkonthebehavior• Isawareofthebenefitsofcratetraining/useandhowtodevelopapositive
relationship• Protectyourpersonalbelongings–don’tleaveafearfuldoglooseinyourhome
alone_____Understandhowtoworkwithjumpy/mouthy/highenergydogs
• Basictrainingskillset(sit,stay,down,look,touch,recall)• Havehelpfultools(Kongs,laserpointer,metalleash,playnosegames)• Don’toverstimulate/usetimeouts• Practicetakingatleastonejumpy/mouthy/highenergydogoutofthekennelfor
walking/playtime_____Discusshowtoworkwithfearfuldogs
• Slowandsteady• Buildtrust• Recognizebodylanguage• Workonintroducingdogtonewpeopleandsituations• Watchexits!Fearfuldogscanbeflightrisks• Practicetakingatleastonefearfuldogoutofthekennelforwalking/playtime
_____Knowswhattodowithaleashreactivedogifoutonwalks(e.g.,getattention/treats,turnand
avoidconflicts/engage-disengagegame,etc.)• Practicetheseskillswithatleastoneshelterdog
_____Isawareofresourceguardingandhasskillsettomanageand/orworkonissue• Removetheresource(toys,food,etc.)especiallyifotheranimalsarearound• Traderesourcefortreats/praise(practicethistechniquewithatleast1shelter
dog)• Safetyfirst!trainingvs.provoking(don’t‘test’foodguardingbystickinghandin
dog’sfoodbowl)_____Isawareoftechniquestoseparatedogsifinvolvedinconflict(ownpetsorasonwalks)_____Knowthatyou’renotaloneandthereareresourcestohelp–don’tbeafraidtoask!!!
• Fostercoordinator• Behavioralstafforotherbehavioralsupport• Adultdogfostermentor• Theshelter’sFacebookvolunteer/fostergroup
_____Understandingofproceduresforadoptingfromfostercareandtheproperwaytointroducingfosterdogtopotentialadoptersandotherpet(s)inthehome• Whattodowhenmorethanoneadopterwantstomeetthedog• Wheretomeet(sheltermaynotbethebestplacetoshowthedog)• Howtotalkaboutthefosterwithpotentialadopters
_____Knowswhattodoincaseofemergencyandhavephonenumbersprogrammedintoyourphone
• Alwayshaveyourfosterdog’sshelterID#withyou!• Fostercoordinator-call____________________________________• Medicalemergency-call_____________________________________• Bitereport–call_______________________________________• Lostdog–call______________________________________
FeedbackInyouropinion,doesthisconditionaladultdogfoster:
8) Listentoinput/followadviceandshowgoodindependentproblemsolvingskills?___Yes___NoIfno,why:_______________________________________________________________________
9) Askquestionswhenhe/sheseemsconfused?___Yes___NoIfno,why:_______________________________________________________________________
10) Followallsafetyproceduresandguidelines?___Yes___NoIfno,why:_______________________________________________________________________
11) Understandthathe/sheneedstoobservebehavior?___Yes___NoIfno,why:_______________________________________________________________________
12) Needanothermentoringsession?___Yes___NoIfyes,why:______________________________________________________________________
13) Handlewalkingbig,energeticdogswell?___Yes___NoWhyorwhynot?_________________________________________________________________
14) Othercommentsorconcerns:____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________