Foster Guidelines and Rules for Dallas DogRRR
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General Safety and Supervision 1. No Unsupervised Access to Toys, Bones, or Food: • Do not leave toys, bones, or food out on floors, furniture, etc. for dogs to access on their own. Over time, you may observe that there is no resource guarding, but always supervise closely. • NEVER leave dogs unattended with toys or bones. • No food bowls should be left out, even if empty. Dogs should be fed separately for at least the first few months, ideally indefinitely, until you are absolutely sure there is no resource guarding from either dog. 2. Supervised Interactions: • Do not leave dogs unattended together for at least the first few months. Only do so when you are absolutely certain they are safe together. Ensure there are no bones, toys, or other items that could instigate or trigger a fight. 3. Crate Training: • All foster dogs should sleep in their crate for the first few weeks during decompression and separation time, unless otherwise agreed upon with the rescue due to crate anxiety, etc. • After the initial period, foster dogs should sleep in their own bed. Avoid allowing dogs on furniture or human beds as it can be a difficult habit to break, and some adopters may not prefer this. 4. Dog Parks: • Foster dogs are not allowed in dog parks unless previously discussed and agreed upon in writing with a member of the leadership team. 5. Tethering: • DO NOT ever tie your dog outside of a store while you go inside. 6. Leash Usage: • Do not use retractable leashes as they afford no control. Use a leash that allows you to easily and swiftly bring your dog to you to avoid incidents. • If you feel the need to use a prong collar, choke chain, or any other type of corrective collar, consult a member of the leadership team first. Positive reinforcement training is preferred, and there are specific ways to use these collars without causing aggression or worsening behaviors. 7. Fenced Yard: • Never leave the dog unsupervised in a fenced yard until you know exactly how high they can jump. Some dogs can jump surprisingly high when triggered or excited. 8. Secure Collars and Leashes: • Ensure the collar and leash are very secure when walking the dog or introducing them to your resident dog. Dogs can often wiggle out of harnesses and bolt. A slip lead with a stopper is recommended for security. Special Conditions and Permissions 9. Pet Sitters and Other Caregivers: • Do not leave your foster dog with a pet sitter or someone else without permission from the Foster Team. The caregiver must have a current foster application on file. 10. Training and Behavioral Support: • We do not use shock collars or bark collars. If you need assistance with training, request help through your foster buddy, foster group, or foster coordinator. • For prong collars, consult with us first. We will connect you with a trainer to provide the necessary skills. 11. Advocating for Your Dog: • Be the advocate for your dog, especially if they are fearful or scared. Ensure they have a properly secured harness on before going for a walk. • Make sure your dog is tagged. Notify us immediately if the dog gets out or is lost. • If your dog is fearful or reactive, advocate for them. In some cities, a scared dog can be quarantined. Ensure the dog has a secured harness and inform people the dog is in training and not everyone needs to pet the dog. I UNDERSTAND AND AGREE TO FOLLOW THE RULES AND GUIDELINES