Fostering Question.

[sibergrey]

For those of you who foster, a question:

I know that every dog is different, but what is your experience?

If you adopted one dog, how long is an appropriate amount of time to maintain the one-dog household before beginning fostering (one dog at a time)? We want to give Loki plenty of time to be sure of himself and his position in the house before we bring home a foster grey. We were thinking 6 months time should be good... is this too little time? Too much? What do you all think?

On the one hand, we want him to be completely settled into our home and routine. On the other hand, we don't want him to be SO comfortable that adding another dog would cause him to be territorial or stressed.

He has been with us 3 months so far but it seems like he's always been here! I can't remember life without him... and while I do not want to add another permanent dog b/c of hubby's 2-dog-maximum rule...I am eager to begin fostering in order to start helping out as soon as possible, but not at the cost of Loki's mental well-being. #36_3_5#

[CampWhippet]

If anything, I'd think it would be better to foster NOW, so Loki just sees it as a normal occurance in your house. My dogs don't bat an eye when 4 new hounds prance into the house since they know it is short term. They've seen it happen a dozen times!!!!!

[sibergrey]

campwhippet said:

If anything, I'd think it would be better to foster NOW, so Loki just sees it as a normal occurance in your house. My dogs don't bat an eye when 4 new hounds prance into the house since they know it is short term. They've seen it happen a dozen times!!!!!

Printing out your response right now to show hubby!!!

[peet]

Well, to be very honest, it is never a good time.
At least, that is my experience.
To be honest, I never wanted to foster, but it happened.
First time was an emergancy, and all those times after.

One thing that is important, make sure the foster can go to another place if needed.
I have fostered many dogs now, and found out my group will adjust, no matter what.
It is as if they sense that these dogs have no where to go.

But I think there is no specific time to start, just bring in another dog into your home and see how things work out.
Watch Loki's reactions to other dogs and you will know.
I am always amazed on what dogs are capable off, they amaze me every time.
Just look at Elmo, who has fear agression, but still does great with my group...

[greyaspet]

In 10 years I have fostered 110 greyhounds and have 4 of my own. Dogs adjust it is the people who have issues. My oldest who is 12 1/2 and the queen loves when new dogs come in so she can boss them around. My youngest loves it because he gets a new friend for awhile the other two tolerate them. And the joy of seeing a new adopter getting their dog is just priceless.
Sheila