Fostering: How to Turn the Pandemic into Pride

Many dog lovers are spending more time at home these days. This is the perfect opportunity to foster and train a dog! Many shelters and facilities are fighting to remain open, so people across the country arestepping up to foster pets. If you find yourself in need of a companion or have just always thought about becoming a dog owner, now is the time to do so. 

If this is the first time a dog is in your home or if you are fostering or adopting a puppy, we’ve put together some easy-to-follow tips to make the transition nice and smooth: 

• Use the containment method. Before you let Fido run free, lay down some ground rules.Many veterinarians and animal behaviorists recommend putting your puppy in a small room or gated area tokeep your puppy safe and accident-free.
• Establish a potty pattern. A new home means a new routine so it’s important to establish a potty pattern. Be sure that your dog has access toBrilliantPadat all times and use treats and the reinforcement method to reward proper potty behavior. 
• Enjoy the time with your pup. Fostering or adopting a dog should be a fun experience, even during training. Remember that reprimanding the dog rarely works and instead you should use positive reinforcement and have some fun when it comes to training. 

OurYouTube channel has several videos with a variety of training tips when it comes to training a dog to useBrilliantPad. 

How fostering helps the dog

Fostering is one of the most direct ways you can save lives. Many shelters are often overextended and rely on foster pet parents to help. The dogs are placed into real households where they can learn to interact with people and potentially other dogs. They will learn how to follow a routine, making the adoption process and the transition to a new household much easier. The dog can go on to live a healthier and happier life. Just look at the reactions to these dogs that have been adopted: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAVFwQUH8BU 

How fostering helps you

The self-isolation guidelines that are in place have left many people feeling lonely or out-of-touch. Fostering a dog can provide a sense of purpose and pride, according to theHumane Society. 

With fostering, comes training. If you’re fostering a puppy, proper training and establishing routines are very important. Given that people are spending more time at home, they now have the time to dedicate. Training a dog can be a welcomed break from your new routine of working from home, allowing you to focus your attention and energy on something that is a little more fun while still remaining productive. 

Fostering for all

School teachers or other seasonal employees often foster to make the most of their time away from work. You have the opportunity to make a difference in the life of a dog. When all of this is over, with the proper tips and tools, you just might find yourself to be the world’s next proud pet parent.