given time ...
He also bolts out of the house as soon as he gets a chance
I am thinking about taking him back to the shelter because he is alot of work plus i have 2 cats and 3 dogs of my own so its a lot of work.
What do you think I should do
ONLY SERIOUS RESPONSES PLEASE
2006-08-11 08:13:09 · 7 answers · asked by lil_pinkmartian 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I have tired to crate train him and yes i have time because I stay at hom ALL DAY !
2006-08-11 08:20:10 · update #1
It's obvious you've found the reasons that the dog was given away, why not be annoyed? The previuos owners were and left it with someone else to fix.
It is a lot of work, but it's highly unlikely to foster a dog that doesn't have some sort of problem.
If you haven't already you should keep your foster in an area with tile or hardwood floors, keep this area as a safe place for him to be. It's important for you to take the dog out any time you see him looking for a place, right after he eats and any time that he wakes up, even after a short nap. It's best if you take care of his needs first until he KNOWS for certain that you will be there to take him out soon. Watch him while he's outside, when he goes make a big deal about it, praise him make him feel like he really accomplished something.
As for darting out the door a lot of dogs have this problem, it has nothing to do with not having enough attention, it's just about that shot to freedom, not all dogs are successfully trained out of this behaviour. You can try teaching the dog to sit and stay. In a true stay position a dog would not dart. Obviously you should start small, teach stay in the backyard, when you are ready for the dog to come out of the stay tell him to come, Other than that I would keep the dog in his area when someone is at the door. When you want to practice the stay when someone is at the door ask a friend to help you.
The only way that this dog is going to get better is for you to work with him. Think of the reason tha tyou wanted to foster in the first place.
Good luck
2006-08-11 10:55:12 · answer #1 · answered by lildevildayz 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If he is too much work for you then you should bring him back to the shelter and have them put him in a home where he can get the full foster experience. Just as in adoption, there are some fosters who don't match with the foster family. It takes a special person to realize that they are over-extended and admit it.
If you do decide to keep him and work with him you can try 'umbilical' training. This is when he is leashed to you at all times. He can't very well pee without being immediately corrected if he is on your wrist wherever you go. You can also make him sit every time the door is open (and obviously if he is leashed he won't bolt out, though he might try).
Only you know if you are the right person to work with this dog. And there is no shame in admitting that he has more issues than you are equipped to deal with.
ETA: Some of the responses that have been negative about being a foster parent are unfair. A foster parent is not expected to be a professional dog trainer with tons of time on their hands and all the answers. A person who can't handle one foster dog isn't someone who should give up on fostering. This type of attitude sadly prevents a lot of good, qualified people from becoming foster parents. Foster dogs come in all shapes, sizes and with many different stories. This particular dog has some very bad habits. That doesn't mean that this particular foster family is bad, it just means that perhaps this isn't the right fit. So few people are willing to foster dogs, it is a shame to turn someone away just because they *admit* to having difficulty with one particular dog.
2006-08-11 15:19:47 · answer #2 · answered by Greyt-mom 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Foster animals need extra care & attention. Maybe 4 dogs is too many for you to handle, esp if you can't housebreak the foster dog. (this really should have been a consideration in allowing you to foster in the first place) Perhaps the crate was used as a punishment instead of as a sanctuary for the foster dog in the past? Is he neutered? I hope so! some dogs are just slow on the uptake and need special attention to help them to learn to get it right. The "umbilical" technique sounds like your best bet; keeping him on a leash at all times, that way he can't bolt. Keep a box of bil-jac in your pocket so that you can reward good behavior. NEVER hit a dog, but shunning him (turning so that he can only see your back) lets him know that what he did was wrong. He could just be a hyper, spastic pup who is taking an extra long time to settle down. Try agility training, or at the very least a rousing game of fetch with a frisbee or a kong... tire him out till he's panting and his tounge is hanging low... this extra attention should show great improvement in his behavior. But if you dont have the time or level of commitment to show to this pup, return him to the shelter, and never offer to foster again...
2006-08-11 16:43:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have to agree with some of the other comments. I'm sorry, this is not to be mean...but when you take on a foster, you take that dog on knowing he's going to have some pre-existing problems. If he didn't, he wouldn't have been at the shelter/rescue in the first place. Therefore, you should know that this dog is going to be MORE work and commitment than getting a new puppy.
If you can't handle the dog take it back and never foster again until you are absolutely sure you can handle it. These poor dogs have already been bounced around enough, they don't deserve to be given up on again. Your job as a foster is to try to train the dog and give it manners and acclimate it so he has a better chance of being adopted to a forever home, not to give up on it like it's previous owners did.
2006-08-11 16:18:34 · answer #4 · answered by k 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It sounds like you have absolutely no time to put into this foster dog. Since you already have 3 dogs I would hope you know how to house train a dog> Why aren't you doing it with this one?
As for bolting out of the house, how could you blame the dog? Do you spend any time with him? Does he know you at all? Have you done any training.
Foster homes are supposed to look after their foster dogs and you're not doing it - take the dog back so he has a chance.
2006-08-11 15:17:27 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
As far as housebreaking, depending on the age of the dog and what he was allowed to do in previous houses you may not have much luck housebreaking him. Also remember that most male dogs will mark in a house where there are other dogs. As far as the bolting outside, treats in your pocket, hand them out often, this will keep his attention focused on you at all times. Also if he is following you around all the time waiting on the next treat you will be able to catch him in the act of urinating and place him outside. Just remeber to compensate for the treats in his diet when deciding how much food to feed.
2006-08-11 15:23:31 · answer #6 · answered by brandy_nelson2003 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You shouldnt foster if you cant handle the job
2006-08-11 15:16:52 · answer #7 · answered by aussie 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋