Dog lovers have huge hearts, and seeing a dog in need of a home can tug at the heartstrings like nothing else. For those looking to foster a dog in need of a home, there are considerations. One of the questions which may give you pause is if you should foster a dog if you already have a dog in your home.
According to experts, the resounding answer is yes! Fostering while you have a permanent furry friend is not only possible, but common and encouraged in some cases. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind.
Foster parents play a vital role for shelters by volunteering their time, home, and love. Those who foster save the lives of countless shelter animals annually. However, owners should not take the decision to foster lightly. Researching how to keep your family and new foster happy is key to having a great experience.
Already owning a dog does not mean fostering is off the table. In fact, an older dog living in the house can actually benefit the young foster’s development. Owners often overlook the important role that socialization–introducing their dog to other people and animals–plays in their dog’s wellbeing. Socialization lowers a dog’s stress levels and decreases the risk of aggressive behavior when the dog is met with unfamiliar circumstances, like going to the vet or meeting new pups. If you take in a younger foster (especially puppies between 8-16 weeks old), your dog can serve as its role model, teacher, and playmate.
First, you’ll need to evaluate your situation. Consider your family dog’s temperament. Does he get along well with other dogs? Is he extremely protective of you? Does he guard his food and toys? If so, fostering may not be right for your family at the moment–and that is okay! It is only fair to prioritize your dog’s welfare, and it doesn’t mean you can’t foster in the future.
Secondly, make sure you have the time to dedicate to your foster. Introducing the dogs will take time, and many fosters require training or frequent feeding if they are younger. If you spend long hours away from the house, fostering may not be feasible.
The health and safety of both dogs is paramount. Make sure your dog and any potential foster is healthy and up to date on their shots with proof of vaccination. In everything, talk to your vet if you plan to foster.
Introducing the Foster Dog
Once you have decided to foster and your application has been accepted, celebrate! This will be an amazing experience.
But first, you must introduce the dogs appropriately to ensure your dog is kept comfortable while the foster acclimates to the new environment.
- Have the dogs meet at a neutral space where neither dog will feel protective, if possible. See if the shelter will allow the dogs to meet before you bring one home.
- Be aware that your pup might act differently at home in “their territory”, so remove any toys and keep food separate to prevent potential issues with resource guarding.
- The day you bring the foster home, allow the dogs to get used to each others’ scent by walking them in a straight line back and forth, then eventually walking in the same direction next to each other.
- Keep the dogs separated in the house until you are sure they both feel comfortable–look for relaxed body language like lying down, ears up, tail mobile, and loose posture.
- Even after they acclimate to each other, separate them whenever you leave the house or go to sleep to prevent issues.Many people actually fail at fostering, but in the best possible way! Sometimes when a dog lover is a foster parent, they decide to give that dog a forever home.
If you are bringing another dog into your home and need help with socializing, obedience or behavior issues, call the experts at Gulf Coast K9 Dog Trainers.
