Fostering as a Dog Trainer
As a dog trainer, my fostering experience can sometimes be a little different than the general public. Rather than the shelter or rescue taking on the needs of the dog, it’s on myself to take care of my fosters physically and behaviorally. On that note, meet Dash. He’s 7 years old and looking for a new home. Here’s our plan for him to get him ready for training:
*photo credit http://www.paulinagwaltney.com/petluscious
Heartworm preventive- $60 for a year
Xanax for his thunder phobia- $1 per pill
Thundershirt for thunder phobia- $40
Crate to keep him safe during thunder phobia- $20 second hand
Pill pockets for the Xanax- $15
Thyroid test for unexplained weight gain and anxiety- $160
Training treats- $30 (so far!)
Dog food- $1.00 per day
Replacement of window screen (thunder phobia)- $20
Replacement of toilet intake hose (thunder phobia)- $10
Exercise and walks- 30 minutes day
Time spent at home working counterconditioning during thunderstorms- 2 hours so far
General training- 5 hours a week
All of this adds up, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything, nor would I cut down on the standard of care I choose to give my fosters before rehoming. For Dash, that care means making sure that his thunder anxiety is under control to the point that it won’t effect his new family’s life in any drastic way, as well as working on some mild issues with other dogs and making sure he’s generally healthy. For my foster dog before this, it meant having one of his legs amputated, with the help of generous donors. Did you know that your commitment to a training program with your own dog directly pays for the care of my foster animals? If you’re interested in helping out with Dash’s bills, feel free to get in touch with me about a dog-finding program or a training program for this upcoming November and December. And please share his sweet face with anybody you know who might be looking for a dog; he needs a great home!
