Foster to Forever: 10 Expert Tips for Successfully Integrating a Foster Dog into Your Family

1. Give the dog time to adjust to their new surroundings.

2. Provide a safe and comfortable space for the dog to rest and relax.

3. Gradually introduce the dog to other members of the household, including any other pets.

4. Don't force the meetings, bring the foster out, let them sniff and investigate and get a feel for the space, but don't force them to be a part of it in the first few days.

5. Be patient and understanding with the dog, as they may have a history of trauma or neglect.

6. Establish a daily routine for the dog, including regular feeding and exercise times.

7. Establish boundaries. A foster dog usually has not had clear direction in the past. Be clear about do's and don'ts in your household.

8. Gradually introduce the dog to other members of the household, including any other pets.

Don't expect a foster dog to be fast friends with your own dog at first site. The chances of that are like expecting love at first site with every Tinder date. 😳 Let them get to know one another gradually. Crate training is essential here!

9. Seek professional help if the dog has any behavioral issues or needs specific training.

10. Do not focus on this dog's hard luck past. Focus on teaching simple life skills, like sit, come here, leash walking skills. A foster dog needs skills, not pity.

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