So Thursday we are getting Tressel (you OSU fans will know how this little guy got his name). We have him til Sunday and if it works out I am going to ask Guy if we can be his foster home. My question is after we introduce everyone supervise at all times right? Should I pick up the toys in the house? What about feeding and treats with 3? Any other advice about couch positions or anything.......................just want this to go smooth so maybe we can foster.

Some of it depends on your own dogs' personalities....I don't pick up the toys (for example) because none of mine will get upset if a new dogs plays with them.  I do crate a new dog when we aren't there until I know the pack gets along AND the new one is trustworthy left uncrated.  And when we first get a new one we closely supervise/observe interactions for the first few days. 

I'm feeding our newest foster in her crate as she tends to take everyone else's food and they allow it because she's stll puppyish.  So it's safest to separate at feeding time until you know they all get along. 

I also make sure that my personal dogs, especially Mitzy (alpha) and Mayfly (second in command), know that I support them in their alpha role (behind me of course).  They get treats first, fed first, etc.  That way they don't feel they need to make a point of being dominant.

I also let all the dogs have enough time together to sort out their roles on their own, without interference from me, as long as it isn't getting "heated".

Not that I'm that experienced but it's worked for me so far.  Of course, I've also had easy dogs come in for fostering!

Thank-you for helping this dog! I recommend introducing the dogs on neutral territory, by taking them all for a walk together. You will need someone to walk your dogs of course, this works great for me every time. and as far as who is fed first, treated first, pet first ect..that should stay the same, your dogs first. This is how "I" handle things here and so far it has worked for me, others may do it differently and can give you more ideas 

I usually feed my top dog first....  i mean, the dog whos an alpha in the house.... he's the first to be fed....  if i remember it correctly.  and then the next one in the house and then the foster.  but both of my personal dogs are pretty much at the same level....   there's no alpha over the other.....   and Kasey is kind of an alpha... just real mild... not to bad, so i'm pretty lucky.  as long as he has his own spot when he sleeps.... and Indy on the other hand, doesn't mind sharing his bed...  

also,  I foster dogs here and there....   and i am getting ready to take a vacation, and then Im going to take a foster in next weekend.  It's been a while since i had a foster, but i did a few pull and temp. because i knew we couldn't take one in long term at this point because we are planning on a vacation. 

I think one of the greatest tools to have is the crate.....  and another great thing to have is the squirt bottle to correct any behavior that is needed....   and use treats with positive reinforcements...... and  another thing you can do is called NILIF (nothing in life is free).  So make the dog earn it....    there are plently of websites that talks about NILIF.  They have really helpful tips in there. 

It can be overwhelming but rewarding at the same time.....   and don't push yourself over the limit.....   do little at a time and work your way up...   even if you just do temp. foster.... that helps out alot too...  sometimes i had my dogs and a foster dog and then i would have temp. foster...... it's not so bad....   i think i did have 4 dogs in the house at one point. and you didn't even know that they were here!

It did take me a looooooooooong time to convince my husband to agree to foster a dog......  and once he said, "one at a time....and that's it!"  I jumped on it.  I just had to make sure that i keep a happy household for everyone!  

I hope this helps!

So best of luck, and I will watch for updates when i get back!

thanks, I am keeping them seperated Friday while I am at work. Gonna keep Tressel in one of the bathrooms. What about at night? Should I crate him to start or let him sleep with us like Fred and Alice do??

also the girl bringing him is going to walk him up the street and I am going to walk my two so they meet out on neutral ground then we will all walk back to the yard together. Hopefully everyone will get along.

Okay, I will do the same and crate him at night. Now when we are just watching TV do I let him on the couch with me and them or is that a no no too??

Some of it ya gotta play by ear when you get to that point!  (Don't over think it)  If him getting on the couch involves him growling at your dogs to get down - don't let him.  If they're all happy, then it's all good.  For my situation i don't allow growling by any of them (fighting over my lap).  If anyone growls they find themselves put on the floor quickly.  Only takes a time or two and they learned to be polite to the new guy!

Okay, I honestly am not real worried about Fred even though he is our Alpha, it the little girlie ones who tends to get "attitude".  She thinks she is something when new dogs come around. SHe is the only one I worry about. We dont' know much of the new boy as he just came to rescue this past weekend (he is actually the boy I was going to pick up when I crashed my car). I hope he is not bad luck for me.

MB has some great advice!!  she's right on top of it all!  Good Job! I'm just scattered brain at the moment because i'm packing! lol 

I let the dogs sit with me on the couch, as long as everyone gets along..... if there's any conflict... i make them get off....   because it's a privilage to be on the furniture..... 

oh and when my dogs gets rough, i make them go outside to do their indy 500.....  and play...   but i have a fenced in yard so that helps...  

and I plan to crate the foster while i sleep in bed too.... i feel it's more Kasey's and Indy's territory and you'll be able to sleep easier than to wake up to any possible conflict that could happen on your bed. 

and remember to relax..... and when i let the dogs meet each other, i let the leash drag on the ground....  (in the fenced in area of course), and let them meet, and check each other out,etc....  if you need to get a hold of them....  step on their leash and grab it.... 

and thank you for asking all kinds of questions.......   sometimes its hard to read all the infomation when you have certian questions.... and Good luck!!  i'm sure it'll be all good! 

I do many of the same things that other's have already mentioned. 

I also give the incoming fosters a bath very soon after they arrive...to rid them of the strange shelter odor and give them the same odor as the other dogs in the house. 

Feeding treats can be a source of animosity.  Right from the start I teach all new dogs that they must sit to get a treat or food.  Usually the first one with their butt down get the treat.  Some fosters have been a challenge to teach them manners when the treats are being handed out.  It's a constant learning process.

One important thing...RELAX!  Don't fret over the little things.  Maintain a calm attitude and things will roll more smoothly.

Have fun with Tressel!

Debbie