When you foster a dog, you are not only giving them a temporary home but also raising them to become the best version of themselves; however, raising one may come with many challenges.

Some useful ways to become a great foster parent to dogs include creating a safe space, following daily routine, providing wholesome meals, unconditional love and socializing, basic training and lots of physical exercise and playtime to keep them engaged and stimulated.

Whether you are fostering for a rescue organization or simply helping a friend, the experience can be rewarding for both you and the dog.

Here are some useful ways to foster your dog like a pro.

 

 

• Provide Safe and Comfortable Space

 

If you are fostering a rescue dog, avoid overwhelming them with too much free space. Since, dogs need a safe and cozy environment to feel secure, a small, quiet area works best initially. 

Create a dedicated space in your home where the dog can relax without disturbances, and make use of a soft bed, blankets, food bowls, and toys to make it inviting.

It will help them feel at ease, especially if they are nervous or adjusting to a new environment.

 

• Offer Proper Nutrition

 

Many dogs found in shelters and rescue home often come from tough backgrounds with poor nutritional diet. Feeding your foster dog a healthy, balanced diet should become a key priority.

You can consult a vet or the fostering organization to understand their dietary needs and provide high-quality dog food, and ensure they have constant access to fresh water.

Besides, stick to a feeding schedule to establish a routine if you are keeping the dog for a longer time, and strictly avoid giving table scraps or treats that could upset their stomach.

 

• Build Trust with Patience and Love

 

Foster dogs may have gone through stressful situations, physical abuses, and trauma making them shy, scared, or aggressive towards their new owners.

Therefore, you must be patient and let them approach you on their terms, allowing you to sit near them or pet them.

Let them explore your home, sniff around the house and yard, engaging calmly to the new environment.

Moreover, you must avoid forcing interaction and speak to them in a gentle voice, using positive reinforcement to build trust. Consistency and kindness go a long way in earning their trust.

 

• Socialize, but Take It Slow

 

Socialization is a key to dog’s happiness, but it needs to happen gradually. Short, positive reinforcements are better than overwhelming experiences.

Reward good behavior with treats and praise when they successfully meet someone new. Over time, your dog will learn to trust and interact confidently.

For instance, keep your foster dog on a leash when taking them to meet other pets or other family members, controlling the situation, not letting the canines get too close unless they are calm and comfortable.

 

• Stick to a Routine

 

Dogs love routines! They feel more at ease when they know what to expect. To do that, you must establish regular feeding, walking, and playtime, helping the dog adjust faster and reduce anxiety.

For example, feed them at the same time every day and stick to a specific walking schedule. If the dog knows when mealtime and potty breaks happen, they will feel more in control of their environment.

 

 

• Ensure Regular Exercise

 

Dogs need physical activity to stay healthy and happy. Take them on daily walks, play fetch, or let them explore in a fenced yard.

Interactive toys like treat puzzles or fetch games are fantastic for mental simulation.

Every dog is different, so tailor the exercise routine to the dog’s age, breed, and energy level.

High-energy dogs like Border Collies may need more rigorous activities, while older or smaller dogs might enjoy gentle strolls.

Plus, try training sessions as a form of exercise because it engages their brains while reinforcing positive behavior.

 

• Take Care of Their Health

 

Pay attention to your foster dog’s health and well-being. Watch for signs of illness like loss of appetite, coughing, or unusual behavior. Moreover, ensure they are up-to-date on vaccinations, flea prevention, and deworming treatments.

If you are fostering for a shelter, keep them updated about the dog’s health and take them to the vet if anything seems off.

What’s more, regular grooming, including brushing their fur and trimming their nails, bathing, checking for ticks, is also important.

Pro Tip: Many shelters provide foster parents with free veterinary care, so do not hesitate to reach out for assistance.

 

• Focus on Basic Training

 

Basic training helps foster dogs become more adoptable; however, you must train them in a controlled environment.

Teaching them simple commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come,” can make a huge difference in their behavior in the later shelter home. Not only does it help them feel confident, but it also makes the dogs more adoptable.

You can use positive reinforcement techniques like treats and verbal praise. Never punish or yell, as this can create fear and setbacks in training.

Besides that, dogs learn faster when training is fun and engaging!

 

• Prepare Them for Adoption

 

While fostering, your ultimate goal is to help the dog find a forever home. You may start by sharing insights about the dog’s behavior, preferences, and needs with the adopting family.

You may also work on any behavioral issues, document their personality traits, and take cute photos to increase their chances of adoption. Share their story with the fostering organizations to help match them with the right family.

If saying goodbye feels hard, remember that fostering saves lives and by letting one dog go, you make space to help another.

 

 

• Avoid Fostering Puppies If You are New to it

 

You must certainly avoid fostering puppies if you are new to it. Caring for puppies may seem appealing, but they require significant attention and effort, from potty training to managing destructive behaviors.

Instead, start by taking in an adult or senior dog.

Besides, older dogs are often overlooked, making them more in need of your help. They typically come with some training and veterinary care, making fostering less demanding.

Puppies, on the other hand, are popular for adoptions and less likely to be returned, while adult dogs face higher risks of being euthanized if returned to shelters.

Therefore, by fostering an older dog first, you will gain valuable experience and be better prepared to care for a high-energy puppy later.

 

Final Thoughts

Fostering a dog is a rewarding experience and an incredible journey filled with love, challenges, and rewards, requiring compassion, patience, and effort.

You can provide a loving environment that helps your foster dog flourish if you ought to follow these ten useful tips. Whether they are with you for a few weeks or several months, with your care, they can find a bright future in a forever home.

So, are you ready to change a dog’s life today? Contact Urban Pet Hospital and Resort, the finest doggy daycare and veterinarian service provider in Des Moines to learn more about dog diet, medical care and vaccinations, and wellness check.