takecon   - Charles Thompson  Snap (B&W greyhound)  Mickey  ( Black with white chest Lurcher)  Finn the cat  - Plus  Foster

Hi

Fostering Routine

Sally  3 Year Old Brindle Bitch   - My Current Foster Dog.  see her pic GAL Main Site

Sally arrived on Easter Sunday. I picked up from the kennels near Kelty in Fife.

She reacted well to me when we first met and was peacful on the journey to the west ens of Glasgow.

She is my 7th foster dog since July of last year.   Scoobie, Reilly, Oscar, Scamp, Scamp, Suzie and now Sally.   I've spoken to Dave about why most of my foster dogs have names beginning with 'S'  As well as my own greyhound being called Snap.  Very  Spooky!    Hey that a good name for a dog!

She has just passed through my system -   It looks difficult but it's just common sense really.

I have a well developed routine with my new foster-  

• Initial meet with my own dogs on lead preferably outside in as relaxed situation as possible   - a walk round the area helps.


• Dogs relax together in my flat, off lead  - each one muzzled. Hour or so in my flat.


• Muzzles off if dogs are getting on


• My cat is in restricted area for dogs - sepearated by  dog grid ( higher version of baby gate) Advantage is that new foster dog can view cat through grid under supervision.


• If foster dog does not show prey signs - whining, staring at cat, trying to get through grill and cannot be distracted  by me with commands treats etc If after several similar sessions over 24 hours  I designate the dog as 'not cat safe'.


• If the dog shows some of the above signs and can be distracted then the foster dog can be taught, with caution, to accept cats.


• A few  greyhounds are totaly disinterested - too lazy even to get up to look at a cat


• Next stage is introducing foster dog with muzzle to cat in same room. Observe signs of prey instinct


• If all goes well dog can can associate with cat when under my supervision.


• Process continues

NOTE -  OUTSIDE WARNING  Cat Safe greyhounds cannot be allowed off the lead where there are cats and small dogs    They do not associate the cat in their home with that furry thing at 100 yards and may get excited,  take off  and catch the furry creature.

• House training is usually sorted within a week.  Its a routine thing. But usually means few extra trips out to the grass. A few later nights and early morning vists outside.


• Dogs like to scent their foster home  first night


• Important to get rid of urine smell  - use biological washing powder solution or baking soda solution or white vineagar/ water solution to neutralise scent. To stop re marking.

• Feeding - feed in differnet locations to prevent fights.

And just lots of love and affection to my own dogs and cat so they do not feel neglected  Of course lots of love and attention to new foster.

If the foster dog is with me longer they get to go to GAL events etc etc. I like to walk them in busy areas in the west end of Glasgow to determine if they are relaxed with people, traffic etc etc

Sally is another greyhound babe. Am just finding out about her true character.  mmmmm  A wee thief

Sally is doing really well and is meeting new  prospective later this week. Fingers crossed.

Charles