Tel: 07359-066068 or 07791-760601

Email: Enquiries@frenchieandfriends.org

 FOSTERING GUIDELINES

These guidelines are for any dog in foster on behalf of Frenchie & Friends Foundation and need to be complied with when you are caring for a foster dog. If you have any queries or encounter an issue not covered within these guidelines then please contact a member of the team.

Introductions 

Transporting a foster dog:

When transporting a dog they must be correctly secured. We ask that the do NOT travel in the front of any vehicle or in a foot well. They need to be either in a crate, in the rear with a seat belt clip attached to a harness or in the boot with a dog guard.

First Meeting a dog:

On meeting the foster dog, do not reach over their head to pet them as this may be perceived as a threat.  Instead, pet the dog under the chin with slow and steady movements as you approach.  If the foster dog is shy or fearful do not make direct eye contact or stare. Do not pick up a foster dog that does not know you yet; this is good way to get nipped. Keep your voice calm and reassuring.

Other dogs:

If you have your own dog(s) it is important that you introduce your dog(s) to the foster dog on neutral territory, not in the home. If you can take them for a walk together before taking them into your home. If that is not possible, put your dog(s) outside in the garden or in a separate room so that they do not overwhelm the foster dog when they first enter. We suggest that you let them greet through a baby gate. The introduction can dictate the dogs’ ongoing relationship and it is important that they get off on the right paw.

Children & Other People:

Be cautious when exposing the foster dog to children and to strangers.  Try and get to know the foster dog a little first.  In most cases, we do not know the dog’s full history and cannot predict how they may react in these situations.  Be aware that if the dog bites, even if through fear, they may have to be euthanised. Please do not put your foster dog in a situation that will cost them their life.

Health

Veterinarian approval:

All vet visits, procedures and costs must be pre-approved by a member of Management. If you feel vet treatment is required, please contact us to discuss the matter without delay.  You must be willing and able to take a foster dog to vet appointments when needed.  Failure to first obtain consent to vet treatment could result in the fee not being reimbursed.

Initial health check:

In most cases when a dog is first rescued they will need to be seen by a vet within a few days of arriving into our care.  One of the Management will register the dog with a local veterinary practice close to the foster family.

Please ensure that the vet:

·       scans the dog for a microchip;

·       weighs the dog;

·       vaccinates the dog, if needed; and

·       Before attendance confirm with a member of the team if flea and worm treatment is required.

Under no circumstances should a foster dog be allowed outside of your home if they are not vaccinated. If you are fostering an unneutered dog then you must take the necessary precautions to prevent unwanted breeding with your own or visiting dogs. We may ask you to book any unneutered dog in to be neutered if appropriate.

Grooming:

Foster dogs must be kept clean, brushed and have their nails clipped.  Grooming can be arranged if necessary but weekly brushing is essential. Let the dog adjust for at least 2-3 days before attempting to groom them.

Feeding:

Your foster dog should always be fed in a safe place.  Some dogs may have issues with food as a result of their past and may not eat well with other dogs, so separation at mealtimes is advised.  Please do not overfeed the dog.  An overweight dog has a shorter lifespan and can develop health problems. As a team we advocate raw feeding but please seek advice if you are unsure as to what to feed your foster dog.

Training

Basic training:

It is a good idea to try and teach the dog basic commands, such as: “sit”, “down”, “leave”, “wait”, “stay” once they are comfortable within your home.  Teach the dog how to walk on a lead.  Good manners help the dog to become more adoptable and also builds their confidence; giving you good one-to-one time with them. 

Discourage the foster dog from getting on your bed.  You may enjoy it, but the future adopter may not.  You are helping the dog to be more adoptable, and providing a clear signal to the foster dog and to your own dog(s) that the foster dog has a lower status in the pack.  That is reassuring to your own dog(s) but also to the foster dog who is trying to figure how and where they fit in.

Housetraining

Patience is a must with toilet training and is best to allow them to go on a lead or in a restricted area until they are comfortable with their surroundings.  Do not assume that the foster dog is housetrained as changes in homes and families are stressful for the dog and it may forget or need some time to adjust to your routine.  Praise the dog when they do their business outside and do not be harsh on them over any accidents.  Sometimes a foster dog will need to be taken all the way back to basics with toilet training just like a puppy.

Crating

If a dog is used to a crate, then using this at night or when leaving the home is a good idea.  It will give your dog(s) a break and also protect your home from accidents and/or destructive behaviour.  The crate can be placed wherever suits you. The foster dog should not be left alone for the first week.  If you can’t watch them then please place in a restricted area or crate. Please also be aware that not all dogs have been crate trained and as such may need another quiet area as their own to begin with.

Please note that our insurance does not cover for damages to your property.

Outside the home

Be very cautious when taking the dog away from your property.  Until the dog has bonded with you they could make an escape bid.

Some dogs back up when frightened or startled and can slip out of their collars.  Check the foster dog’s collar and if slipping seems a possibility let us know; we will provide a more secure collar.

If the dog does happen to break free try to approach them as calmly as possible; rushing up will only make them run away. Please inform your foster liaison team should the dog go missing as soon as is possible.

The foster dog should be kept on a lead at all times when outside of the home (unless in a secure garden).

Getting ready for adoption

Our dogs are usually in their foster homes for approximately 2-3 weeks, unless there is a medical reason, or the dog requires more specific training. This will be discussed and agreed with you. This enables a full assessment of the dog to ensure we can find them the perfect home. During this time you will receive full support from the team looking after you.

If possible, potential adopters could visit the dog before any adoption can be finalised, particularly if they have dogs or children, as that will help all parties know if the dog is the right match and prevent further disruption to the dog later down the line. The visit does not need to take place at your home, but it would be helpful if you could be available as you will know the dog and his behaviour better than anyone.

We are always happy for our fosterers to ‘Fail’ and go on to adopt their foster dog, if this is the case please note that there will be an adoption fee payable within 7 days of agreeing to adopt.

Other information:

Whilst in foster, the team will be in daily contact and you will be required to provide updates in respect of your dog in foster. This will usually be via a closed Facebook group chat and must include up to date photographs of the foster dog. The team will use these group chats to update our page, until the dog is formally adopted.  We ask that you do not post our dogs in your care on social media, this is for both yours and their anonymity. The dog will also be given a special group name which we will be used just for the purposes of the page only, please continue to call the dog by their given name.

Key things to note:

·       You must let us know immediately if you lose possession of a foster dog.

·       You must let us know immediately if the dog requires medical attention.

·       You must return a foster dog to us if you are planning a holiday or break. Pet sitters are not approved to foster and we will ensure that an appropriate fosterer is available.

·       If the foster dog is not working out for any reason, then contact us immediately. 

·       You are not a failure; the foster dog just is not the right match for your home. 

·       We are here to help you, so please don’t struggle alone.

·       We have access to a veterinary nurse and a behaviourist to assist you if need be.