There is a distinct possibility that we will be fostering a pit/bull terrier mix in the near future. This is something our family has never done before. We have also never had more than one dog in our house at a time.

I plan on following the groundwork and introducing a new dog articles as completely as I can. I'm not sure how long we will be keeping the foster dog, but she's been at the rescue already for 7 months so who knows. From what I've heard she doesn't have any major problems. I'll be working on leash manners and obedience with her. I know I don't have to, but it'll make her a better adoption prospect... and it's fun. =)

My question is, for those of you who have more experience fostering dogs, is there anything else I should do and learn before (or if) she gets here?

Ed's introducing dogs article is great. I have a friend bring my dog(s) to a local park where I have the new foster (all dogs leashed, and only one dog with the new dog at a time). What I do is let the two get close enough to "air sniff" but not to make actual physical contact (about 6 feet distance from each other). That way I can avoid any incidents if one of them lunges. You can also gauge play behaviour - that is what you hope for. If one of the dogs initiates play, and the other responds well, then I allow them to sniff noses briefly, then sniff butts, then we walk the dogs side by side allowing them to sniff the ground.

EDIT: Be VERY aware of your body language during this time. If you are tense/worried about the outcome you will negatively affect the dogs. I always talk in a happy, playful way such as, "yay! A new friend! Who's that? Who's that coming? GOOD BOY" you definitely want to give off a good vibe about the newcomer. My one dog is definitely more relaxed if i am stroking her, but go with whatever works for your dog.

Definitely have two dog crates and only have one dog out at a time for the first week or two, no matter how well they get along. The new dog needs to bond with YOU first, and your existing dog needs to learn that this is a new pack member. Once my dogs ignore each other in their crates, and leash walk well side by side, then I allow them limited supervised time together and go from there.

I think that is pretty much what Ed says in the article.

Also you may want to contact your local PetCo or PetSmart to see if your rescue is in the computer. Then you can bring your foster to adoption days.

Above all have fun!

The rescue has adoption days at the local Petsmart (the one I work at, actually) every Saturday, so that's where she'll be. She's there every time, but is always passed by because, you know, ooooh scary pit bull!

She will have a crate that she'll spend her time in (it used to be my other dog's, but he doesn't use it anymore). When I introduce them I want it to be in neutral territory, with someone holding my dog (on his leash) and me with the foster (on her leash). Then we'll take a nice, long walk. =) That's what I did when I worked with the rescue and it worked fine. I like your ideas, too!

Here's her Petfinder ID, in case anyone's interested: http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=10054559

I think they'll get along okay. She seems to be a more dominant little lady and he's a very submissive older gentleman. =)

I do a lot of fostering for our local all-breed rescue. The day I pick up the foster I schedule a good 2-3 hour walk. This is SOOO important since walking with a dog is such an important bonding experience. Also since she's been in the shelter for so long she needs to release that frustration, get to know you, and learn the smells of the neighborhood. I have my dog waiting outside our house, and the minute I get home with the foster we go on a walk. There is no time for the dogs to sniff/start problems, etc. Once they have walked together for 2hrs THEN I let them sniff each other and interact (the way it is described above, gradually).

You also need to know your dogs temperament. The site says she's dominant. Make sure your dog is okay being the submissive one, and keep an extra watchful eye on them during feeding, playtime, etc. I have a dominant male, brought in a dominant female. They were great for a week until they both went outside with treats. She tried to steal his and a fight broke out. I got it under control immediately, but NEVER left her unsupervised around any other dogs, esp mine.

Good luck, and happy fostering. It's a JOY, just don't adopt your first foster! It's hard to give some of them away to a new family.

Jennifer,

Great reply, but this thread is over a month old, and the dog seems to have already been adopted.

Maybe someone will use the information some day, though.

Hey Angela,

I've fostered many dogs: Akita/pitt mix, Rhodesian mix, shepherd mix, and the last one was a Rottweiler.

I don't know how long you maybe keeping this dog, but please remember this: Every dog I have fostered has a bit of what I call the "honeymoon" period. As they begin to feel less anxious and more comfortable you get to see some unsettling behavior while you get to know your dog and please remain calm and ask for any assistance from a trainer should you need it from the rescue agency...they should provide one have any issues come up. In every instance I have fostered something has cropped up that has taken me a little off guard so don't be anxious, but be prepared/aware you are brining in a dog of unknown history and temperament.

Whatever you do create a quiet/safe place for the dog, a crate, and feed the dog inside that so they know they have a safe place. If you have other dogs pick up any and all toys that could be deemed a resource and do not under any circumstances ever leave them unattended together...sounds like common sense, but just make sure you don't make that mistake.

Consistency of routine: Try if you can to walk at the same time, feed at the same time, play with him/her at the same time, and that will help them feel more secure as they feel safe in knowing what their day will entail.

Good luck:-) Fostering is very rewarding.