I didn’t set out to become a dog foster parent—I originally wanted to raise a puppy for a service dog organization. I reached out to multiple programs, but many didn’t respond, and the ones that did told me I wasn’t in their service area. Frustrated but still determined to help dogs, I shifted gears and contacted a local rescue about fostering.
They quickly responded and scheduled a home visit. When they learned that I was a professional trainer with a lifetime of dog experience—growing up with a trainer dad and a home always full of dogs—they were thrilled to bring me on board. They suggested I start with an “easy” dog for my first foster, and they had just the right one in mind: a 6- or 7-year-old male Labrador Retriever named Connor. His owner could no longer care for him, so he needed a soft landing.
We were ready. I had a partially finished basement where Connor could have space to decompress. We had two other Labs and over four acres of land, including a fenced area—an ideal place for an active Lab to land.
When I picked Connor up, he was sweet but understandably anxious. Everything he knew—his home, his person—was gone. I gave him some food, some time to stretch his legs, and settled him in the basement for the night, thinking he’d be comfortable free-roaming since that’s what he was used to. But that night, he barked nonstop. I went down to check on him every hour until he finally calmed down.
The next morning, I went down to find a mess—explosive, bloody diarrhea all over the basement. I panicked. This was my first foster, and I had no idea what the protocol was for a medical emergency. I called the rescue, and they instructed me to get him to the vet immediately. He was diagnosed with giardia, and the stress of losing his home had caused a severe flare-up. With treatment, he quickly began to feel better.
Within five days, he was able to spend time upstairs with our resident dogs (always supervised), and slowly, his playful, affectionate personality came out. He was sweet, eager to please, and just wanted to be near someone. We began searching for his perfect match, and found it in a middle-aged couple with no kids who fell in love with him instantly. After the adoption was finalized two weeks later, I was hooked—I said, “Bring on the next foster!”
Over time, I started fostering more complex cases. I took in dogs with medical needs, like the one who had been hit by a car and needed her leg amputated. She was only 10 months old and bounced back beautifully, later adopted into a wonderful home. Another dog, hit by a truck, also lost a leg—but that didn’t stop her from finding her forever family.
Then came the emotionally and behaviorally challenging dogs. These were often the most difficult—and most heartbreaking. These dogs were stressed, fearful, and more prone to defensive behaviors. Stress is the number one cause of aggression in dogs, and fostering them required constant supervision, compassion, and careful handling. Some of these dogs never left—they became permanent members of our family.
In fact, our last two fosters with behavioral challenges never found adopters. They stayed with us, and we became their forever home. That also meant we had to pause fostering—we no longer had the space or time to give new dogs what they needed. At our busiest point, we had 13 dogs—Labs, Lab mixes, Huskies, and English Pointers—in our small home.
My husband and I have learned to honor our limits. Our commitment to the animals we fostered has been unwavering—even if it meant skipping vacations, adjusting our routines, or saying some very emotional goodbyes. And while we’re not fostering right now, we may open our home to one foster dog at a time again in the future. We’re taking it one day at a time, and we have no regrets.
If you’re thinking about fostering, know this: it’s not always easy, but it’s deeply rewarding. The love, trust, and transformation you witness in these dogs—especially the ones that come in broken and leave whole—is something that stays with you forever
So You’re Thinking About Fostering a Dog? Here’s What You Need to Know
Fostering a dog can be one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have—but it’s not a decision to take lightly. You’re opening your heart and your home to a dog who may have never known stability, comfort, or safety. While the goal is to prepare them for their forever home, the journey often starts with understanding what fostering really entails—and whether it’s the right fit for you and your family.
What Does Fostering a Dog Involve?
Fostering means providing a temporary home for a dog while a rescue organization finds them a permanent family. You may be responsible for everything from daily care and feeding to helping the dog adjust emotionally and socially. Foster periods can range from a few days to several months depending on the dog’s needs and adoption interest.
Some foster dogs are recovering from medical procedures. Others may have behavioral challenges or simply need time to decompress after a stressful shelter experience. Each dog is unique—and so is every foster situation.
Is Fostering Right for You?
Before you raise your hand to foster, ask yourself the tough questions. It’s not just about loving dogs—it’s about being able and ready to provide structure, patience, and a temporary safe space.
Key Considerations Before You Foster:
- Temporary Disruption: Can you adjust your routine and home dynamics while fostering?
- Space: Do you have room to give the foster dog a quiet, safe place to decompress?
- Family Approval: Everyone in the household (human and canine) should be on board.
- Financial Responsibility: Clarify what costs are covered by the organization.
- Time & Availability: Can you or someone else be home regularly?
- Emotional Preparedness: Are you ready to work through behavioral challenges—and eventually let go?
Choosing the Right Rescue Organization
Not all rescues operate the same. Do your due diligence:
- Do they require a foster agreement?
- Who holds liability for incidents?
- What are the adoption policies if you want to keep your foster dog?
Ask clear questions and choose an organization that aligns with your values and supports its fosters well.
Picking the Right Foster Dog (Especially for First-Timers)
Starting off on the right paw means finding a foster dog who matches your lifestyle and experience level.
- Start Simple: Choose a dog with needs you’re confident you can handle.
- Match Environment & Experience: City dogs need different exposure than rural dogs.
- Do a Meet & Greet: Especially important if you have other pets.
- Gather as Much History as Possible: Even if limited, it helps you prepare.
Bringing Your Foster Dog Home: The First Few Days
Once you’ve chosen your foster dog, plan their arrival carefully. Ideally, pick them up on a Friday so you have the weekend to help them settle in. The first few days should be quiet and calm—no visitors, parties, or unnecessary stimulation. Just basic routine, calm voices, and gentle interaction.
This is the time to let your foster dog decompress. Let them explore their space and come to you when they’re ready. Give them time, space, and patience. Pay close attention to their body language—are they relaxed? Anxious? Fearful? Don’t rush the process.
The First Two Weeks: Building Trust and Understanding
These first two weeks are all about getting to know your foster dog:
- Watch, don’t push. Let the dog set the pace.
- Start socialization slowly. Take quiet walks around the neighborhood. Introduce them to new smells, sounds, and sights.
- Invite visitors gradually. When your dog seems ready, invite one or two calm guests over—but let the dog choose if and when they want to interact. No forced petting or attention.
- Expose them gently. See how they react to mail carriers, passing dogs, or a short car ride.
This stage helps you understand their triggers, preferences, and social comfort. That information becomes crucial when it’s time to help them transition to their forever home.
Preparing for Meet & Greets and Adoption Events
If the rescue has adoption events or meet-and-greets coming up, it’s your job to help prepare your foster dog.
- Test public settings first. Visit a quiet shopping plaza or public area and observe your dog’s reactions.
- Respect their limits. Not every dog is ready for a bustling pet store event after just a week or two.
- Advocate for your dog. No one should pet your dog unless they ask for attention by approaching.
You are your foster dog’s voice—this is your chance to help them shine in a way that respects their comfort and dignity.
Crate Training, Basic Manners & Positive Reinforcement
During the foster period, it helps immensely to:
- Introduce or reinforce crate training
- Begin house training (if needed)
- Work on basic cues: their name, sit, wait, leave it, polite leash walking
- Practice polite greetings and calm behavior
All training should be done using positive reinforcement only—no fear, force, or pain. Have treats ready at all times so you can immediately reward the behavior you want to see more of.
One pro tip? Keep treats in every room. A container in the kitchen, the bathroom, the bedroom—even the entryway. This makes it easy to reinforce good behavior in real time.
The Emotional Goodbye: When It’s Time to Let Go
Eventually, the time comes to say goodbye. You’ve helped your foster dog heal, learn, and grow—and now it’s time for them to join a forever family. It’s bittersweet. You’ve bonded. You may have cried. And that’s okay.
Most rescues work hard to find the right match, but sometimes adoptions don’t work out. Be prepared to take your foster dog back into your home if that happens. Having a familiar place to land can reduce their stress significantly.
Final Thoughts
Fostering isn’t just about saving a dog—it’s about shaping the rest of their life. You become their first glimpse of what love, consistency, and compassion really look like.
Yes, it’s emotional. Yes, it can be messy. But it’s also life-changing—for both you and the dog in your care.
If you’re ready to foster, take the time to prepare, choose the right organization, and set yourself (and your future foster dog) up for success. A good book to read to prepare yourself for fostering is “How to Foster Dogs-From Homeless to Homeward Bound”, Pat Miller, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA. You won’t regret the love and impact you’ll make—one dog at a time. 
If you are thinking about learning more about how to read dog body language to prepare yourself for fostering, adopting or getting a puppy, sign up for my webinar “The Calm and Confident Dog Blueprint” For more information message us on Facebook @barksidemanners or contact us at www.barksidemanners.com.
