Foster and Rehoming Tips 3 ~ Don't Trust The Dog

Way back when ago, I started a series of posts that were Tips for Foster Homes or people who wanted to become Foster Homes ... then I realized that the same tips could be used for people who were bringing a new dog or puppy home! Anyone who is rehoming a dog can use these same tips. (See "Foster Tips" label)



It's been a long time since I posted the last Foster Tips but I have one today for you ...

Don't Trust The Dog

What? Yep. You read that rightly ... don't trust the dog. People bring home dogs from various places (rehomed privately, from a shelter, from a breeder, etc) and more often than not, the people walk into their home and let the dog off the leash!! Then they can't figure out why the dog is going crazy (or why the dog attacked the kids when they were sleeping on the couch, or why the dog killed their cat, or why their existing dog started a fight with the new dog!).




In my opinion, that is one of the stupidest things you could do when bringing a new dog into your house. I don't care how KYOOT those eyes look. Why would you do that?? Even if you know the dog's history, you don't know the dog. I don't care if your friend owned this dog and you've known the dog for a while ... you don't live with the dog and therefore you don't know the dog. That means Don't Trust The Dog!




Small dog or big dog ... it doesn't really matter. Little JRTs or a Chihuahua can kill or do serious damage to your cats. Small dogs are just as capable of undesirable behaviour as big dogs are so don't write them off because they are so KYOOT.




Please ... for the sake of the dog you are bringing into your home. Think first. You don't know the dog so why would you trust it? It takes a bit more effort on your part to manage the environment and situation properly but it could mean the world if something happens and you are suddenly afraid of the dog you have just brought into your family. Here's to hoping you, your family and your other animals don't get hurt in the process ... It's your responsibility to ensure that doesn't happen.