How to Train a Dog to be a Foster Brother by One Eyed Jack

**This conversation about Just Right by Purina is brought to you by Purina. All opinions are my own.** #DogsofJustRight #ad

Get 50% off: Use Code: JRBPNR50

Terms & Conditions: Offer valid for 50% off (up to $34.48) one (1) order of Just Right® by Purina® dog food through 4/30/18. Valid on JustRightPetFood.com only. For full terms, visit www.purina.com/terms-and-conditions.

My name is Jack. One Eyed Jack to be more formal. You may have seen me on Instagram getting my belly rubbed, playing in the yard or enjoying my favorite food, Just Right by Purina. I am a rescue dog, a little brother, a big brother and, as of summer this year, a foster brother. I kind of see myself as king of the pack (please don’t tell my sister, Piper. She may sit on me until I recant). This year, as I am THRILLED to be able to continue to tell you about the food Mama gives me to make my coat shine and my days happy as a Just Right by Purina dog! You can see my pictures on my Instagram or under the #dogsofjustright hashtag too! All of my other buddies are there, too. The ones whose parents have figured out that customized dog food is the best for their pups needs. This is year 3 for me as an ambassador and so, since I am a veteran, I thought I would start passing on some tips to my fellow pups that will help make all of our lives a little better!

Of course, we can’t read as dogs. Or type. But we can tackle how this post came about another time. But we can nuzzle and react and show our humans what we like. Being a foster brother has changed my life for the better so I thought I would share with your humans how to make that happen for you too!

So, here we go.

How to Train a Dog to be a Foster Brother

Tip #1: Convince your humans that they CAN do this!

If you have ever noticed, humans are busy creatures! They don’t take afternoon naps, they rarely chase squirrels up trees and I can not remember the last time my Mama rolled over for a treat! They are always on the go. So, while Mama was quick to adopt us Beagles in need to keep for the benefits of her and the littles (and, let’s face it, they are soooo lucky to have us!), she had a hard time convincing herself that she could foster dogs too. I think it was the letting go part. Mama tends to get attached. It must be our soft ears that get her hooked.

In any event, I convinced her that we would help her.

Before she caved in and let the first set of foster beagles in – a pack of 4 puppies because Mama is an overachiever – she had to teach us how to be foster siblings. She started by taking all four of us on walks to meet other dogs. She wanted to make sure we would accept any dog, no matter what.

So we sniffed, we marked, we dragged her down the street on leashes, ignoring that silly ‘heel’ word that seems to be so popular with humans, and met as many pups as we could. We finally convinced her that no dog would be off limits and she took in the 4 foster beagle puppies from the rescue.

Tip #2: Show your humans that caring for us, even on a temporary basis, is easy

Mama knew all the basics of fostering. The rescue provides the preventatives, handles any vet bills and help with any behavioral issues. But Mama knows that in order for a foster to feel loved and welcome and to feel safe, the pups already in the house have to be healthy too!

Enter Just Right by Purina and why I am so glad I am an ambassador again this year! Since Mama starting feeding me this food a few years back, I see real changes. My coat is shinier, my eye glistens more and I play more with my siblings and foster siblings.

At the ripe of age of 28 (Mama says I am 4 but my years fly by), I am maintaining my weight and as active as a puppy. If you need proof, just spend 3 months with four active Beagle puppies and live to tell about it!

Food is the single most important thing Mama can make a decision on that will affect my life every single day. It is an important decision and I am so glad she chose Just Right by Purina!

Tip #3: Just love them!

We are on foster beagles #10 and #11. Since June.

Mama goes big or goes home…

We have loved every one. Some of the stories are sad, some are heartbreaking and some make you feel sick. But for every foster family that will open their home, there is a foster dog that needs love.

So, when you do convince your humans to love a pet, even on a temporary basis, make sure you love them well! They deserve it and it helps prepare them for the expected love they will get in their furr-ever home too!

Now that you have learned how to be a foster brother – or sister – you know that life is just going to get better! Go paw at your humans until they call the rescue and put in your name to take a pup or kitty. You won’t be sorry!