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We are getting our first OES foster dog....we have had an OES for two years and the new foster pup is coming already screened by a vet, bathed, and evaluated for aggression etc., so it is a great situation for a first foster situation.
I am looking for any tips on how to add him into the household with as little stress to the new guy as possible. We have three teenage daughters and cats....and our Frizzle loves other dogs.
Thanks, Christina |
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Welcome! Congrats on getting a foster! How old is he?
It's going to be overwhelming for him - all of the changes, new people and pets. So don't overwhelm him with tons of visitors for the first several days. Frequent trips outside - in the excitement of a new place, he might forget some of the things he already knows.
Others will give you lots of great advice. |
Thank you for the help....we are getting an area of the dining room (close to the sounds of everyday life but secluded enough for him to "get away" if he wants to) ready for his crate (he's crate trained)....and putting up all of our dog's bones/toys....any other ideas??
Christina |
When introducing a foster to our crew....before the foster even comes into the house I take him/her for a LONG walk around the neighborhood (usually about 2 miles). Then I bring out my two OES (the foster STILL has not been in the house) and we all continue the walk. The second walk is between 1-2 miles. By the end of the second walk, the foster is accepted as part of the pack (and is pretty tired) and is allowed into the house.
When feeding, separate the dogs at first (baby gates are wonderful for this). This prevents any possible aggession problems.
Also, you may want to have some Nature's Miracle or other enzymatic cleaner on hand just in case the dog isn't as well house trained as you'd hope or you just miss the signals that they want to go outside.
You may want to leave a short leash on him for the first few days. This gives you a "handle" in case you need to prevent him/her from doing anything inappropriate.
And last, patience and a good sense of humor.
Good luck and let us know how it goes.
Jennifer, Baxter, Cassiopia and Sharkey |
| Congratulations - I think you are very brave. I don't have any words of advice - I just wanted to say I think it's wonderful to foster animals. |
