Rescue Dogs, Foster Dogs, Resident Dogs and Solo Pups: a quick guide
The difference between having a dog from a foster and a dog from a shelter. We at Lora’s Luck prefer to adopt direct from rescue only to experienced adopters, and match dogs in foster with less experienced adopters as they have a bit more of an idea of what living in a real home is like already. However, we are prepared to offer help and advice for you no matter where the dog is you decide to adopt and neither option is barred to adopters unless you or your family have never had a dog. We will only adopt out dogs that are in foster to such adopters.
A dog from rescue
PROS
They haven’t really bonded to one human as they meet many humans- the family that run the rescue, rescue workers and so on
They are very dog socialised and not just with their litter or parents
They are very used to being handled by humans, and vets
They are used to eating from group bowls or with other dogs
While they will need grooming on arrival as they are bathed only when they come into the rescue, it’s the perfect chance to bond with your dog in a gentle non intrusive way
Many dogs are owner surrenders and have not been in rescue long to develop any ‘shelter’ habits. Dogs from kill shelters are always given longer to settle and be happy round humans and other dogs; and even children and cats wherever possible before being available to adopt.
CONS
Do not expect them to be toilet trained, or know what a bed, blanket, toys or furniture or a car are for
It is not a given they will be lead ready, or harness ready, so patience is needed
They are likely to miss litter or kennel mates, and don’t know what it’s like to have a human of their own, so may take a while to decompress
A dog from foster
PROS
They have a vague idea of house rules, and understand inside, or going outside is allowed whenever they want, and quickly get the hang of having their own beds and toys again
They are very dog socialised and not just with their litter or parents
They are very used to being handled by humans, and vets
They are more likely to understand about being fed from different bowls
They are more likely to have been groomed often as there are fewer dogs in their care
Many dogs are abandonments or from kill shelters, but were pulled fast enough to not remember their time in there on or the street so trust new humans more quickly
CONS
While they may well and often do have basic toilet training, they don’t know where ‘your’ toilet is and will need to be shown
Their lead training will be basic and will need to be reinforced by the adopter
They are likely to miss litter or kennel mates, and even their foster human as they are treated like their own pets in their homes, so may take a while to decompress
SIBLINGS and KENNEL MATES Adopting siblings or kennel mates together from either place, or already having a resident dog can help dogs settle in more, but ALWAYS remember they need time away from each other and separate training to make sure the bond is healthy and not too dependent on each other.
Not doing this will make the other pine or fret, even be destructive or depressed and anxious, should you need to take the other dog somewhere like the vets. And whichever one pass away first, have a far more devastating effect on the surviving dog. Solo walks as well as group ones are also advised whenever possible. Please also introduce your new pup and your resident dog CAREFULLY, in the garden or neutral area. SOLO DOGS always take longer to decompress. Any of the above pros and cons may well be exaggerated in these cases so do give that solo pup extra time to shine!
They will have 48 hours (DEFRA quarantine period) with no other dogs at ALL for the first time in their lives so they may cry or be stressed. If you have friends and family with dogs, SLOWLY introduce them when you think your pup is used to you and is starting to learn the rules.
Any questions just contact us, any time! We try hard to match the right humans to our pups!