Dog fostering?

[SamSmalaidh]

Does anyone know anything about dog fostering? I have seen a local rescue is looking for fosterers and am interested. We have not owned a dog before but I am keen to get one - DH is not sure. I thought fostering might be a good way to see if we are cut out for it?

[Cuebill]

I foster and have dogs that I put out on foster. Own my own rescue.

What would you like to know?

Fostering is fab, you tend to get put with the dog you can deal with eg experienced owners can get some dogs that need a bit of time and training, less experienced dog owners get to foster dogs who may be better off in a home environment but just need some love etc

It is a great way to get some dogs into your life without being committed for a long time (although do be prepared to be a failed fosterer and keep a dog of two, looks at three oldies stretched out by my feet!)

[SamSmalaidh]

I guess I was wondering if it was realistic to look at fostering as a first step towards dog ownership! I have a 2 year old DS so we would need to be cautious about the kind of dog we looked after I think. On the plus side I am a SAHM and DH works from home so there is someone in the house most of the time.

[fluffygal]

Hi, I foster greyhounds and Lurchers,also have 5 children under 7. I adopted a lurcher, then a month later got our first foster greyhound. A week after that, we kept him! Have fostered 4 others since then but won't be having anymore once this one (finally!) goes due to uni commitments. I think fostering is the best step to getting a dog as you get to test drive the dog. Just be aware that if it's not one you will keep, you may still have them for a while. We have had our last one over 3 months now and he is slowly out staying his welcome, despite being a great dog.

[SamSmalaidh]

Thanks, I will contact the rescue tomorrow and let you know how I get on.

[kilmuir]

Not sure i agree with idea of fostering to see if you want a dog.
I have fostered and have found my past experience with our dogs to have been invaluable. These dogs often need extra input and training.

[Rhinestone]

Not sure it's a good idea for a novice dog owner to foster to be honest.

I foster and whilst the dogs are ALWAYS wonderful, they're generally fostered for a reason and that reason often requires experience and knowledge to deal with.

I don't want to put you off though and the fact you want to foster is a big plus. How about volunteering for a local rescue first to get a bit of experience around dogs?