Jeri Wagner, Dog Behavioral Therapist & Master Trainer with Bark Busters Home Dog Training chronicles her dog foster experience in the hopes of inspiring and helping others on their dog foster journey. Read along and meet Jamie!
Jamie had a tough time adjusting to her new foster home overnight. She was barking and yipping at 1:30 am, 2:45 am, and 5:30 am. She was especially persistent at 5:30, so I took her out for potty; after she peed, I put back in her crate. She was back to yipping at 7:30 am, so I got up and took her out a second time. It was like having an infant at home again!
It became apparent from our trips outside that Jamie had not been given any leash training in any of her adopted or foster homes, so we went to work. I put her in a Bark Busters Wagg Walker harness and began with a short, 20-minute session. I kept her outside world very small – just my back deck and patio – to build Jamie’s trust that she is safe. She was only allowed into the greater backyard for potty time.
Jamie started to relax a bit more with me over the hour we spent in the backyard, laying at my feet and placing her paw on my foot. I gave Jamie a few more treats to encourage her good behavior and build trust, then returned her to her crate for feeding (and so I could get ready for the day!) She barked and yipped on and off for most of her crate time. Sometimes I would ignore her; other times I would give her a small verbal correction. I needed her to learn that she is safe, and that her behavior was not acceptable.
Whenever I took Jamie out for potty, we would do another training session. We focused on her sit/stay, door manners, and continued to work on her leash manners. I also introduced her to Zoey in the morning – Jamie was happy to meet her, and they got along fine! There was one small incident, however, when Zoey went to go on her couch (yes, she has her own couch) and Jamie snapped at her. As this is Jamie’s first full day in our house, she has not earned the privilege of couch time just yet. Once she learns better manners and shows more respect for Zoey, she will be able to have her own couch time.
Later in the day, I worked on introductions with Jason using treats. Jamie was extremely hesitant at first, but when Jason used the proper body language – sitting relaxed, and not reaching towards her – Jamie would approach him to get treats. She also met Craig, sniffing him without any issues. At night, however, Jamie is like a different dog. She barks, growls, and sometimes charges at Craig and Jason when they walk past her. This is something we will need to address over time.
For now, Jamie is only allowed out of the crate under two conditions: I must be able to supervise her, and she must be wearing her harness and leash. She is not attached to me, but this allows me to get her attention without reaching for her or grabbing at her collar.
After a long day, I crated her for bedtime at 11:15 pm – hopefully tonight will mean a better night’s sleep for everyone! Read our entire Foster Diary here!