Dog-Dog Introductions

Most foster homes already have one or more resident dogs. In fact, foster homes that don't have resident pets, and can therefore accommodate foster pups who aren't too friendly with other canines, are in short supply. However, before adding a foster dog to your household, please take a moment to honestly consider whether this is everyone's best interests. Ask yourself:

• How does my dog get along with other dogs? If your dog is a dog park junkie, a regular doggie day care client, or otherwise heavily socialized with other members of her own species (including dogs of many different breeds, personality types, play styles, ages and genders), and does fine with all these other mutts, great! You're off to a strong start. However, if your dog has not been regularly socialized with other dogs (and this means unfamiliar other dogs, not just playing with the same two best buds she's had since puppyhood), it's a good idea to spend some time letting her interact with other canines, and carefully observing those canines, before bringing another dog into your household. Similarly, if your dog has any tendency to be a bully, plays too roughly for other dogs, gets over-excited when she sees other dogs, or otherwise displays questionable behavior, it is advisable to address that before trying to bring a new dog into the house. Don't rely on the foster dog to be the peacemaker. Make sure your own dog is rock steady, or as close to it as you can get, first.

• How does my dog tolerate other dogs in the house? A dog who likes the company of other canines outdoors may react differently when they intrude on his home turf. Invite a furry friend or two over for doggy play dates in your house, and observe them closely for any sign of problematic body language or conflict triggers (toys, chews, food bowls, doorways, favorite sleeping places, and proximity to the owner are common triggers). If your dog gets a little possessive about his food bowl, that's not necessarily a deal breaker, but it's something to be aware of and prepared to work around before the foster pup arrives.

• Can you devote individual attention to each dog? Not only will you have to train and work with each dog separately, but you will need to spend a little extra time cuddling and just enjoying each dog individually. They all need some of your undivided attention each day. Do you truly have the time and energy for each dog?

• Can you keep them separated if need be? There may be some conflict between the dogs, especially early on, that requires you to separate them for a while. Or they may need to be kept isolated for medical reasons. In the event that you need to keep them separated, can you do so?

While most dogs do just fine with a furry temporary roommate, careful introductions can go a long way to defusing conflict and making the early days more enjoyable (or at least less frenetic) for all concerned.