foster family handbook

This page is dedicated to the special hounds who have helped new retirees transition to their new lives.

In memory of Billy... Billy was with his family for a very short one year, one week and five days. Though his life was cut short by cancer, the Harris family loved him and filled every day with happiness.

In memory of Blue... Blue was one of the Camp Purdom Trainers - he helped with training more than 100 foster dogs how to behave properly, and corrected them when they needed it. Though his life was cut short, his enthusiasm for living and love of each and every person he ever met will live on as his legacy.

 

You are about to enter the stage of fostering greyhounds!

	The purpose of fostering a greyhound is to ready the greyhound for family life. While you work with your foster dog, you will form a bond that will last until after the adoption.
Buddy is in his foster home curling up with his little friend. Buddy was adopted by Leon & Diane Lake.

 

Foster families find it easy to fall in love with their charge, but remember that the dog is in a state of flux. He's looking forward to a more permanent situation - his new home.

Seeing situations from the dog's perspective will help your foster dog through this critical first step. The foster home is more school than it is home... you are evaluating the dog for us.

Bringing a Foster Dog Home

The first thing to remember about your new foster hound is that he, most likely, has never been for a car ride before. Jumping into the back of an SUV is a scary prospect for some hounds, and getting them to lay down in the back seat of a car may be downright impossible. You should not have any other pets with you when you come to pick up your foster hound. At this point, all of your energy should be focused on the hound that is feeling out of place.

When bringing your foster dog home for the first time, keep it on a leash. The introduction to the family pets is a time that demands caution. The best place to introduce your pets to your new student is outside, on somewhat neutral territory. Let your dog and the foster dog sniff each other, remember you are bringing a new dog onto your dogs territory.

If all seems calm outside, it is now time to progress inside. If your dog is not territorial, and seems to accept the foster hound, you can remove your pet's leash. It may be a good idea to keep your foster hound leashed, for now, to help with any housetraining issues that may initially present. Let your foster dog wander from room to room, watching for any signs of trouble. Male dogs may be inclined to "mark" the new territory, a sharp "NO" will usually stop the activity. Do not put your pet and foster dog in the yard together without supervision. Also keep muzzles on while the hounds are turned out into the yard.

Remember to keep up good gate security. A foster dog does not know its' "area" and if it gets out nowhere will be familiar. Keep a good eye on your foster dog the first few days it's in the yard. Do not attempt to tie or tether your foster dog to a tree. Likewise do not use a pulley system. Greyhounds go full speed in two strides and it can break it's neck when it reaches "the end of it's rope"

Home owners checking out the new foster dog. Garen - white, Shelly - fawn, Lolly (Ella) - black

When the foster dog meets the family cat for the first time it will want to sniff the cat. If the cat runs and the dog begins to chase, yell out "NO" that should stop the pursuit. You may need to repeat this lesson until the dog understands that chasing the cat is not permissible.

Protect all other small animals by keeping them caged. Scurrying small mammals look like play things and will be injured or killed if a greyhound decides to play with them. Birds, even large parrots can be hurt or killed by a curious greyhound. If the dig does not grab the bird it may become startled enough to take flight and can smash into a window or wall. Keep all small animals caged when you are fostering.

You should provide a separate feeding area for the foster dog so there is no aggression at the food bowl. Feeding the dogs the same food in different area will keep feeding time civil. Remember to feed the recommended high quality food that our group supplied or recommends. A dog may also become possessive over a toy. If that occurs remove the toy. When you must leave home, make sure you separate your pet and the foster.

Take a few moments at the end of each day to fill in and review the "Foster Dog Information Form." It will provide reminders of points to be made at the time of adoption.

Getting Ready for Home Life

The paramount duty you will face is Housebreaking. The dog must learn that the house is not the turnout pen. During the first day send the dog out often and accompany him/her on these "outings".

Choose a word such as "potty" or "out" to associate with being let out for eliminating and use it consistently. Dogs usually need to go after eating, napping, or exercising. The moment the dog GOES, praise him/her and a treat may be offered.

Windows can be a difficult situation. A squirrel on the outside of a picture window or sliding glass door can be an attractive target. Taking a front paw and rapping on the glass or touching the nose to a window pane is a good way of introducing a dog to this kind of barrier. On very motivated dogs, a piece of tape may have to be placed on the window, to impress upon the dog that there is a barrier present. Mirrors or reflective surfaces can have the same effect, watch your dog.

When you leave your house it is a good idea to restrict your foster dogs' area. A crate is an appropriate and good method. The dogs are used to a crate and they do not find it upsetting to spend time in one.

As a rule, most people have an eight hour  work schedule, and most dogs can accommodate this period of time. If possible, having someone let the dog out at a halfway point is desirable. If a crate is not available, a small area with a baby gate can be substituted. Some greyhounds have been known to jump baby gates so test this method out before you rely upon it. The use of a crate or holding area is MANDATORY! Most families want the dog crated when they are out of the house, they expect us to accustom the dog to a crate and we will.

Nacho's come-hither look. He was adopted by Kathleen Forde & Yvonne Zipter.

Part of the job of fostering is to handle the dog. Touch feet, ears, tails and other areas to check for sensitivity. Some dogs do not want these areas handled and it is a good idea to know so that the adopting family can work with this.

If the dog is sensitive and not showing signs of  aggressive behavior, praise the dog while touching the sensitive spots. Letting a sleeping dog lie is a good rule of thumb.

Watch for signs of track dreaming.

Remember to call the dog into an awake state before touching.

Putting a comfortable mat or blanket on the floor in your room (in an enclosed room, so the dog cannot wander at night) is the best way to teach your dog it's bedtime.

Your foster dog does not have to spend the night in a crate and shouldn't. Because your dog is going into someone else's home inviting it into bed is a bad habit to start. They may not want the dog in bed with them.

Likewise, restrict your foster dog to a soft blanket or comfortable mat on the floor, instead of letting them on the furniture. It will make life easier for the new adoptive family.

 

Personality Assessment

One other evaluation of the foster dog is personality. Adoptive families rely on us to tell them about their dogs. Since most greyhounds are second pets, knowing how social the dog is, is beneficial.

Midnight and Easton bobbing for treats.

Dominant behavior and how the dog plays with another pets are good clues as to how a dog will do with other animals. Guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, birds and other small animals may or may not attract the dogs attention. It is a good rule of thumb to keep these animals confined and out of harms way. If you are a "CAT FRIENDLY" foster home, watch to see if the dog and cat are getting along and that the dog does not seem over interested.

DO NOT PUT A CAT IN THE YARD WITH A GREYHOUND!

NOT EVEN A CAT FRIENDLY GREYHOUND CAN BE TRUSTED OUTSIDE!

Children and greyhounds must be supervised at all times. These dogs are very good with children, but things happen. If you must leave the room, take the child OR the dog with you. Your foster dog may need some time to adjust to family life. Most are playful and enjoy children, however a TIMEOUT spot for the dog should be found. The dog should be able to go to this area and be left alone. Children should respect this area and should NEVER disturb a sleeping dog. Wrestling on the floor and tug of war games and things can escalate into a dangerous situation. The dog is bigger and stronger than a child and should NEVER be underestimated.

Sometimes a dog can try to control his situation through intimidation. A dog on a couch, who snarls and shows teeth can be removed by placing a leash on the dog and using a stern "OFF!" command. 

There is a fine line between aggression and bluff. If you are in doubt about the dogs behavior consult with a Greyhounds Only representative. In most cases this can be dealt with before there is a major problem. If necessary use a muzzle if you think the dog will snap or bite.

Jody babysitting and fostering Toya, Easton, Pistachio, Sally and Middy

Report any biting or aggression incidents immediately (complete with all information) to foster coordinator Sue at (630) 844-8025.

A shy greyhound needs to learn that it can trust you. Patience and firm assurance are the best ways to deal with these animals. In time the dog will learn that his/her situation is friendly and that no one will harm him/her. Negative reinforcement should NOT be used on these dogs. A verbal reprimand, if needed, is all that is required. Leaving the dog to hide at all times is not good. Coaxing him/her to socialize will help to overcome the shyness.

While walking a foster dog on the street for the first time WATCH CAREFULLY! There are many new sounds, sights and smells for him/her to experience. Make sure the collar is well fitting before stepping outside. HOLD ON TIGHT and watch what is around you. Squirrels, cats, birds and small dogs can attract the dog and the dog may want to chase.

Cars can frighten the dog and he may bolt or jump backwards. Walking a foster dog should not be relaxing. It is a learning experience for the both of you. For first time walkers a SNAP-BACK can be used. Call the GO line to get one.

Car trips can be a fun part of a pets day. Your charge should be riding in the back seat and in time he will relax, lay down and enjoy his trip. A leash should be on the dog so that when you trip ends he can be taken out of the car safely and easily. Never leave your dog in a car on very hot days or even cold days.

Health and Your Foster Dog

If you are fostering a "special needs dog" follow the veterinarian's orders carefully. This dog is usually under a vets care for a serious condition or injury.

You may be called on to take the dog for periodic vet appointments. You should consider this when agreeing to foster a special needs dog. Greyhounds Only takes care of the vet bills while the dog is awaiting adoption and until the dog is healed. Diarrhea is a common ailment of recently retired greyhounds. There are shifts in routine, diet, and surroundings. These things are upsetting to the dogs digestive system.

Parasites can also cause diarrhea and you may see worms in the dogs stool. Don't panic, call a Greyhounds Only representative and they will be able to assist you. The dogs are wormed on the track but sometimes a second treatment is required. In the case of non-specific diarrhea, a diet of rice, browned ground beef, and cottage cheese can help the "runs" go away. When the stool is formed go back to the normal diet.

If there is an emergency, consult your Greyhounds Only representative. Some injuries may look bad but do not need veterinary care. In serious injuries get the dog to a vet. We do have vets who specialize in broken legs and other greyhound injuries. If in doubt, call us.

Troubleshooting

Greyhounds get a few treats in the kennel that are considered special treats. A greyhound can get defensive if you try to take the special award away (treats such as rawhide chews, marshmallows and peanut butter sandwiches.) The dog will warn you with a growl. Say "NO!" and be very careful when reaching for the treat. A dog will usually out grow this behavior when he/her realizes that there is no competition for the treat.

In the event that your cat friendly dog is NOT cat friendly, do not attempt to train the dog to get along with your cat. Call a Greyhounds Only representative and keep the dog and cat separate.

If your foster gets loose call the local police and hit the pavement looking for the dog. The dog should be wearing a collar with a Greyhounds Only Foster tag on it at all times. Most times the dog is recovered with no harm done.

In the event of a dog fight, do not attempt to break it up! A water hose to spray the dogs with usually does the trick.

Assess the damage after gaining control of the dogs and so first aid as necessary. This is not a common occurrence.

The kitchen is one of the first rooms the dogs learn about. Things are small and good tasting. This leads to begging. Don't fall for those big browns and start a bad habit. The best treats to give are "dog treats". These are made with a dog's digestive tract in mind and are easy on the dog's stomach. Remember not to over treat!

 

Saying Good-Bye

Flower (black/white) in foster at Carol Sumbry's with her whippet companion Krash.

Your first meeting with the foster dogs new family is usually over the phone. They will want to know what the new member of the family looks like and what his personality is like.

Be truthful about the dog, give funny anecdotes and disclose any problems.  Let them ask questions and give them full answers. Arrange a meeting with them. They will be anxious to meet their dog. If everything goes well and the adoption is set,  be prepared to help with the adoption and help your foster into his/her new life.

After the adoption, it is your responsibility to call the family and check on the dogs progress, remember that you know what the dog is like and how he/she reacts, they may need help "seeing" things from the dogs perspective. If there is a problem, please contact Sue Gaiser at 630-844-8025 or GreytGOFoster@comcast.net. If you cannot reach her, please contact Sue Purdom at (815) 899-4079 or purdom6@comcast.net.

Be ready to help talk them through problems and visit if necessary. Although you miss the dog, realize that he/she is getting love, attention and has a good home. The dog will remember you when he/she sees you at a later time and you will be amazed at how happy and at how good the dog looks.

 

Now you're ready for your next foster dog . . .

 

Interested in fostering? We're always looking for new foster families to give our adopted hounds a GREYT start to their retired lives! Please contact Sue Gaiser for more information at (630) 844-8025 or by e-mailing her at GreytGOfoster@comcast.net.

If you are not able to reach Sue Gaiser, please try calling Sue Purdom at (815) 899-4079 or e-mail her at purdom6@comcast.net.