Ever foster a dog that got very attached to only you?

Question

I am fostering a dog who has been an absolute joy to be around. Very well behaved and mellow. Seems to just want love. I posted an ad to try and get him adopted and he has growled and almost snapped at a couple people that have met him. I can't keep him because I already have 2 dogs. Any tips on positive introductions or de-attachment would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Get some patient friends to help you, and have his crate handy in case he makes the wrong decision. Tell your friends to not look at or interact with the dog, but just to gently pitch treats at him every so often. This is a good thing to do while watching a movie, or whatever, as the point is that they don't need to look at him or interact with him. Get him used to humans coming over and just rewarding him. Do this as much as you can. A growl means : back in the crate. Try again after a break.
And I'd re-analyze what it was that made him growly with those adopters. Was he busy with a toy or a chewy, and was he protecting that? Or you? Or a favorite spot on the couch? Did the adopters come at him too directly? You will want to caution the next person about the dog, and ask if they are familiar with resource-guarding in dogs.
Separation anxiety and de-attachment can be helped by crating the dog, too. It's very cool to let a foster hang out with you and always be in your lap or in touch with you, but this may not be a good idea if you are just providing a foster home. Don't let him sleep with you either - what if his new home is not planning on letting him do that? He may not be allowed up on their furniture, either. I try to think of all of these things when I foster, while at the same time allowing the dog to relax and get used to a saner environment than he/she had. I hope I helped!

Answer 2

Sorry I can't help, I ended up having to keep the dog that I rescued that got that attached. He just simply wouldn't let anyone else near him. Some recommend if someone who is very patient wants to adopt the dog then have them come over frequently and let the dog slowly warm up to them. It may take awhile but I have seen it work. Is it a chihuahua, mix or smaller breed?

Answer 3

Oh boy. That's a lucky dog to have even made it to the foster program with those tendencies. Do you recognize a pattern in the type of people he prefers (or perhaps, hates a bit less...)? My fosters have been mama's boys bigtime. One of them used to hate my boyfriend and would pee on his side of the bed and one time even just peed ON him. We set him up with a girl but the dog was so protective of her he wouldn't let her male landlord in the apartment. He now lives with two lesbians who own their own house and everything has been going amazingly well. I think that first of all you have to accept that the dog is going to have preferences and do your best to accommodate them.

That said, this type of growling/snapping behavior just can't be tolerated and for better or worse this seems to be the perfect case for some formal training. Under the guidance of a fantastic dog behaviorist I'll bet you get this under control in no time!

I'll never get used to giving my fosters away -- I think the worst part isn't even seeing them go (which is horrible) but the guilt over breaking what might be the first positive bond they've ever had with a human and worrying that THEY might be distraught. I wouldn't give up fostering for the world though. It is so rewarding to help pups get on their feet and learn what it means to have a regular meal, to play ball and to be loved.

Answer 4

We were adopted by an adult male rottie a few years ago. Very sweet, loving dog. He was the same way. We had a lot of people that came to see him wamting to adopt him but he was so attached to me, he just wouldn't leave. He was a wonderful dog.

Answer 5

if you could would you keep it?
i know that when i rescued my dog ally she never forgot it and her loyalty to me is amazing. looks like you might have to keep him.