This document provides guidance for fostering a new dog. It emphasizes being mentally and physically prepared by ensuring the whole household is willing to foster and designating a space for the dog. The space should include a crate and be dog-proofed by removing hazards. Feeding guidelines recommend high quality food and avoiding people food. Housetraining tips include taking the dog outside frequently, being patient, and using puppy pads if needed.

1. What to Expect When You’re Expecting… A new foster
Be mentally prepared Fostering includes the whole family! Make sure that everyone in your
household is ready, willing and able to provide a loving home for an
orphaned dog.
It is not uncommon for people to have difficulty adjusting to a new schedule
or routine. It’s a also common for people to have a difficult time “giving up”
an animal to its adopting home.
Its wise to have a discussion about both of these things prior to
committing to an animal.

2. What to Expect When You’re Expecting… A new foster
Be physically prepared Planning where your foster dog will be BEFORE the animal arrives will
make the transition easier for everyone.
It’s a good idea to have a small room or space dedicated to the animal:
•Keep it close so they get used to you
•Make sure you can easily be aware of anything that is going on
with animal while in this space.
•This space will be important for you and the animal while you are
away.
•The animal will feel more safe and comfortable
•You will feel more confident and their safety and inability to
be areas you don’t want them unsupervised.
•This will help with housetraining animals as well.
Get creative on where this space is and how you set it up:
•Baby gates are great for this – they are customizable to help block
off openings.
Its recommended that a crate is included in the space.
•The animal has a small den-like space to go to.
•You have the crate accessible if you need to crate the animal
while away.

3. What to Expect When You’re Expecting… A new foster
How to pick the right room and dog‐proof the space:
Walk into the room in which you plan to confine your foster dog, and ask yourself:
• Is there room for the crate (dog’s safe place)?
• Is there quick access to the outside for bathroom breaks?
• Is there anything that can be chewed, such as drapes, a couch or rugs?
• Are there exposed electrical wires?
• Is there anywhere the dog can hide? Will you be able to get the dog out if hidden?
• Are there coffee tables with objects that can be knocked off by a wagging tail?
• Are there plants in the room?
• Where will I set up the crate once all hazards are removed?
• Is the crate in a quiet, low-traffic area of the room?
• Is there a blanket in the crate to train your foster dog that it’s his bed?

4. What to Expect of the First Day(s)…
Feeding Guidelines
“You are what you eat,” and this applies to dogs as well as
humans.
It especially applies to dogs who have been sick, injured or found
as strays.
High quality dog food is preferred, rather than grocery store dog
food.
Secondhand Hounds does receive donations of high quality dog
food – so if you need assistance with getting food – SHH can
help.

5. What to Expect of the First Day(s)…

6. What to Expect of the First Day(s)…

7. What to Expect of the First Day(s)…
Other feeding tips:
Feed your foster dog in a separate room from resident dog(s).
This will help avoid and arguments over food.
No “people” food.
You do not know what the adoptive family will want to do,
so don’t start a habit they will have to break.
By feeding only dog food, you are also discouraging begging.

8. What to Expect of the First Day(s)…
Housetraining Guidelines:
Determine where he should do his business.
Take him to the same place every time, and tell
him to “do his business.”
Be patient with your foster dog.
Expect accidents to happen.
Dogs that have been in shelter environment,
living outside, or have been through a lot of
stress will have accidents during their first
few days at your home.

9. What to Expect of the First Day(s)…

10. What to Expect of the First Day(s)…
Puppy Housetraining:
You can begin to housetrain a puppy at 8
weeks of age.
Follow the same tips for adult
You can train a puppy by using puppy pads as your
approved spot to do his business.
Puppy pads should eventually go outside and
eventually not used.
Puppies should be brought out to pee every 45
minutes – until you learn their pattern.
Supervise the puppy closely while you’re inside.
If he starts to sniff the floor, or even squats
to go, interrupt calmly with your redirect
word, scoop him up quickly and take him to
the approved spot and praise when he
finishes.

11. What to Expect of the First Day(s)…