Ready, set, foster!

Thank you for welcoming a rescue pup into your home!

The early days are all about patience, love, and settling in. Here’s what you need to know to make the start a happy one.

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Getting settled at home

Remove the harness when indoors — it can be uncomfortable for long periods or during sleep.
The collar can also be removed at home (optional).
Make sure your pup has fresh water available at all times.
Feed a puppy three times daily, following the measurements on the food pack, adult dogs twice. Never feed cooked human food as some foods are toxic for dogs.
Allow 30–40 minutes after a meal before long walks to aid digestion.
If your pup cries at night, place their bed near your bedroom and keep the door open for comfort.

Exercise

Your foster pup must ALWAYS be walked in their collar and harness. If you have a double lead, make sure one clip is on the collar and one on the harness. If you have two leads, you must always have one on the collar and one on the harness. Even if you think this is unnecessary, this is a non-negotiable rule for SDC dogs.

Always hold the leash firmly, as new dogs can get startled and run. Add a name tag with your phone number to the collar – just in case.

Regular exercise keeps your dog happy and healthy. Aim for two walks a day, about 30–40 minutes each, ideally before 7 am and after 7 pm when it’s cooler. During the hotter months, never walk your pup in the heat of the day. If you cannot comfortably hold the back of your hand to the pavement, it's too hot for their paws.

For puppies, keep walks shorter and more frequent — their joints are still growing, and short play sessions work best.

Never let your dog off-leash. Encourage calm socialization with friendly dogs and people to build confidence. For off-leash play, daycare is the best option or if you are confident that your local dog park is 100% secure, that is also an option.

Most dogs need 2–3 toilet breaks a day, while puppies may need one every 2–3 hours, especially after eating, playing, or waking up. Use a garden or pee pads if needed, and always clean up after your dog.

Helpful resources:

› Puppy Toilet Training

› Teaching Your Puppy to Walk on a Leash

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Training & Behavior

Chewing is normal for puppies and some adult dogs — redirect this behaviour with toys and patience.
Use positive reinforcement — reward good behavior with treats, praise, or cuddles.
Avoid punishment; it can lead to fear and confusion.
Don’t leave your pup unattended for long periods — separation anxiety can develop. Gradually build up alone time over days or weeks.

Helpful resources:

› Dealing with Destructive Chewing

› Teaching a Puppy to Be Alone

Adoption events & records

If you are fostering a puppy, attendance at our weekly adoption events is mandatory. For adult dogs we have a rotation system and will invite your dog on their turn.
All puppies attending have received their initial vaccinations. If you need a copy of your pup’s vaccination record for grooming or boarding, please contact your Point of Contact (POC).