Training

One of the most important things you can do for your foster dog is give her a strong, positive foundation in manners and basic obedience commands.

It is likely that you will not have the foster dog long enough to teach much beyond the basics, and maybe not even that much. In my experience, it takes about four to six weeks to instill what I call the Obedience 101 curriculum: Sit, Down, Stay, Come, loose-leash walking (sometimes in a more-or-less formal Heel, sometimes not, depending on your foster dog's natural tendencies), one or two cute tricks, and general good manners. Correcting specific issues, such as barking at the door or jumping/mouthing in over-exuberant greeting, may take a little longer. Since your foster pup may be adopted within days of coming to your home, there is a very good chance that you won't get through the entire list before it's time to say goodbye.

Nevertheless, I think it's critical to make the effort and get as far as you can in the time that you have. Good manners and basic training are literally lifesavers for rescue dogs.