Handling Sensitivity: Respecting Boundaries and Building Trust in Foster Dogs

Many shelter dogs arrive with unknown histories. Some may have experienced fear, neglect, or trauma. Others simply haven’t been handled often — or gently — in the past. As a foster, one of the most important things you can offer is respectful, low-pressure touch that helps a dog build comfort and confidence.

Some dogs love affection from day one. Others need time — and space — to learn that human hands can be safe.

Handling sensitivity isn't about aggression — it’s often rooted in fear, confusion, or discomfort. A dog might flinch when you reach for them, pull away when touched unexpectedly, or growl when handled around a certain area. These behaviors are the dog’s way of communicating discomfort, not disobedience.

Fosters play a critical role in helping us understand these sensitivities and teaching the dog that gentle contact can be positive and rewarding.

Start Slowly

When your foster first arrives, let them approach you. Avoid reaching over their head or restraining them unnecessarily. Allow them to sniff, observe, and choose interaction.

Use a Calm Voice and Body Language

Speak softly and move slowly around your foster dog, especially in the first few days. Quick movements or loud voices can trigger fear in sensitive dogs.

Watch for Stress Signals

Dogs will often give early warning signs before reacting more dramatically. Watch for:

• Freezing or stiff body

• Flinching or cowering

• Turning their head away

• Lip licking, yawning, or trembling

• Growling or showing teeth
  
  

If you see any of these signs, back off and give the dog space. Please notify your Foster Coordinator if your foster is growling or showing teeth. 

We know it’s tempting to hug, pet, or hold your foster — especially if they seem sad or withdrawn. But forcing contact can increase fear and delay trust. Instead:

• Let the dog come to you for affection

• Don't reach or pet over their head. They can perceive this as a threatening gesture

• Pet under the chin or along the side of the neck instead of reaching over the head

• Sit calmly near the dog and reward them for choosing to engage

We want to help dogs become more comfortable with being handled for future vet visits, grooming, and adoption. You can help by practicing cooperative care techniques once the dog is ready.

Start with:

• Touching paws, ears, tail, and collar briefly

• Rewarding with treats and praise after each touch

• Gradually increasing the length of contact

• Making brushing or light grooming short and positive

• Using treats or toys to create positive associations with tools (brushes, nail clippers, etc.)

Always go at the dog’s pace — and stop if you notice signs of stress.

If your foster dog reacts strongly to touch (growling, snapping, persistent flinching), do not attempt to correct or “push through” the behavior.
Instead, notify the Foster Coordinator immediately. These may be signs of pain, trauma, or a behavioral issue that requires staff assessment.

We’ll provide support and determine next steps, which may include medical checks, behavior evaluations, or returning the dog to shelter care for safety.

You don’t have to "fix" everything — just listen to what the dog is telling you. Respecting boundaries and handling dogs gently builds trust, reduces fear, and sets the stage for a healthier, happier relationship — both with you and with their future adopter.

Thank you for your patience, compassion, and care in helping each dog feel safe in their own skin.