Hoping to become a Fosterer for Assistance Dogs while in Training

jc24965 · #1 27-01-12, 02:22 PM

Went to Tesco today and there were 4 prople outside the store with four gorgeous Golden Retrievers collecting donations for their charity which trains assistance dogs for the disabled. This is something I'd like to get involved with so I asked if I could become a fosterer for them and they were very pleased with my offer. They currently have 34 dogs undergoing training and they go to various foster homes during their training so that they get used to different social situations - and you help reinforce the training while they are with you.

I explained that I was soon getting a puppy and once I had got through puppy training I'd contact them and have a chat about becoming a fosterer for them. I thought this would be a great way to get my own pup used to living with other dogs as I would probably want another dog in the future.

They are quite local to me which is a bonus and this might also help me while doing my ADTB course.

Wasn't really in the mood for shopping and nearly didn't go, but so pleased I did. lol

evabrook · #2 27-01-12, 02:57 PM

whats ADBT ????

Moobli · #3 27-01-12, 03:08 PM

That sounds like a really worthwhile thing to do. I had the opportunity to raise a pup for Lancashire police many years ago (well about ten years) but declined, as I just know I would struggle with handing back a 12 month old dog that I had raised from 7 weeks of age.

Have you thought about that side of things?

Moobli · #4 27-01-12, 03:13 PM

Not JC but ADTB is the Academy of Dog Training and Behaviour. Which course are you doing JC?

jc24965 · #5 27-01-12, 03:26 PM

I think you keep them for up to a month at a time so that you don't get too attached to them and vice versa - which I personally think is a good idea. The dogs also get used to being in different households and different social situations.

Yes, ADTB is as you said. I am on the first part at the moment. Not rushing it as I have a house move and a final divorce hearing to deal with over the next month to six weeks.

This is why I like the course as you can do it in your own time.

Stuart · #6 27-01-12, 03:32 PM

Thats a great idea, I can see the attraction in doing that for both you and your dog,.. I never regret living where I do, but we are too remote to get involved in something like this, and it sounds like so much fun

LindaM · #7 27-01-12, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jc24965

I think you keep them for up to a month at a time so that you don't get too attached to them and vice versa - which I personally think is a good idea. The dogs also get used to being in different households and different social situations.

Yes, ADTB is as you said. I am on the first part at the moment. Not rushing it as I have a house move and a final divorce hearing to deal with over the next month to six weeks.

This is why I like the course as you can do it in your own time.

Hope it all works out. I think if I'd had a dog for 12 month I wouldn't be able to give it back, yet I know thousands of puppy walkers for guide dogs do this constantly. It's a good job some people can do it though.

jc24965 · #8 27-01-12, 03:45 PM

A friend of mine has a German Shepherd assistance dog and she is amazing. I would love to teach mine to help with the housework.

LindaM · #9 27-01-12, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jc24965

A friend of mine has a German Shepherd assistance dog and she is amazing. I would love to teach mine to help with the housework.

Yes, I wish my would hoover up after himself

No I think assistance dogs are wonderful.