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I am fostering a dog this Wednesday. He/she is an Australian Shepherd mix. I think he/she is 10 years old. I have never fostered a dog before, I am so excited! Is it just like owning a dog? What do do I introduce to the dog first? Specky is somewhat not good with other dogs, how can I fix this? Would a 10 year old Australian Shepherd be destructive? Tell me what it is like on fostering a dog. Thanks! Have a great day everyone!
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Answers
It's not generally a good idea to foster a dog if your own isn't good with other dogs. You can, however, keep them on leashes attached to different people, especially when being introduced, so if any unwanted behavior starts, you can catch any signs of it before it happens and intervene to prevent it.
If you can, introduce the dogs to one another, OUTSIDE the home first. Try to make sure no territorial aggression ensues.
Whether or not she's destructive would depend upon what her past has been like. Aussies need a lot of brain stimulation, so to do this, you can teach her new tricks she doesn't know. She's older, so nothing too heavy that she can't do. You could teach her to shake a paw, play dead, etc. Even 'hide' toys or treats for her to find. When you walk her, you can weave through trees, have her go under or over(if low enough for her old age), etc.
Contact an Aussie breeder and get advice from them too! They'll have plenty to offer.
Rescues do not normally allow owners with unneutered dogs in the home to take in fosters. I am surprised that they are doing this in your case.
You must remember that the foster IS NOT your dog and must be carefully confined and only allowed on leash freedom when someone is right there watching it. I would never leave the dog with my own dogs, even for a minute or two. There are many horror stories out there about either foster dogs getting injured or even killed by the foster's own dogs and vice versa. Also, make sure the foster dogs vaccinations are up to date, as well as those of your own, and keep them in separate rooms until you are certain the foster does not come with kennel cough. Good luck.
Hilda, CGC
answered 2 weeks, 3 days ago.
Helpful? /0
I agree with other postings - introduce the dogs outside first. Make sure that you have crates for the dogs and do not leave them alone unattended. Keep in mind that you do not know the personality and behavior traits of the dog that you are fostering. It may take the new dog several days, maybe longer, to adjust to you and your home before the true personality comes out. It is a lot of work but is also very rewarding.
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