Dogs Needing Foster

For many dogs at the shelter, especially newer dogs, we have no data about how they are with other dogs. These dogs, by default, will have a score of U, for unknown. A meet and greet with all the dogs in the home is always recommended and required for some dogs. All dogs should be slowly and safely introduced to the other animals in the home, and should be supervised until the owner is confident in their relationship.

For many dogs at the shelter we have no data about how they are with cats. These dogs, by default, will have a score of U, for unknown. All dogs should be slowly and safely introduced to the other animals in the home, and should be supervised until the owner is confident in the relationship. Talk to the behavior team about the best method for introducing new animals to the home.

For many dogs at the shelter, we have no data about how they are with children. These dogs, by default, will have a score of U, for unknown. All dogs should have a meet and greet with the entire family, especially when children are involved. Children should NEVER be left alone with any animal and all interactions between children and animals should be closely supervised and monitored for safety and stress.

This score is different from the other scores. The Home Alone Score represents what is known about the dog’s house training and/or destructiveness when left alone. It indicates how well a dog is expected to do when left alone — either loose in the house or in a crate — for an extended period during the day. For many dogs at the shelter, we have no data on how they behave in the home or when left alone. These dogs, by default, will have a score of U, for unknown. Puppies under 6 months are assumed to not be completely potty trained and so will have a default score of 2. Please note that dogs can suffer separation anxiety or forget their house training under the stress of going to a new home and it is not uncommon for a house-trained dog to have accidents during the first days in his/her new home. Also note that lifetime behavior support is available from APA! to help you work through any training issues you have with your pet.