Actually, the ''very'' first thing you need to do is get those ID tags on your foster mutt. Because he's been through so much upheaval, the odds are high that he might run off in search of his old stomping grounds if he gets a chance. Don't give him that chance: keep his leash attached to a harness (it's more secure than a standard flat collar, which can slip off a thick-necked dog if he really pulls), and keep his ID tags on his collar.

Actually, the ''very'' first thing you need to do is get those ID tags on your foster mutt. Because he's been through so much upheaval, the odds are high that he might run off in search of his old stomping grounds if he gets a chance. Don't give him that chance: keep his leash attached to a harness (it's more secure than a standard flat collar, which can slip off a thick-necked dog if he really pulls), and keep his ID tags on his collar.

The second thing you'll probably want to do is let the dog outside for a potty. I'll cover this in more detail in the [Housebreaking] section, but especially in the beginning, it's important to take the dog out frequently (as in every hour on the hour, if not more often), let him sniff around for as long as he needs, and always be ready to reward heavily for pottying outside. It may take a while. Many dogs won't pee when they're nervous, and it's not unheard of for newly arrived fosters to hold it for 24 hours or more. You can't force your dog to pee; all you can do is give him lots of chances, lots of time, and lots of patience.

The second thing you'll probably want to do is let the dog outside for a potty. I'll cover this in more detail in the [[Housebreaking]] section, but especially in the beginning, it's important to take the dog out frequently (as in every hour on the hour, if not more often), let him sniff around for as long as he needs, and always be ready to reward heavily for pottying outside. It may take a while. Many dogs won't pee when they're nervous, and it's not unheard of for newly arrived fosters to hold it for 24 hours or more. You can't force your dog to pee; all you can do is give him lots of chances, lots of time, and lots of patience.