TIGR - Adoption & Fostering
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Adopting/Fostering Information
ADOPTION APPLICATION
FOSTERING APPLICATION
send to Robin
Thank you for your interest in adopting an Italian Greyhound (IG) rescue. IG's make wonderful companion pets and will give you many years of love and devotion. This application has been designed to evaluate potential adopters to ensure that each person who adopts an IG is not only aware of that responsibility, but also to address the compatibility of the home in which each IG is placed.
Note: All potential adopters or applicants must be 21 years of age to adopt an Italian Greyhound from TIGR.
We have worked in IG adoption for many years and have seen many happy endings, and unfortunately we have also seen a few sad ones. We have only the best interest of the IG in mind. Before signing this agreement, please know that IG's can live 12 to 15 years, making this a serious, long-term commitment. It is very traumatic for a dog to be returned by its family once it has settled into its new home, and pets should NEVER be considered dispensable. Furthermore, note that the IG is not for everyone. These dogs rely on us to place them into appropriate, loving, responsible homes. All adults in your household must agree to this adoption and sign the application. There is a non-refundable adoption donation fee of $300.00, which is tax deductible. For senior dogs (10 years or older) the donation fee is $225.00. Please complete all fields, and attach any additional sheet(s) if necessary.
The donation includes:
Neuter/spay
All vaccinations (DHLPP, Bordetella & Rabies)
Heartworm and Fecal test
Dental cleaning and extractions if needed
A martingale collar, leash, and TIGR tag Foster Application
Making the Adoption WorkWe try to make the best possible match we can to ensure a successful adoption. In preparation for your rescue's arrival, you can:
Purchase a good quality pet store food, bowls, safe toys, and a crate.
It is also a good idea to select a veterinarian prior to your dog's arrival. Although the dog has been vet checked, we do recommend taking the dog to your own veterinarian after adopting the dog.
It is also a good idea to take your newly adopted dog to obedience classes. It improves communication between dog and owner, it give the dog a chance to socialize and it also improves the bond between owner and dog.
Housetraining Suggestions
FeedingFeed a high quality food because it will be absorbed better and there will be less waste. Feed at a scheduled time(s) each day allowing 15-20 minutes to eat. Do NOT open feed. Do not withhold water as dogs, like people, should have access to fresh water whenever they are thirsty.
Elimination ScheduleTake the dog out first thing in the morning, shortly after eating, after confinement, after extensive play or excitement and prior to retiring for the night. Keep the dog on a set schedule. Dogs are creatures of habit and do very well when they have a routine to follow. Try to establish a set potty routine based on your dog's needs and your schedule.
Teaching Elimination on CommandTake the dog out often and use a command like "Go Potty", "Hurry Up", or "Potty Outside". If the dog goes when given the command, praise lavishly. If not, bring the dog in and confine the dog or keep the dog with you and try again within half to one hour, repeating the process described above.
Correction/Praise should be given within 1-2 seconds of the activity to be effective. It is useless to correct a dog for behavior he did hours ago or even minutes ago…you must catch him in the act!! If you catch the dog beginning to use the bathroom indoors, immediately say "No" and pick him up and take him outside. To further reinforce good potty habits, find a treat your dog absolutely loves, something extra special like deli meat or cheese. Put the treat in your pocket and as soon as he goes potty outside, praise and reward. This extra step really helps in the initial housetraining stages and should be used the first week or two to really reinforce the desired behavior. Lots of praise is crucial for this breed. They do NOT respond to harsh words or punishment. For the life of the dog, continue to praise the dog at least once a day to encourage the behavior. Do this FOREVER to continue good potty habits.
Clean UpUse a product specifically designed for eliminating odors such as Nature's Miracle, Outright, or vinegar & water. These products will discourage the pet from picking up the scent and soiling the same area again. (Ammonia, carpet cleaning products, etc. are not the same…you must use a product designed for this purpose). You can also use these products in the washer if a dog has soiled his bedding by adding 1/4 -1/2 cup per load. Do NOT let the dog see you or watch you clean up his "mistakes". When dogs are very young, their mother cleans up their elimination and this is a positive thing to a young pup. Therefore, do not let him see you clean it up, but by the same theory it IS good for him to see you clean up his correct eliminations outdoors.
CratesCrating is NOT cruel as dogs are den animals and should have their own "room"…a space they can feel safe in and retreat to when stressed or tired. Crates should be used for no longer than 4 hour intervals. A dog should not be crated while an owner works all day. A crate should be large enough for a dog to lie down in and turn around. A crate that is too large will give a dog the opportunity to mess in one area and lie in another. Always make the crate a "great" place to be for you dog. Make the crate a positive place by feeding all meals in the crate and also having special treats that are only given in the crate. A Kong toy filled with treats is an excellent distraction from your departure and will keep the dog occupied. Teach the dog the command "Kennel" before he enters his crate. If the dog is resistant to a crate initially, continue to give ALL meals and treats in the crate. Then place the dog in the crate but do not leave the room. Allow the dog to remain in the crate for just minutes, gradually increasing the time and eventually leaving the room and then the house for short intervals. The goal is to condition the animal to see the crate as positive and short term and to assure him that you are returning. Play soothing music or a sound machine for the dog while he is crated. Put dim lighting on to encourage quiet time.
Other TipsMost Italian Greyhounds will NOT go to the door and bark, but most will give you a subtle signal. If your dog does give you a signal, praise him and respond immediately. Many people have success with paper or litter box training. Again, consistency and praise are the keys here. Placing these items by the back door make an indoor/outdoor transition a little easier. Belly Bands do not help train the dog but are useful for the owner to catch accidents during the training time. This item is available in the TIGR Store.
FOSTERING APPLICATION
send to Robin
Thank you for your interest in adopting an Italian Greyhound (IG) rescue. IG's make wonderful companion pets and will give you many years of love and devotion. This application has been designed to evaluate potential adopters to ensure that each person who adopts an IG is not only aware of that responsibility, but also to address the compatibility of the home in which each IG is placed.
Note: All potential adopters or applicants must be 21 years of age to adopt an Italian Greyhound from TIGR.
We have worked in IG adoption for many years and have seen many happy endings, and unfortunately we have also seen a few sad ones. We have only the best interest of the IG in mind. Before signing this agreement, please know that IG's can live 12 to 15 years, making this a serious, long-term commitment. It is very traumatic for a dog to be returned by its family once it has settled into its new home, and pets should NEVER be considered dispensable. Furthermore, note that the IG is not for everyone. These dogs rely on us to place them into appropriate, loving, responsible homes. All adults in your household must agree to this adoption and sign the application. There is a non-refundable adoption donation fee of $300.00, which is tax deductible. For senior dogs (10 years or older) the donation fee is $225.00. Please complete all fields, and attach any additional sheet(s) if necessary.
The donation includes:
Neuter/spay
All vaccinations (DHLPP, Bordetella & Rabies)
Heartworm and Fecal test
Dental cleaning and extractions if needed
A martingale collar, leash, and TIGR tag Foster Application
Making the Adoption WorkWe try to make the best possible match we can to ensure a successful adoption. In preparation for your rescue's arrival, you can:
Purchase a good quality pet store food, bowls, safe toys, and a crate.
It is also a good idea to select a veterinarian prior to your dog's arrival. Although the dog has been vet checked, we do recommend taking the dog to your own veterinarian after adopting the dog.
It is also a good idea to take your newly adopted dog to obedience classes. It improves communication between dog and owner, it give the dog a chance to socialize and it also improves the bond between owner and dog.
Housetraining Suggestions
FeedingFeed a high quality food because it will be absorbed better and there will be less waste. Feed at a scheduled time(s) each day allowing 15-20 minutes to eat. Do NOT open feed. Do not withhold water as dogs, like people, should have access to fresh water whenever they are thirsty.
Elimination ScheduleTake the dog out first thing in the morning, shortly after eating, after confinement, after extensive play or excitement and prior to retiring for the night. Keep the dog on a set schedule. Dogs are creatures of habit and do very well when they have a routine to follow. Try to establish a set potty routine based on your dog's needs and your schedule.
Teaching Elimination on CommandTake the dog out often and use a command like "Go Potty", "Hurry Up", or "Potty Outside". If the dog goes when given the command, praise lavishly. If not, bring the dog in and confine the dog or keep the dog with you and try again within half to one hour, repeating the process described above.
Correction/Praise should be given within 1-2 seconds of the activity to be effective. It is useless to correct a dog for behavior he did hours ago or even minutes ago…you must catch him in the act!! If you catch the dog beginning to use the bathroom indoors, immediately say "No" and pick him up and take him outside. To further reinforce good potty habits, find a treat your dog absolutely loves, something extra special like deli meat or cheese. Put the treat in your pocket and as soon as he goes potty outside, praise and reward. This extra step really helps in the initial housetraining stages and should be used the first week or two to really reinforce the desired behavior. Lots of praise is crucial for this breed. They do NOT respond to harsh words or punishment. For the life of the dog, continue to praise the dog at least once a day to encourage the behavior. Do this FOREVER to continue good potty habits.
Clean UpUse a product specifically designed for eliminating odors such as Nature's Miracle, Outright, or vinegar & water. These products will discourage the pet from picking up the scent and soiling the same area again. (Ammonia, carpet cleaning products, etc. are not the same…you must use a product designed for this purpose). You can also use these products in the washer if a dog has soiled his bedding by adding 1/4 -1/2 cup per load. Do NOT let the dog see you or watch you clean up his "mistakes". When dogs are very young, their mother cleans up their elimination and this is a positive thing to a young pup. Therefore, do not let him see you clean it up, but by the same theory it IS good for him to see you clean up his correct eliminations outdoors.
CratesCrating is NOT cruel as dogs are den animals and should have their own "room"…a space they can feel safe in and retreat to when stressed or tired. Crates should be used for no longer than 4 hour intervals. A dog should not be crated while an owner works all day. A crate should be large enough for a dog to lie down in and turn around. A crate that is too large will give a dog the opportunity to mess in one area and lie in another. Always make the crate a "great" place to be for you dog. Make the crate a positive place by feeding all meals in the crate and also having special treats that are only given in the crate. A Kong toy filled with treats is an excellent distraction from your departure and will keep the dog occupied. Teach the dog the command "Kennel" before he enters his crate. If the dog is resistant to a crate initially, continue to give ALL meals and treats in the crate. Then place the dog in the crate but do not leave the room. Allow the dog to remain in the crate for just minutes, gradually increasing the time and eventually leaving the room and then the house for short intervals. The goal is to condition the animal to see the crate as positive and short term and to assure him that you are returning. Play soothing music or a sound machine for the dog while he is crated. Put dim lighting on to encourage quiet time.
Other TipsMost Italian Greyhounds will NOT go to the door and bark, but most will give you a subtle signal. If your dog does give you a signal, praise him and respond immediately. Many people have success with paper or litter box training. Again, consistency and praise are the keys here. Placing these items by the back door make an indoor/outdoor transition a little easier. Belly Bands do not help train the dog but are useful for the owner to catch accidents during the training time. This item is available in the TIGR Store.
posted by Robin at 2:37 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home