Foster homes are intended to help Greyhounds make a smooth transition from life in the racing kennels to home life. Foster "parents" must understand the life of a racing Greyhound as outlined in the book "Adopting the Racing Greyhound". A clear knowledge of where these Greyhounds are coming from and the transition they must make will help you to help them.

We ask a lot of our foster homes, but our need for them is great, as are the rewards. Without foster homes, the hauls to the Northwest would not be possible ... foster homes make those hauls a reality.
 

Supplies

	Greyhound Support will provide food and veterinary care.
	We have some loaner crates and all fosters come with a collar (with ID) & leash and a muzzle.

Foster home requirements:

	Must have 1 year of greyhound ownership (this is actually negotiable)
	Must be willing to crate and muzzle.  The dogs will come with muzzles. We have loaner crates, if you need one - crating is mandatory.

Some of the things that are expected of foster homes are:

Introduce them to home life and teach them how to cope with its oddities. Mark the sliding glass door and mirrors with tape for visibility Introduce them to cats slowly Teach how to go up and down stairs   Do not encourage bad habits--even if you allow your dogs these privileges. No lounging on furniture No sleeping on beds No table scraps No jumping on people   Teach them that they can't counter surf can't rush outside between your legs can't chase cats can't walk into the refrigerator can't stick their heads in the oven can't drink out of the toilet

Use the crate and the muzzle.

	ALWAYS crate the foster dog when you leave the house. Absolutely NO exceptions.
	ALWAYS crate the foster dog or keep him on a leash when you cannot give 100% attention to his activities.
	ALWAYS muzzle ALL dogs (not just the fosters) when they go outside together.
	Begin the housebreaking process. Keep them within your sight (preferably on leash) when they are loose in the home. Do not give them the opportunity to make mistakes.

Feed all dogs separately, preferably in their crate, or behind closed doors, or however necessary to keep them out of each other's food. The same applies to any treats unless they are eaten immediately. Put away toys when you are not monitoring the play. Food, treats, and toys are the main causes of dogs biting dogs.
 

Evaluate behavior and/or personality issues. This is especially important with shy and returned dogs.
 

Observe your foster dog's eating habits and potty habits. If he's not eating or has loose stools, something may be wrong.
 

Fostering Contact
Ann Peterson - email her or call her at 913-962-9956 or 913-634-0003

When to contact Ann:

	If you are bothered by a behavior or habit that the foster is exhibiting.
	In EMERGENCY situations.
	If you would like to discuss the possibility of fostering a dog.