What will I need to know - Update What I have learned

[Adrianne Matzkin]

I submitted an application to IDOG Sunday to be a foster home. I haven't heard back yet but just in case I would like some info for a 1st timer. I read that Samantha should not be in the house when bringing in a new dog. Let the newbie walk the yard and the house and get used to the sights and smells. THEN they can meet, on leash??? in neutral territory. Where do you suggest? Driveway? Corner? How/when would you suggest that they meet? When should they both be off leash? Samantha has had playdates here with no problem sharing her water bowl, allowing another Doodle walk through her house. I will feed Samantha first and in her kitchen and the foster in the laundry area (it is not a room but an area off the kitchen).
What have I missed?

What I have learned from Mickey:
Mickey spent the first 3 days sitting on a step on our patio in front of a mirror (guess he saw another puppy). We went to him to talk, stroke him. We put his food within a foot of his spot. He did get up to go to the lawn to P&P and cough (he had a horrendous case of kennel cough - he was being treated with the wrong antibiotic from the shelter vet). Slowly he started investigating the yard and Samantha. After a week or so, the spot was no longer his home base. He never went there again.

Mickey submissive peed whenever someone would say hi. We finally realized that first thing in the am, if we let him out of the crate and walked directly outside without saying a word to let him pee, it was better. After a couple of weeks, after he was very comfortable here but still submissive peeing, we quietly would tell him 'no' when he did, it stopped.

We took Mickey to the office with us. He loved the attention he got there but it was always was on his terms. No one was allowed to approach him. He had to go to them. It didn't take long for him to accept my office staff as friends and for him to bring them toys to play with him. He just followed Samantha's lead. He was her shadow - if she accepted something or someone, so did he.

I took Mickey on walks in town, he had never watched cars and buses and trucks whiz by but he did accept it quickly. The local police officers and public service workmen talked to him and give him treats. I did not allow them to pet him. I didn't want him to get upset and he didn't. He finally walked up to them to say hello. What a breakthrough!

We did go to the dog park before Samantha's Pet Therapy Class with pother DK doodles. It was a small park and only a few dogs. The first 2 times, he sat between the bench and the fence. By the 3rd visit, he was walking with Samantha and as the hour progressed, he was walking around without her. Another huge breakthrough! By the 4th visit, he was no longer hiding behind the bench and walking all over the park by himself. He never played with any of the other dogs but that was okay.

When I took him to the park by our home, he walked around by himself. If another dog approached him, he stood still allowing the other dog to smell him. If he was uncomfortable he came to sit by me but he did not hide. His confidence level was rising.

Slowly he started playing with Samantha. He ran after her, grabbing her ears and tail when she ran by playing ball. He would grab her tail and not let go so he got dragged along the lawn and he LOVED it! He got more and more confident with his play with her. It made our hearts explode!

Then we brought home Charli. Mickey accepted her and played with her like he did with Samamtha but so much more gently. They became fast friends.

What I learned from Mickey:
-Take it SLOW, when ready they will come to you
-Expose them to different situations (trains, cars, buses) and people - but never allow them to approach the dog. They have to do it make the first move and on their time schedule.
-Talk quietly and sweetly
-Be Patient!!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Adie, it's going to depend on the foster, really. Some of them are scared to death of everybody and everything, and some of them have absolutely no issues whatsoever and love everybody. Some of them are not housebroken and have never been on a leash, some are fully trained.

[gene]

Karen is spot on! Except for one, I took all of them for some quality time out for socializing. I believe after their adjustment period in your house, it's really good for them. It also gives you better insight to their personality which can be passed on to the perspective forever home. The more we learn, the better for a proper fit.

The only place I wouldn't take them would be Starbucks! I only say that because I work for Caribou Coffee....... ;0)

[Jacquie Yorke (DRC)]

Gene and Karen are right..it absolutely depends on the foster.....Some dogs are more sensitive and more traumatized than others....Depends if it's a re-home situation or a shelter pull or a puppy mill rescue.....Believe it or not, sometimes the dogs that come from shelters are easier and more adaptable....They are just so grateful to be out of the shelter!.....A dog that is coming from a home and a family, at least the ones that I have had are confused and sad for a bit (until they realize that they are in Doggie Club Med here at my house!...LOL).....My Almost Heaven rescue fosters have been a breeze!...They just usually don't have any potty manners and eat their poop for a few weeks.......but they learn quickly that potty is for outside and food is readily available so there is no need to hoard or eat poop!......It's also beneficial sometimes if you happen to already have a confident, well adjusted dog in the house......They will learn quickly from their example......

[Jacquie Yorke (DRC)]

FROM IDOG'S VOLUNTEER GUIDE

What to Expect

Occasionally, some of our rescued Labradoodles and Goldendoodles come into rescue groomed,
spayed/neutered and up to date on shots. However, in most cases, the rescued Doodle needs to have a
wellness vet check, immunizations, and a good hearty bath. They may also need to be altered and have
medical issues addresses. IDOG will reimburse the foster home for these expenses, if needed.
Your new foster dog may come with some behavior issues. We try as much as possible to learn about the
Labradoodle or Goldendoodle from previous owners, but many times that information is not available. Some
dogs may need to be house trained. Even if they are house trained, they may have mistakes in the house
until they adjust to the house rules and routines. A dog that is house trained in one home may not be house
trained in a different home.

Ideally, your foster should come to your home early in the day, giving him as much time as possible to adapt
to the foster home before night time. Dogs become more insecure in the evening and at night. The better the
adjustment on the first day, the easier the rest of the transition will be for the dog and for you.

The first days

ß When the dog arrives at your home, take him into the back yard and play with him gently. The dog
should be walked with just one or two older family members until he pottys. This is to ensure that
the first place the dog eliminates is outdoors and not accidentally in the house. Even well housetrained
dogs can become confused in a strange house, especially when upset or excited.

ß Next, take the dog for a walk through the house on a leash. Let the dog investigate, but also let him
know the house rules. The leash used in the house can be held or allowed to drag, but never use it
to tie the dog. Don’t let the dog out of your sight.

ß Take the dog three or four times a day to the place where he will be sleeping overnight and also to
the place where he will be when the family is away from home. He will then be familiar with both
places before being left alone or put to bed.

ß Don’t let the foster dog out of your sight unless he is safely confined in a crate, and then stay close
by at first to be sure the dog is not upset by the separation.

Separation anxiety
Rescue dogs have already lost at least one family and are inclined to become anxious during separations
and returns. Separation anxiety is one of the primary causes of failure of the rescue dog in a new home and
is usually preventable.

ß Always leave the dog calmly and pleasantly with a radio playing, soft lighting, bedding, water, toys
and a treat. Always return calmly and pleasantly by going to the dog and putting the collar and
leash on before taking him out of a confined area. This calm return, preferably by one adult alone,
helps to prevent separation anxiety.

ß If the dog will be alone much of the day, he should be allowed to sleep in or near the bedroom of a
family member overnight. Dogs that spend too much time away from the family tend to bark, chew,
lick, and become stressed.

ß If the dog becomes very upset at being confined, be sure you are confining him in the say way as
the former owners. If you have no information, experiment to see what the dog might tolerate.
Spend time with him in an appropriate room with the door closed. Try the kitchen, the laundry room,
or bedroom. Leave the room briefly, close the door, then return to the room and resume what you
were doing, saying nothing to the dog. Gradually leave for longer periods of time. If the dog gets
upset, return to what you were doing and temporarily discontinue the separations.

ß Make a note of which situations work best, so that your experience can help the new family
understand their rescue dog’s attitude and behavior. You should realize, however, that leaving the
dog in the company of other dogs does not prepare him for being left alone when he goes to his
new home.

Supervision
Rehome/rescue dogs are more likely to run and try to escape, putting them at greater risk of being hit by a
car or becoming lost in an unfamiliar neighborhood. Also, nothing is more disturbing to a new dog or puppy
than to be loose in a strange house and chastised at random by strangers.

ß Keep the leash on the dog when he is with you. The dog will feel more secure, and you will prevent
confusion about the rules of his new home. The leash allows you to prevent mistakes, including
escaping out an open door. It also allows you to simply take the dog away from any mistakes he is
about to make, then substitute a toy, a treat, or just some good petting. If the dog becomes too
excited or demanding, simply take him for a brisk, focused walk; do some obedience tasks; or
confine for a bit of relax time.

ß The dog should not be left outdoors unsupervised. Dogs have a strong homing instinct, and if a dog
is left alone he may attempt to get out and return to his former home. Some dogs are very agile and
can jump a high fence or may soon learn how to dig under a fence. A dog that is alone outside will
have the time and lack of distraction to figure out how to escape.

Vet Visits
The vet visit may be the first for the rescue Labradoodle or Goldendoodle in years. Many dogs entering
rescue have had minimal or nonexistent health care. Don’t let the vet rush you through this visit. Carefully
examine any previous records to avoid giving vaccinations that are not yet due or needed. Don’t repeat
vaccinations already given. Your visit should include a physical exam by the vet. Below is a list of things that
should be checked on this visit.

Routine:
Ears and eyes – Look for infections.
Skin – Note lumps, masses, areas of hair loss, hot spots, infection.
Teeth – Note wear and tarter.
Spay/neuter – are required before placement.
Heartworm testing and initial preventative – If the dog has no preventative history the dog will need to be
retested for heartworm in six months. The dog should be on heartworm preventative year round.
Fecal - check for parasites.
Vaccinations (give, if not up to date):
Rabies
Distemper combination
Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
Lyme disease – give, if in an area prone.

ß Note: Emaciated or sick dogs should not be vaccinated until they are recovered. Vaccinations can
challenge their immune system and protection is questionable. Dogs with an unknown vaccination
history should not receive all of their vaccinations at once. Schedule a couple of visits at least two
weeks apart

Sometimes Needed:
Blood work –may be needed if the dog is elderly or warrants further examination for a potential medical
condition.

X-rays –Expense of checking for Hip Dysplasia would need to be borne by the future owners unless specific
symptoms are exhibited and would affect the life or the placement of the Labradoodle or Goldendoodle.

Other members of the foster family

Children
If there are children in the home, they should be supervised with the new foster for the first month, unless
they are teenagers who will be assuming the role of a primary caretaker. This is to be sure that rules for both
the dog and the children are being followed. Leaving a foster dog alone with a child is the makings for a
disaster, and, unfortunately, the foster dog may pay the price for a bad decision on your part.
If the dog uses his teeth at any time (even playfully or affectionately), immediately take steps to eliminate
that behavior.

Guidelines for allowing children to interact with the foster dog

ß The dog should always be settled and seated before the children can pet the dog.

ß Children should never roughhouse or wrestle, play tug with the dog. They should never attempt to
take anything out of the dog’s mouth.

ß Teach children to play retrieving games by throwing a second toy. They should never attempt to
take anything out of the dog’s mouth.

ß Children may play hide and seek, but the children should not run towards or after the dog.

ß Monitor children when they are around the dog while he eats. Some dogs may want to protect their
food, thus the child could be at risk of being snapped at.

ß Children can offer food to the dog by holding out their hand with fingers totally flat.

Other Family Dogs
Other family dogs should be out of sight when the new foster dog is brought into the house. The new dog
should be walked from room to room on leash. Praise him as you introduce him to the scent of the other
dog’s favorite sleeping places. Then take the new dog outside or out of sight while the other pets are
brought in to be praised and introduced to the scent of the new dog that was indoors. Next, take the
outdoors, out of sight of the new dog and praise them as they scent the area where the new dog urinated. At
that time, very social dogs can be introduced, one at a time, to the new dog while loose in the back yard.
However, if you are not absolutely certain of the results, then take them both for leash walks outside.
If you wish to be very cautious, walk them on neutral property with a chain link fence between them. Keep
praising them and keep them moving as you gradually let them get close enough to sniff and get acquainted.
If either wishes to stop and urinate, let them. If they seem totally relaxed and friendly return to the house and
put them in the back yard. If either dog looks tense, stiff-legged, and defensive or barks aggressively or
growls, take them away from each other and temporarily keep them out of sight of one another. Spend a
week letting them each get used to the scent of the other, both indoors and out, and then try to reintroduce
using a chain linked fence between them again.

Always watch for problems arising over food. Feed your dogs separately and keep them out of each other’s
dishes. Watch for problems over toys. If a dog is becoming competitive or defensive over a special toy, give
it to that dog only when he is alone. Watch for problems, either of aggressiveness or shyness, at the door
where the dogs go in and out. Also watch for any dog laying claim to a family member and not letting other
dogs approach. Dogs also have favorite resting places. A new dog should respect the dogs already in the
household. Watch for problems if the foster takes over another dog’s primary spot. Dogs have to develop
their own pecking order, and you cannot influence or change their nature in that pecking order, but you can
control food, toys and household behavior.

Other Family Pets
If the Labradoodle or Goldendoodle has already lived with a cat, he should adapt to another easily. Keep
baby gates at the stairs to the basement or upstairs, to give the cat a safe escape route. In most cases, the
dog, rather than the other animals, will need to be kept under control around a cat, bird, or other animals.
Using a leash, take the dog away from the animal, even into another room if necessary to maintain control.

Behavior Problems
Behavior problems are the number one reason dogs are put into the Rehome/Rescue system. Wellintentioned
but busy people fail to socialize and train their puppies. When the puppy is young and small,
families are often too permissive with behaviors, and as the dog matures and grows large those same
behaviors are no longer cute. Couples treat their Labradoodle or Goldendoodle like their baby until the real
thing comes along. Unsupervised children are allowed to annoy, tease and mistreat the puppy. Ignorant and
frustrated people take their anger out on the dog.

Some problems that the family reports often arise simply from their failure to understand a dog’s natural
behaviors. As a Foster Home Volunteer, your job will be to observe and look for these problem behaviors
that the family has reported and help in determining a good solution to correct the problems if they do arise.
You do not have to be a behaviorist to be very successful with rescue.

It is important to be very honest with prospective homes about the behaviors you have observed. Many
rescue homes enjoy taking on a challenge. Knowing what behavior issues are in play will only improve the
success of placing the dog into the right forever home.

The IDOG website has suggestions for many helpful books that can help you as you foster Doodles. In
addition, there are other IDOG Volunteers and Doodle owners who can provide good insights into behaviors.

Observing the Fostered Labradoodle or Goldendoodle
While the dog is in your foster home, it is important for you to observe and evaluate him. Any and all
observations assist in determining the best forever home for the foster Labradoodle or Goldendoodle. Note
any information that might be relevant, but be sure to look for the following details:

ß Does he have any house manners?
ß Does he respond to basic commands?
ß Will this dog require serious obedience training?
ß Does he walk well on a leash?
ß Does he get along well with other dogs, cats, etc.?
ß Are car rides enjoyable or a problem?
ß Does he dig, try to escape, bark excessively or show signs of other stress behaviors?
ß How well does he react to being crated or gated when alone?
ß Does he cringe when verbally corrected?
ß Does he shy away from petting?
ß Is he happy?

Provide as many different experiences as you can, but do not force the dog if he shows fear or
aggressiveness. Take the dog for a walk in town. Have a friend over to visit. It is important to know how the
foster behaves in different situations. Finding out that the foster reacts strongly to men with beards, is
terrified of vacuum cleaners, or anxious around small children will also help in find the Labradoodle or
Goldendoodle a forever home.

Remember that you are preparing your foster for life with another family. You never know what that life will
be like, so teach the foster Labradoodle or Goldendoodle things like how to stay off the furniture and to wait
patiently for meals. Find out how your foster lets you know that he needs to go outside to potty. Most
important, give him lots of love, understanding and patience.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

okay - so here is my wish list for my fosters:
non-shedding
fixed
groomed
excellent dinner manners
superb leash manners
plays nicely with others
sleeps all night with no potty breaks or crying
perfectly socialized
no carsickness
loves the crate
what do you think?

[LuvMyAbby&Kaela]

That is my wish list for any dog. If you find a foster like that ... send him to me . I will adopt him! ;o)

2 of my friends just recently fostered dogs from the pound here and the fostering turned into a full time adoption. It made me wonder what on earth such good dogs were even doing in the pound in the first place.

Some people take giving away their pets so lightly. I think I would, and have, put up with just about anything - I cant fathom giving up a dog anymore than giving up my kids...

The circumstances would be dire indeed.

Best of luck with the foster and good for you! That will be one lucky dog!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Jackdoodle came with 5 or 6 of those, and also housebroken which you don't have listed. My foster Kobe did too. I think that's pretty good.

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

Wishful thinking!

[Adrianne Matzkin]

oopppsss - thanks Karen, I forgot...
housebroken
only chews doggy toys and bones

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Adie...I don't know how to tell you this, but....ain't gonna happen. I have had older GSD fosters who were like that, but chances are not good for a doodle. Of course, I know you're kidding.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

One can always wish! My Mom used to tell me 'the worst that will happen is I can say no'. So if I have no expectations that it can only be a positive outcome!
You have to keep a sense of humor these days - especially after watching the news. I have lost my girlish figure, going gray, have lots of aches & pains but never lost my sense of humor!!!