#fostertoadopt

[doggiedayoutnc]

Earning the Trust of Rescue Dogs: Creating Comfort in Their New Home

Rescue dogs come from a variety of backgrounds—some may have been abandoned, others surrendered, and many may have lived through trauma or neglect. No matter their story, when a rescue dog enters your home, it marks the beginning of a new chapter for them and for you. However, adjusting to this new life takes time, patience, and intentional care. Here’s how you can earn the trust of a rescue dog and help them feel comfortable in their new home.

1. Understanding the Importance of Patience

Every rescue dog is unique—while some might settle quickly, others may take weeks or even months to feel at ease. It’s important to remember that building trust takes time. Your new dog may be unsure of people, frightened by certain objects, or even confused by simple things like a doorbell.

Tip: Give your dog space to explore the home and come to you at their own pace. Avoid forcing affection, and instead let them initiate interactions.

2. Create a Safe Space

Your new rescue dog needs a quiet, comfortable space that is all theirs. This could be a cozy dog bed in a corner or a crate with the door left open. Dogs need a place where they can retreat and feel safe if they become overwhelmed.

Ideas for Creating a Safe Space:

Use a crate lined with soft blankets and keep it open for them to enter freely.

Choose a low-traffic area of the house for their bed, away from noise and activity.

Add familiar toys, treats, or scents (like a blanket from the shelter) to provide comfort.

3. Establish Routine and Consistency

Dogs thrive on routine, and establishing one will help your rescue dog feel more secure. Consistent feeding times, potty breaks, walks, and bedtime routines help your dog understand what to expect, reducing anxiety.

How to Create a Routine:

Feed your dog at the same times every day.

Walk and play sessions should follow a predictable schedule.

Use the same commands and cues for training to avoid confusion.

4. Use Positive Reinforcement

Training is essential for rescue dogs, but the key to success is positive reinforcement. This means rewarding good behavior with treats, toys, or praise, rather than punishing unwanted behavior.

Training Tips:

Reward calm behaviors like sitting quietly or coming when called.

Use a gentle tone to communicate with your dog and encourage them.

Be patient with accidents—use them as teaching moments rather than reasons for punishment.

5. Build Trust with Calm, Gentle Interactions

Many rescue dogs may be wary of people, especially if they’ve experienced neglect or abuse. Building trust requires gentle, calm interactions that show the dog they are safe. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises that might startle them.

How to Build Trust:

Sit on the floor at their level and let them approach you.

Offer treats from your hand to create positive associations.

Speak softly and avoid prolonged eye contact, which some dogs may find intimidating.

6. Give Them Time to Decompress

Rescue dogs often experience stress from their previous environment. When they come to a new home, they need time to decompress. During this period, it’s important to avoid overwhelming them with too much attention, visitors, or new experiences.

Decompression Guidelines:

Limit the number of people or animals they meet in the first few weeks.

Keep walks short and in calm, familiar areas until they build confidence.

Allow them to explore the house and yard at their own pace.

7. Encourage Bonding Through Activities

Bonding with your rescue dog will strengthen your relationship and help them feel more secure. Activities like walks, games, or even grooming sessions can foster trust and connection.

Bonding Activities:

Go on daily walks to explore new areas together.

Play simple games like fetch or hide-and-seek with toys.

If they are comfortable, groom them gently to build positive touch associations.

8. Pay Attention to Body Language

Rescue dogs may not be able to tell you how they feel, but their body language speaks volumes. Understanding what your dog’s signals mean can help you respond appropriately and avoid stress triggers.

Common Signs to Watch For:

Tail tucked, ears flattened: Fear or discomfort.

Yawning or lip licking: Stress or anxiety.

Relaxed body, wagging tail: Comfort and happiness.

9. Introduce New People and Pets Slowly

If you have other pets or expect visitors, it’s important to introduce them to your new rescue dog gradually. A slow introduction prevents overwhelm and helps your dog adjust at their own pace.

Introduction Tips:

Start with leashed introductions to other pets.

Let visitors offer treats and allow the dog to come to them.

Supervise interactions and be ready to step in if the dog seems stressed.

10. Celebrate Small Wins

Progress with a rescue dog can be slow, but every small victory counts. Celebrate milestones like the first time your dog wags their tail, eats comfortably, or comes to you for affection. Recognizing these moments builds confidence in your dog and strengthens your bond.

Final Thoughts

Bringing a rescue dog into your home is a beautiful, life-changing experience for both you and the dog. Though the process may come with challenges, the rewards of earning their trust and seeing them thrive are priceless. With patience, love, and consistent care, your rescue dog will come to understand that they are finally safe and truly home.

By following these steps, you’ll not only make your rescue dog feel comfortable but also build a lasting, trusting relationship that will bring joy to both of your lives for years to come.

If you’ve recently welcomed a rescue dog, what steps have helped your new friend settle in? We’d love to hear your stories in the comments!

[adoptmeplease]

Bringing Joy Home: Fostering Dogs for Adoption at Infinite Hearts Animal Sanctuary and Rescue

At Infinite Hearts Animal Sanctuary and Rescue, our mission is to provide a loving, safe haven for animals in need and help them find their forever homes. We’re excited to share that we are now fostering dogs who are ready for adoption! This step allows us to make an even greater impact by providing these deserving dogs with the love, care, and socialization they need while they wait to meet their perfect match.

Why Fostering Matters

Fostering plays a crucial role in the rescue process. It provides temporary, loving homes for dogs, giving them the chance to adjust to life outside of a shelter and learn what it means to be part of a family. Here are just a few reasons why fostering is so important:

A Safe Space to Heal: Many of the dogs we foster come from difficult backgrounds. Fostering offers them a peaceful environment where they can decompress, heal, and start to trust again. It allows us to see their true personalities shine through, helping us find the best forever home for each dog.

Preparing for Adoption: Fostering helps dogs become more adoptable by providing them with essential training, socialization, and love. We work with them on basic commands, house training, and help them get accustomed to a home environment. This preparation is crucial in helping them adjust smoothly when they find their forever families.

Personalized Matchmaking: By fostering, we learn so much about each dog’s unique needs, preferences, and behaviors. This knowledge is invaluable when it comes to matching them with potential adopters, ensuring a successful and lasting adoption.

Meet Our Foster Dogs

While we don't have specific dogs listed here, we are currently fostering several wonderful dogs who are looking for their forever homes. Each one has a unique story and personality, and they are all ready to find families who will love and cherish them. If you're interested in meeting our foster dogs, please reach out to us or visit our sanctuary. We would love to introduce you to these amazing animals!

How to Adopt

Adopting a foster dog from Infinite Hearts Animal Sanctuary and Rescue is a straightforward and heartwarming experience. Here’s how it works:

Contact Us: Get in touch to express your interest in adopting one of our foster dogs. We will provide you with information about the dogs currently available and help arrange a meet-and-greet.

Fill Out an Application: Our adoption application helps us understand your lifestyle, preferences, and what you’re looking for in a furry companion.

Home Visit and Finalize: We’ll arrange a home visit to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for the dog. After that, the adoption is finalized, and you’re ready to welcome your new best friend home!

How You Can Support Our Foster Efforts

Become a Foster Parent: If you’re passionate about helping animals and have the time and resources, consider becoming a foster parent yourself. It’s an incredibly rewarding experience and a wonderful way to make a difference.

Donate or Volunteer: Even if you can’t foster or adopt, there are many other ways to help. Donations and volunteering are essential to our sanctuary’s operations, allowing us to continue providing for animals in need.

Spread the Word: Share our mission with your friends, family, and community. The more people know about our fostering efforts, the more dogs we can help find their forever homes.

Join Us in Making a Difference

We are thrilled to embark on this new chapter of fostering dogs for adoption at Infinite Hearts Animal Sanctuary and Rescue. Our goal is to provide every dog with a loving, temporary home where they can thrive and grow while they await their forever families.

If you’re considering adopting a dog, fostering is a great way to find the perfect match and make a meaningful impact. Contact us today to learn more about our foster dogs and how you can help.

Thank you for your support, and we look forward to welcoming you into our community of animal lovers!

None yet.. Check back to see the Residents &/or Adoptables.

[africstyleinitiatives]

Facebook memories..... from one of my previous kids in foster care 🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠 #fostercare #adoption #foster #fosterparents #fosterfamily #fosterlove #fostermom #thisisfostercare #fostercareawareness #fosteryouth #fosteringsaveslives #fostering #adoptionjourney #family #nonprofit #fostertoadopt #love #adopt #adoptdontshop #fostercareadoption #fosterkids #adoptionislove #children #fosterchildren #adoptionrocks #fosterparent #giveback #fosterparenting #community #adoptiveparents https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp2-MO3JUv_/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[stochastique-blog]

Usefull Stuff

These 2 housemates were surrendered to the #BrooklynACC by their owner on 2/24/2021 because they could no longer afford their care! Their names and info are as follows: #MrGrey: 13 #Neutered: #Male: #ID111762: Hyperthyroidism and Underweight: Shy but will lean in for pets: Grey Tabby and White #Cat 🐈! #Pink: 5 years old: #Female: #ID111763: Wound In Stomach Area: Ticked Tabby Cat 🐈‍⬛ : Nervous But Playful & Sweet! Mr. Grey and Pink may be euthanized at anytime at the discretion of the #NYCACC Shelter in #NYC! They would like to be kept together! To schedule an appointment to meet with Mr. Grey and Pink at the Brooklyn Animal Care Center in Brooklyn, NY, please e-mail adopt@nycacc.org.! #AllAboutSavingAnimals: #catsofinstagram: #petsofinstagram: #Photo: #Image: #DeathRow: #CodeRed: #SaveUs: #WeCare: #WeWantToLive: #Adopt: #Foster: #FosterToAdopt: #Pledges: #Donations: #Rescue: #NewHopePartner: #Sponsor: #Brooklyn: All About Saving Animals is not affiliated with the NYCACC Shelter! Check us out on Facebook and Tumblr as All About Saving Animals and on Twitter it is SavingAnimals for more info on Mr. Grey and Pink! (at Brooklyn, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/CL2Cm97hOg-/?igshid=14qmimu9ionif

[savingourfour-leggedfriends]

(via The Dog Rescuer)

[la-llorona18]

Every kid deserves a parent. But not every parent deserves a kid - random person

[arianapeterson19]

Me: Why has no one screamed at me about how adorable Clint is about getting a little brother?!

Also me: *has not finished writing that chapter*

[cephalopodgenius-blog]

These cats are SO not spoiled. Miss Ma'am given a new collar with a big pink flower and she is too stinkin cute. #fosteringsaveslives #adoptdontshop #fostertoadopt #sauce #greycat #whoneedstwoeyes https://www.instagram.com/p/CYUoFIUviTz/?utm_medium=tumblr

[littlebeautycuties]

What’s up, not down. Not around. Jump around. Get up, get up, and get down. Jump around. Jump, Jump, Jump. But not too hard or else you’ll get into foster care. Living in the clouds is alright, but sleeping is fine too.

[moodphasess]

//PSA//

Adopting through the foster system is free contrary to popular belief, there’s too many children in the system let’s get them out!

[neolonie]

Cute bunnies

[words-bleed-on-my-tongue]

Foster Care

Hello! I am currently doing a school project about foster care. I have never been in foster care nor have I interacted with anyone who has been so I do not want to speak incorrectly on the situation.

If you have ever been in foster care or are in it currently and are open to questions, please send me a DM!

Especially if you are LGBTQ+ or information regarding the two.

It would help me a ton. Thank you!

[allaboutsavinganimals]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Saving Animals (@allaboutsavinganimals)

TO BE KILLED TUESDAY NOVEMBER 9, 2021 AT 12PM: Cleo's Details: #Cleo Type #Cat Breed Domestic Short Hair Cross Second Breed Sex #Female Color Black Declawed No Spayed / Neutered Yes Age 6Yrs 1Mths 1Wks Size Medium My health has been checked. My vaccinations are up to date. My worming is up to date. I have been microchipped. Animal Identification Animal ID: #ID127322: #127322: A Little Bit About Me This pet needs emergency placement. A volunteer writes: Cleo's last home contained two adults, seven other cats and one large dog. She played gently with the cats and treated the dog with respect. She was described as friendly, confident, playful and independent. She enjoyed being held in her people's arms, like a baby. She also followed the people around and sat on their laps. In the shelter, Cleo has been described as subdued and very cute. She is shy but curious. Because of her somewhat timid behavior, she is recommended to go to an adult only home, with people who have experience in cat parenting. You may also want to see about adopting some of her former cat roommates, to keep her company! Where can you find me? I am at the #Brooklyn Animal Care Center location. You can contact me by Phone 212-788-4000 Address 2336 Linden Boulevard Brooklyn #NY 11208: All About Saving Animals Is Not Affiliated With The #NYCACC Shelter: #AllAboutSavingAnimals: #catsofinstagram: #cats_of_instagram: #catsofig: #video: #animation: #Manhattan: #StatenIsland: #Adopt: #Foster: #FosterToAdopt: #Pledges: #Donations: #Rescue: #NewHopePartner: #Sponsor: #BlackCat: #blackcatsofinstagram: #petsofinstagram: #Purring: #Meow: #NYC: (at Brooklyn, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/CWALFEYD-N_/?utm_medium=tumblr

[showmetruecolors]

Did you know your self-esteem affects your dog’s daily living?

So - I hired a dog trainer who is experienced in training dogs that have some behavioral issues. She also has experience in working with dogs that have some trauma. So she is perfect for Tone and I. (Yes, I hired her for a foster dog. I do care about him that much.) I have had several dogs in my life - 4 to be exact - and that obviously doesn't include my dog sitting days during undergrad. My family and I have never hired trainers for them because we have had them since they were puppies. So things like basic socialization wasn't an issue.

So, our trainer started by teaching us basic commands like, sit, stay, settle, heel etc. It’s not like teaching a puppy new tricks. He’s an older dog with some trauma so having her do even the basics (that he doesn’t even know btw), is so helpful for him.

We have been seeing her once a week - and I’m starting to realize how a lot of his insecurities might be from me. She said that everything from the way I speak, to the way I stand, to the way I walk, seems like I’m unsure of myself. I never noticed that about myself nor have been told that before. She said, “you should be confident. You did well in your life, you seem to have great relationships w/ friends etc, and you are a pretty girl! you should be proud and happy and explore reflecting on your life to change how you feel about yourself!” I thought that was SUPER direct and I was like... woah lady. But I guess she’s right. Even a dog senses how you carry yourself and that may be one of the many reasons Tone doesn't feel secure at times, and feels the need to constantly be on the look out and protect me from everything-causing unnecessary aggression.

I’ll update as our training continues.

[lovingluuna]

Growing our family!!!

[ablazemedia]

GIVE TO SUPPORT FOSTER CARE IN YAVAPAI COUNTY AND YOU MAY QUALIFY FOR A TAX CREDIT. Check out this great video about a project the ABCS is undertaking right now. Their renovations will be a huge help to the foster care community. Please, join us in giving.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bm1mqMZUMP0&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR02keyN4kmN8md07DtFCraiAxqdj2W8MOi7SSkP9uXOCC-k6qwwLD2I4N8