When you choose to foster one of our dogs, remember that it’s a temporary arrangement until we find them a forever home. The foster placement can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of months, providing a flexible commitment for you. It’s a rewarding experience that can bring a sense of fulfillment as you play a crucial role in a dog’s journey to a forever home.
Building new relationships, whether with people or dogs, requires time and patience. It’s about getting to know each other and learning their personalities, likes and dislikes, and quirks. This means understanding what makes them unique and how to support them best. Patience is key in this process, and it’s important to remember that every dog is different and may require different amounts of time to adjust.
One of the most important aspects of fostering is understanding the language of each party. In this case, it’s about interpreting the behavior of your rescue dog. Understanding dog language, a dog’s behavior, and emotional state empowers us to better understand our rescue and what they are trying to communicate.
Editors Horwitz, Ciribassi, and Dale, in their book Decoding Your Dog, tell us where to start in communicating with your rescue:
- Learn their language
- Listen with your eyes
- Use cues that work for your rescue
- Avoid miscommunication traps
- Teach a common language
- Have realistic expectations (& goals)
Horwitz et al. explain canine body language. The ears and tail are the two most important body parts that convey fear, aggression, or a relaxed state.
When the ears are relaxed, the dog is calm. The dog is alert, attentive, or aggressive when forward or pricked. Pinned back ears mean the dog is fearful or defensive.
The tail is the most noticeable part of a dog’s body. When it’s up, the dog is alert, and fast-moving wagging means it is excited. The dog expresses fear, anxiety, or submission when the tail is down or tucked.
Stay tuned for next week’s installment:
Foster stories
