Fostering Tips

3 Days to decompress

• They may sleep a lot. Or not at all.

• They may pace, hide, whine, or seem “shut down.”

• They’re learning you’re safe — that they’re safe.

3 Weeks to start to feel at home

• You’ll see more personality peek through.

• You may notice behaviors that weren’t there before (this is normal).

• Routines start to feel familiar, and trust starts to build.

3 Months to feel like part of the family

• Confidence blossoms.

• You know what makes them tick — and what calms them down.

• They start showing you their full, true selves. And it’s beautiful.

Understanding your foster dog’s body language is one of the most powerful tools you can use to help them feel safe, understood, and supported. Dogs may not speak our language, but they are constantly communicating — through posture, movement, facial expressions, and behavior.

Here’s a breakdown of key signals to look for when assessing how your foster dog is feeling:

Signs of a Relaxed, Comfortable Dog

• Loose, wagging tail at mid-level

• Soft eyes, relaxed eyelids

• Open mouth, gentle panting

• Ears in a natural position

• Loose body posture (not stiff or tense)

• Willingly approaching people or exploring environment

This dog is likely feeling safe and content. Keep doing what you're doing — and give praise or space as needed.

Signs of Stress, Anxiety, or Fear

• Tail tucked between legs

• Ears pinned back or to the side

• Lip licking or yawning (not from tiredness)

• Whale eye (showing the whites of their eyes)

• Body low to the ground or crouched

• Avoiding eye contact, turning head away

• Freezing or refusing to move

• Excessive shedding or panting

If you’re seeing these signs, your dog may be overwhelmed or unsure. Give them space. Avoid crowding, direct eye contact, or loud noises. Let them come to you when ready.

Signs of Alert or Defensive Behavior

• Tail held high, stiff wag or no wag

• Hackles raised (hair standing up on back or neck)

• Intense stare or fixed gaze

• Ears perked forward, body stiff

• Growling or deep barking

• Standing tall, weight shifted forward

This dog is unsure or possibly feeling threatened. They may be guarding space, resources, or reacting to a perceived threat. Stay calm. Do not punish. Redirect with distance, distraction, or help from a foster lead.

Signs of an Approaching Bite or Aggression

• Lip curling or showing teeth

• Snapping or lunging

• Growling with hard stare

• Freezing followed by quick movement

These are critical warning signs. If you see this, remove any people, children, or pets from the space immediately and give the dog room. Contact your foster coordinator or K9 Operations Director right away.

Tips for Reading the Whole Picture

• Always assess the full body, not just one part (tail wags don’t always mean happy).

• Look at context — what just happened or changed in the environment?

• Watch for clusters of signs, not isolated ones.

Every dog is different. Some will decompress quickly. Others may need weeks. What matters most is that you observe, adjust, and let the dog set the pace.

Remember: your foster may not know how to ask for what they need. But their body will always tell you the truth — if you’re paying attention.

We get it — you’re eager to snuggle, show them love, and help them feel like “part of the family.” But going too fast can backfire. Please don’t throw your foster pup into a whirlwind of new people, dogs, toys, sounds, and stimulation the moment they arrive.

Instead:

•  Don’t overwhelm them with visitors or busy environments.

•  Set up a safe, quiet space they can retreat to.

• Let them come to you when they’re ready.

•  Observe their body language — panting, tail tucked, avoiding eye contact, or hiding can be signs they need more space.

 Be a Listener Before a Leader

For the first few weeks, your most important job is to watch, listen, and learn. Every dog has different needs, fears, and triggers — but you’ll never know unless you slow down and give them time to show you.

And trust us — when they do finally wag, cuddle, or ask for love?
It means something deeper than you can imagine.

● Space: Allow the dog to approach you when ready.

● Safe Zone: Set up a quiet area with their bed and toys.

● Positive Reinforcement: Reward calm behavior with treats.

● Introduce Gradually: Go slow with new experiences.

● Slow Start: Keep dog on a leash initially.

● Safe Spaces for Cats: Allow cats high places and separate areas.

● Monitor Body Language: Separate if signs of stress arise.

● Transition Slowly: If switching to a new food, gradually increase the new food over 7-10

days to avoid digestive issues.

○ Days 1-2: 75% old food, 25% new food

○ Days 3-4: 50% old food, 50% new food

○ Days 5-6: 25% old food, 75% new food

○ Days 7-10: 100% new food

● Feeding Schedule: Feed your foster dog at consistent times daily to establish a routine.

What NOT to feed your foster dog (even if they beg with those big eyes)

As tempting as it can be to slip your foster pup a bite of whatever you’re eating, many human foods can be harmful — or even fatal — to dogs. Some are well-known, others are less obvious. Please review this list and keep all dangerous foods safely out of reach.

Absolutely Toxic — Never Feed These to Dogs:

• Xylitol (found in sugar-free gum, candy, peanut butter, toothpaste, and baked goods)
  Even a small amount can cause liver failure and death.

• Grapes and Raisins
  Can lead to sudden kidney failure.

• Chocolate (especially dark or baking chocolate)
  Contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs.

• Macadamia Nuts
  Can cause weakness, vomiting, tremors, and overheating.

• Onions, Garlic, Shallots, Leeks (raw, cooked, powdered, or dried)
  Can damage red blood cells and lead to anemia.

• Alcohol (including unbaked dough with yeast)
  Causes dangerous drops in blood sugar and body temperature.

Common but Unsafe Foods:

• Avocado
  Contains persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

• Red Sauces & Tomato-Based Foods
  Often contain onions, garlic, spices, or high salt content.

• Cooked Bones (especially chicken or pork)
  Can splinter and cause choking or internal injury.

• Fatty Table Scraps
  Can cause pancreatitis, a serious and painful condition.

• Dairy Products
  Many dogs are lactose intolerant, leading to upset stomachs.

Watch Out For Hidden Sources:

• Peanut butter (check label for xylitol)

• Pre-made baked goods or protein bars

• Baby food (some contain onion or garlic powder)

• Meal scraps or leftovers left out or in trash

• Gummy vitamins or supplements

Always Safe:

Stick to high-quality dog food, approved treats, or healthy dog-safe snacks like:

• Carrot sticks

• Apple slices (no seeds)

• Plain pumpkin (cooked or canned)

• Green beans

• Plain boiled chicken (no seasoning)

If in doubt, don’t feed it. You can always message your foster coordinator or K9 Operations Director to check if something is safe.

● Based on weight:

○ 10-20 lbs: 3⁄4 to 1 1⁄2 cups per day

○ 20-40 lbs: 1 1⁄2 to 2 1⁄2 cups per day

○ 40-60 lbs: 2 1⁄2 to 3 1⁄2 cups per day

○ 60-80 lbs: 3 1⁄2 to 4 1⁄2 cups per day

● Hot Pavement: If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for paws. Avoid midday walks in

summer.

● Cold Pavement: Icy surfaces can harm paws. Walk during warmer hours and consider

booties if needed.

Know the Signs: Heat Stroke in Dogs

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Knowing the signs can save your foster dog's life.

Dogs don’t sweat like humans. They cool themselves primarily through panting, and when that’s not enough, their body temperature can rise to dangerous levels — fast. Heat stroke can happen in minutes, especially during Oklahoma's blazing summers.

⚠️ Early Warning Signs

These are red flags that your foster dog is starting to overheat:

• Excessive panting

• Bright red tongue or gums

• Thick, sticky saliva

• Lethargy or weakness

• Staggering or uncoordinated movement

• Glassy or dazed eyes

• Refusing to move or stand

🚨 Signs of Severe Heat Stroke (Emergency!)

If you see any of these, act immediately:

• Vomiting or diarrhea (possibly with blood)

• Collapse or loss of consciousness

• Seizures

• Very pale or blue gums

• Body temperature above 104°F (normal is 101–102.5°F)

What To Do If You Suspect Heat Stroke

1. Get the dog to a cool, shaded place immediately.

2. Begin cooling with cool (not ice-cold) water — wet their paws, belly, ears, and underarms.

3. Use a fan if available to help speed cooling.

4. Offer water, but don’t force it. Small sips only.

5. Call your Foster Director and take the dog to the vet immediately. If after hours, go straight to one of the 24-hour emergency hospitals listed in your handbook.

Do NOT use ice baths or force water down their throat — this can cause shock or aspiration.

Preventing Heat Stroke

• Never leave dogs in parked cars (even for a minute)

• Limit outdoor time during peak heat (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)

• Provide plenty of fresh water at all times

• Use fans, cooling mats, or frozen treats indoors

• Walk early in the morning or late at night

• Avoid pavement that burns paws — do the hand test (if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws)