Helping to save lives
These two spunky girls will be ready for adoption through Rescue Rovers in a few weeks. They are German Shepherd/Husky mix cuties! Apply to meet them.
My Volunteer Work
For the past 4 years I have been working closely with Rescue Rovers. Whenever necessary I provide behavior evaluations, give advice, and even free training sessions for foster dogs to help them refine their manners and get adopted. I also take in foster dogs myself.
Many times rescue dogs come from questionable circumstances and they may be a bit stunted in development both physically and behaviorally. This means that foster parents often need to provide rehabilitative help to get these dogs to let go of fears or insecurities and learn how to be loved. I provide behavioral therapy when needed but Rescue Rovers over all is run by an amazing group of volunteers who all work around families, full time jobs, and other obligations to provide the support these dogs need so they can relax and live the carefree life a dog deserves.
The silver lining in all this is that dogs tend to live in the "here and now" so for the vast majority of dogs we pull from shelters, they're just happy to be out of the cold, stinky cage and in a home where they are loved, walked, and cuddled and that's all they need to be good dogs!
Would you like to help?
1. Fostering dogs is a great way to help, Rescue Rovers is a great and supportive team. We are always accepting new volunteers, but if being a foster is too big of a step for you right now there are other ways to help.
2. You can donate to Rescue Rovers via this link
3. You can sign up for training with me as a portion of my sales goes right back into helping foster dogs.
4. You can shop the links on this site to helpful books or pet supplies(scroll down) as 100% of my affiliate link proceeds go towards more free services for foster dogs.
5. You can also follow Rescue Rovers on Facebook and help share adoptable dog profiles to increase their odds of finding their forever family.
Shop to help foster dogs!
Feeding time
I don't feed my dogs or puppies out of a bowl and I suggest you don't either. Not only is that boring for your dog, but it's also a huge wasted opportunity! Especially if your dog has a chewing problem. Save your valuables, chew toy train your dog! It's as easy as feeding them out of a toy. I typically use the classic Kong because you can fit most sizes of kibble in it, but you can also use this, or this!
When your dog's meal goes into a toy, they must interact with the toy to get the food to fall out which is incredibly reinforcing when they are hungry! You'll notice your dog gravitate to their chew/feeding toys more and more even when they're empty!
Bedtime
Having an elevated bed like this cot will really come in handy! Beds like this are my favorite because they can be used for training as well. For example, they really help drive home the "place" command and I also use them to teach heel position, impulse control and improve focus. Just be sure to place something cozy on top when you're not training so your dog can rest in their cozy spot.
What Do You Really Need For A New Puppy?
Getting a new puppy can be equal parts exciting and overwhelming. Let me walk you through the essentials.
Here is a list of essentials to get you started.
1. You'll need a collar and leash.
2. A bed
3. water bowl, here's a fancy "no spill" option or the classic basic bowl.
4. feeders- keep in mind your dogs chew potential and purchase accordingly. I am a fan of Kong rubber toys because they are top rack dishwasher safe.
5. quality puppy specific food with whole ingredients, avoid fillers like corn and soy. Look for something that will provide a complete diet and promote development in your puppy. My current fosters are eating American Journey.
6. Puppy pads
8. A couple fetch toys, like a frisbee or a chuck-it set
On the right is the current set up I have for my foster puppies. The two red toys are the rubber feeders I use for them. They also have their puppy pad and their water bowl on the other side of the pad. This photo was taken shortly after they chased their meal out of their toys and went outside to potty. They are about 10 weeks old. (as of 10/22/24)
