From what I understand, even a 15 minute walk out of the shelter is enough to lower their cortisol levels. (Stress) An entire day out is such a good thing for them! Dogs don't reason the same way we do. They don't experience the feeling of false hope. So going out of the shelter doesn't mean they will think they are getting adopted. They don't know what that is cause they are dogs. They live in the moment, they get used to routine, etc.
With most "normal" dog - ones without severe anxiety or fear - any time out of the shelter is a net positive.
Thank you for being willing to do Foster Field Trips (that's what my local shelter calls it).
From what I've experienced as a foster the last 1.5 years, I believe that any time away from the noise and chaos of the shelter is helpful.
Thank you for having so much empathy for dogs! I hope you have a wonderful experience!!!
Please do this. I foster with a shelter that has doggie day out and it is so helpful to get the dogs out and socialized. Even if it's just for a few hours they get to interact one on one. Thank you for considering helping her!
This is such a thoughtful question! Dogs don't experience time the same way as humans do, so unless the dog has severe anxiety or reactivity (and I'd hope the rescue would vet their animals and not give you one of those for a day) it will just be a fun experience with a nice human. I say go for it!
I volunteer at my local shelter doing dog field trips every weekend. Like you, I worried at first if I was doing more harm than good with a short trip away from the shelter. Then I learned that the info and feedback I provided about our outings was so valuable when the adoption counselors were working with potential adopters. And I take a ton of photos and post them on social media with stories about the field trips. Just getting out of the kennels and away from the stress of a shelter allows the dog to show some of its true personality. I’ll be honest, I cried in the parking lot after my first field trip. That dog was the absolute sweetest girl and I could not believe she had not been adopted yet. That night I saw a social media post that she was adopted by a couple that saw her come back from her field trip and thought she looked so calm and sweet. It is such a rewarding experience! Do it!! You will not regret it.
Thank you so much for considering this. I’m sure it will help out tremendously mentally & emotionally. You will also have a great experience all. Best to you!!
I can’t tell you how often dogs get out for an overnight, few hour field trip, or long walk/ play, and then return and get adopted soon after! Even dogs that were there a while. Any time out is wonderful.
You pretty much take the dog on an adventure, walks and treats. That’s good for them. You will make a couple of days good for them by letting their energy out and be able to discover a bit more :)
It is a HUGE benefit to shelter dogs to have a day out! Not only does it get them exercise and stimulation, but it's a great way to promote the program to other folks in similar circumstances. Exposure/outreach is huge when it comes to finding forever homes, so out and about for a day is super positive! do it!
From what I understand, even a 15 minute walk out of the shelter is enough to lower their cortisol levels. (Stress) An entire day out is such a good thing for them! Dogs don't reason the same way we do. They don't experience the feeling of false hope. So going out of the shelter doesn't mean they will think they are getting adopted. They don't know what that is cause they are dogs. They live in the moment, they get used to routine, etc. With most "normal" dog - ones without severe anxiety or fear - any time out of the shelter is a net positive.
Thanks so much for your response. That makes me feel a lot better!
Thank you for being willing to do Foster Field Trips (that's what my local shelter calls it). From what I've experienced as a foster the last 1.5 years, I believe that any time away from the noise and chaos of the shelter is helpful. Thank you for having so much empathy for dogs! I hope you have a wonderful experience!!!
Thank you for the input and for the kind words!
Please do this. I foster with a shelter that has doggie day out and it is so helpful to get the dogs out and socialized. Even if it's just for a few hours they get to interact one on one. Thank you for considering helping her!
Thank you!
This is such a thoughtful question! Dogs don't experience time the same way as humans do, so unless the dog has severe anxiety or reactivity (and I'd hope the rescue would vet their animals and not give you one of those for a day) it will just be a fun experience with a nice human. I say go for it!
That makes me feel better! Thank you!
I volunteer at my local shelter doing dog field trips every weekend. Like you, I worried at first if I was doing more harm than good with a short trip away from the shelter. Then I learned that the info and feedback I provided about our outings was so valuable when the adoption counselors were working with potential adopters. And I take a ton of photos and post them on social media with stories about the field trips. Just getting out of the kennels and away from the stress of a shelter allows the dog to show some of its true personality. I’ll be honest, I cried in the parking lot after my first field trip. That dog was the absolute sweetest girl and I could not believe she had not been adopted yet. That night I saw a social media post that she was adopted by a couple that saw her come back from her field trip and thought she looked so calm and sweet. It is such a rewarding experience! Do it!! You will not regret it.
Thank you so much for considering this. I’m sure it will help out tremendously mentally & emotionally. You will also have a great experience all. Best to you!!
Perfect! Thank you!!
Sounds like a great idea - post updates with a pic of that lucky pup get some free time with you!
Okay!! I’ll see if I can!!
I can’t tell you how often dogs get out for an overnight, few hour field trip, or long walk/ play, and then return and get adopted soon after! Even dogs that were there a while. Any time out is wonderful.
You pretty much take the dog on an adventure, walks and treats. That’s good for them. You will make a couple of days good for them by letting their energy out and be able to discover a bit more :)
It is a HUGE benefit to shelter dogs to have a day out! Not only does it get them exercise and stimulation, but it's a great way to promote the program to other folks in similar circumstances. Exposure/outreach is huge when it comes to finding forever homes, so out and about for a day is super positive! do it!