30 Ways Fostering Dogs Made Me A More Responsible Dog Owner

I’ve Always Thought Myself A Responsible Dog Owner

As a child, our family always had a pet or two, but I don’t remember being taught much about how to care for an animal, so when I got my first dog as an adult, I didn’t know very much and had to learn from my veterinarian or from mistakes I made.

Still, I thought that caring about my dog made me a responsible dog owner. My dog ate good food, went to the veterinarian every year, and had all the things I thought made a dog happy.

I Took My New Puppy To Classes And Had Her Spayed Early

When I purchased two Boston terrier puppies from a breeder, I took those puppies to puppy socialization classes, then basic obedience. When they were old enough I arranged for them to be surgically altered, and I was always engaging them in training and play.

Both Became Canine Good Citizens and Were Therapy Dogs For A Hospital.

Both Derby and Indy would eventually earn their canine good citizen certificates and would also be designated visiting therapy dogs for special populations. I raised two really good dogs.

I’d find out years later that I wasn’t the responsible dog owner I thought I was. There were still things to learn.

Learning How To Advocate For Your Dog

I became aware of all I didn’t know when I began fostering dogs. And I learn new things every day.

When fostering dogs, you may bring home a pet that has, in many cases, not had a responsible dog owner. The dog has not been properly cared for, either medically or otherwise.

By learning more on topics of health and behavior, I can now advocate for my dog’s health, happiness, and well-being. I know how to ask for what my dog needs!

40+ foster dogs have spent time under my roof and there is not one dog that didn’t teach me something about responsible dog ownership. The knowledge gained has helped me help so many dogs, including my own!

30 Ways Fostering Dogs Has Made Me A More Responsible Dog Owner

Trust is the most important part of my relationship with a dog.
It isn’t about obedience or control, or teaching manners. It’s about safety and freedom and choice.
Diarrhea is not always a medical emergency.
I know when to wait it out, and when to call my vet.
I’m pretty good at getting urine and vomit stains out of fine rugs.
Wool likes water. Acrylic rugs are a magnet for stains.
My veterinarian has the most up to date information on dog diets and nutrition.
I’m still not on the raw diet train.
I’m more selective and intentional in the toys I purchase.
I know what makes a good, fun, and safe toy and which ones are a big fat waste of money!
I play with my dog differently, fairly, and safely.
I cringe when I think of the games we used to play with the family dog when I was a kid. Poor dog.
I’ve always known puppies were hard to raise, now I know why.
Puppies require a 2-3 year commitment to get them to dog adulthood. I wish I had a do-over with mine.
I know how to raise a good puppy.
I’m not yet ready to raise one, yet. See above.
Baby gates and crates are a wonderful, wonderful thing.
It’s the #1 item on my pet supply list.
I know A LOT about heartworm infection, heartworm prevention, and the mosquito.
Give preventive. Test every year.
I can list a bunch of reasons why you should close your pet door.
I closed up mine. No regrets.
Ringworm is not as contagious as I thought.
You still need to follow a treatment protocol.
I should keep my dog at a healthy weight.
Your veterinarian will let you bring in your dog for a weigh-in for free.
I need my dog trainer as much, maybe more, than my dogs do.
Everytime I meet with my trainer, I get three times the value for my money.
I can more easily recognize when my dog is in pain or discomfort.
That’s a nice feeling.
I know when to call my vet for help.
After fostering nearly 50 dogs, I know what is an emergency, and what needs quick evaluation.
I know the importance of regular grooming for all dogs.
Long nails, dirty ears, and hair mats are painful to dogs.
I understand and use the fundamentals of house-training.
Remember one rule: Avoid accidents.
Dogs don’t like to be bored, but they do need to learn to self-soothe.
We can teach our dogs how to relax all by themselves. How cool is that?
I know how to quarantine a dog when they have a contagious disease.
You can keep your entire house from catching kennel cough!
I know more about snake behavior and habitat, thus reducing the chances of my dogs having an unwanted encounter.
For example, snakes are often displaced after a heavy rain, so keep your dog on lead and your eyes open!
Bee stings can be an emergent and serious problem for dogs.
Benedryl may not be enough.
Dogs should not be allowed to bark at what they see through the front window.
It’s a reactive behavior that should not be practiced.
I am committed to providing my dogs with exercise – both physical and mental.
If I have a dog that has anxiety, I will be inconvenienced, whether or not I provide them help. I might as well help them.
I can help a dog accept and be happy with long-term activity restriction.
If the vet says “crate rest” it is not the end of the world!
I value my veterinarian’s education, advice, and recommendations.
That said, I create opportunities for me to ask questions and advocate for my dog.
I am more prepared to assist my pet when it’s time to tell them goodbye.
It is never easy.
There are a variety of ways you can keep your dog safe when traveling and transporting.
Use the best system for your dog and your vehicle.
Dogs aren’t just a life, but impact the lives of families and the community around them.
When saving lives, we must look at the big picture.

There’s more – much more! And I’m always learning and striving to be a more skilled, knowledgeable, and responsible dog owner. Fostering dogs helps me be a more responsible dog owner!

Besides the joy of helping ready a homeless dog for adoption, I think I love fostering because I’m always challenged to learn new things, and share that knowledge with other foster parents and adopters.

Consider fostering dogs! Even the easiest foster dog on the planet will teach you something new and help you be a better pet owner. It worked for me.

How about you? Are you considering fostering dogs? What is holding you back? What are your fears and hesitations? They are valid, my friend, and serve to help you make really good decisions. I think fear and hesitation can make you a better foster home when you talk through them. So write to me and tell me all about it!

Resources

If you foster or care for senior dogs, The Grey Muzzle Organization offers really really good resources. Check them out!