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Why This Wiki?

This wiki is intended to be a resource for foster parents and adopters of WAGS Rescue & Referral dogs -- and any other homeless dogs who find themselves in need of foster or forever homes.

WAGS is an exclusively foster-based rescue group. We can only save as many dogs as we have homes for them to stay in. By fostering or adopting, you are saving their lives.

I won't lie: Fostering a dog is a lot of work. A lot. But it is also extraordinarily rewarding to know that you have made a meaningful difference in the world by not only saving an innocent animal, but helping that animal navigate the difficult and confusing journey from her old life into her new one.

Most of our dogs come from relatively poor, less urbanized areas of the South. Some spent their early lives as "yard dogs," chained or penned outdoors. Others were the result of "accidental" litters, stuffed into a cardboard box and dumped at the shelter with all their siblings. Many are just picked up on the side of the road as nameless strays, wandering far from the homes that threw them out.

Their stories are mysteries, but their natures are not. These are good dogs. They're great dogs. They are, as a group, extremely sweet, affectionate, and people-oriented. All they need is love, security, and a little bit of polish. Good foster homes provide that, and thereby make all the difference in the world to these dogs.

Before You Foster

• What Does Fostering Involve?
• Is Fostering Right For You?
• Choosing the Right Foster Dog

Getting Started

• Supplies
• Dog-Dog Introductions
• Dog-Cat Introductions
• The First Day

The Work

• Training
  • Foundations
  • Nothing In Life Is Free
  • 10 Things I Love About You
  • Housebreaking
  • Obedience 101
  • Tricks
  • Sample Training Protocol
• Socializing
  • An Ounce of Prevention
  • Play With Your Dog!
  • Shy Dogs
  • Hyper Dogs
• Troubleshooting
  • Barking
  • Destructiveness
  • House Soiling
  • Jumping and Mouthing
  • Resource Guarding
  • Separation Anxiety
• Food
  • Chew Toys
  • Training Treats

Placing Your Foster Dog

• Getting the Word Out
• Playing Matchmaker
• Home Visits
• The Adoption Packet
• Saying Goodbye

Additional Resources

• Books and DVDs
• Shelters and Rescue Groups
• Trainers

Contact Information

Whether you're thinking about fostering, considering an adoption, have just brought your new foster-or-resident dog home, or are struggling with a dog that you've had for a while, WAGS is always available for advice and sanity support. We can also offer references to good professional trainers for help with problems that are beyond our own ability.

Additionally, feedback on the wiki is always welcome. We strive to make this resource as helpful as possible for the widest range of fosters and adopters. If you have suggestions for improvement, please let us know!

The main WAGS email address is wags_rescue(at)yahoo(dot)com.

I can be reached at jennifer(dot)andress(at)gmail(dot)com.