Protected: Tractive – 101 Info for Fosters
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Protected: Everything you need to know about fostering with DIBS
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The Life of Loki
The Life of Loki! Loki joined DIBS on November 9th, 2022 – so he has been with us for a long while! On January 22, 2022, he was rescued from the streets of Tulum. He was found with wounds around his neck and was in desperate need of TLC. His rescuer swooped him...
Transferring your Tractive (post-adoption)
To keep your dog safe, remember to keep the Tractive on your dog and charge the battery every evening so it has a full charge to start each day. First ~ Create an Account If you are a new Tractive GPS user, you need to use this link to create an account or click this...Ankle Biters!
Help! My dog races to nip ankles when people turn their back! First of all, this is not aggression – so do ensure you compartmentalize this in your mind accurately. If your dog was aggressive, they wouldn’t wait until the person leaves to tell them what...DIBS Volunteer Focus!
Hello DIBSter! We’d love to know more about you and why you volunteer with DIBS! Thank you in advance! Questionnaire: Volunteering with DIBS!!! Name First Last Email What do you do with DIBS? Phone Screens Home Visits Fostering Social Media Other Tell us more...Canine Illnesses Specific to Mexico
Every country around the world has illnesses that are specific to their geography – for animals and for humans. As DIBS focuses on Mexi-Mutts, we thought we we see in Mexico. Ehrlichiosis Ehrlichiosis – not typical to Canada but found in US in the south...
When Your Dog Doesn’t Love the Car
For some dogs, going in the car means adventure. Are we going on a hike? Are we going to see family? Or maybe we are going camping! These are all positive associations with travel that some dogs make. For others, their association with the car could be going to the...
Weight Management and Your Dog!
A healthy weight is so important in our lives for so many reasons – mobility, organ function, energy. This applies to humans but is very important with the pets in your home. It is your responsibility to help keep your dog at a healthy weight. We all gained a...
Why You NEVER Chase a Lost Dog
Most lost dog posters come with a warning of “DON’T CHASE!” You may assume this is because of the dogs disposition, but it’s actually a warning intended to bridge the instinct gap of man vs beast. Every single time – if you run, they will run. And most of the...
Tractive Intro for New Adopters!
Tractive Intro for New Adopters! To keep your dog safe, remember to keep the Tractive on your dog and charge the battery every evening so it has a full charge to start each day. 1. Create Account: If you are a new Tractive GPS user, you need to use this link to...
Giardia – the 101!
If you have had a puppy, you may have experience with a dog with Giardia! But if it’s new to you, let us share what we know! Who: Puppies or unhealthy dogs are more susceptible due to a weakened immune syste. Healthy adults tend to fare better and fight the bug...Helping You Rehome Your Pet
At DIBS, we are foster home based, so while we have experience fostering, we are by no means professional trainers. We have kids and dogs and cats and families and jobs – just like you do! We generally don’t accept dogs with behavioural issues, due to the...
Aaaakkk! My Dog Has Prey Drive!!!
“Aaaakkk! My dog has prey drive” Well, ya! It’s a dog! Just like you can not teach a fish not to swim, you can not take the prey drive out of a dog: dogs have evolved away from their ancestors (wolves) and may have retained an instinctual desire...
DCM and its Connections to Diet
If you have applied for a DIBS dog, you know that we have asked about your knowledge of DCM. We think it’s a very important topic that every pet parent needs to have a basic understanding of so here is a brief overview of DCM. Disclaimer: We are not vets, and...
NILIF: A Technique for Establishing Your Dog’s Boundaries
What is NILIF? Nothing in Life is Free (NILIF) is a non-confrontational positive reinforcement technique that is used to improve your dog’s behaviour by building their confidence through clear rules and rewarding them for good behaviour. Having your dog work for...
Rookie Questions!
Sometimes applicants are afraid to ask the 101 stuff so we will try to address questions here! Q. Does DIBS have any rules about crate training for dogs? Some places say it’s good to do for puppies, other places say absolutely not for any of their dogs, so I...
Betty White Day: 17-January!
As many people know, Betty White was an advocate for rescue dogs. In honour of her birthday, we encourage people to donate to an animal welfare organization that they believe in. Any amount is truly appreciated! How to donate to DIBS eTransfer donations in any amount...
Dog Bed Basics
A dog bed should be a safe space for your dog. They can use it for napping, but also just to get away from it all. We put some thought into buying a dog bed such as what size, will it match my decor and the price, but do we put much thought into where it goes in our...
Stranger Danger and Your Dog
This pandemic has been hard on us – our pets included. Now, things are returning to a version of normal. It’s somewhat exciting and a bit nerve-wracking to some. We will see more people out and about, and visitors will start coming into your home. For your...
What to do when your rescue dog is afraid of men
If your rescue dog is showing some fear towards men, know that it isn’t uncommon. There are lots of different factors that could contribute to this behaviour, including: Previous traumatic experiences with men Little to no exposure to men Behaviour and/or...Charter – It’s an Inside Job!!!
LOCATION: 959 Derry Road East, Mississauga (Derry and Dixie) – Hi Team, we have a big day tomorrow with lots of moving parts. As of right now, the expectation is that the flight lands at 5am, customs starts work at 6am, trucks get loaded for 830am and arrive at...Master Plan for Charter on Saturday 12-June-2021
DO NOT SHARE THIS DOCUMENT WITH FOSTERS – PLANNING DETAIL ONLY! Charter Date: Saturday 12-June-2021 LOCATION: 959 Derry Road East, Mississsauga (Derry and Dixie) – Lots of parking! Charter hired by: The Dog-Go Project Commentary about being...
Heartworm disease—a high-level overview
The topic of heartworm is complex, but we are going to try to just give you enough info to help make informed decisions. Disclaimer: we are not vets, so be sure to ask your vet for more info! How is heartworm transmitted? Mosquitoes. Yup, it’s as easy as that!...DIBS Charter on Saturday 12-June-2021
DIBSters!!! Thank you for taking part in this amazing day!!! Hi Team, we have a big day tomorrow with lots of moving parts. As of right now, the expectation is that the flight lands at 5am, customs starts work at 6am, trucks get loaded for 830am and arrive at Location...DIBS Success Tips!
Importance of the dogs bio: Read the dogs bio in full. We try to ensure we list requirements to ensure people apply for the right match. If you are not a match, please don’t apply. We have dogs that have specific requirements and we outline them in the bio....Distemper Survivors
From time to time we have rescue dogs who are survivors of distemper. Our fosters and adopters love these pups as they often seem to really appreciate their second chance at life. The survival rate is not great, and pups that pull through are so incredibly special....
Seizures in dogs
My dog Tiegan, a rescue (pre-DIBS) from a beach town just north of Puerto Vallarta, has seizures. They started just before her second birthday and came on suddenly. So suddenly, in fact, the first one struck in the middle of a walk. After a vet checkup and complete...Foster Phone Screen Report
Foster Applicant Phone Screen Report Thank you for helping to screen foster applicants! Please contact the applicant directly to arrange a time that works for you, as well as them. A few phone screen (PS) tips: Prior to the call, familiarize yourself with the...Owner Surrenders
While DIBS focus’ on dogs from Mexico, from time to time we are able to take an owner surrender. Note: We are currently at capacity and don’t have room for Owner Surrenders. Options for you: Please read this: ...Volunteer Info
Hi DIBSters! Just gathering a bit of info for our systems. When you have a moment, please fill it out. zDIBS Volunteer Addresses Info for DIBS volunteers "*" indicates required fields DIBS Volunteer Name* First name and last nameEmail Address* Facebook...Vetting Partner-Submit Info
VETTING PARTNERS Vetting partners to work with DIBS foster parents. "*" indicates required fields DIBS volunteer gathering info* Vet Clinic Name* Vet name if easily available/relevant City Location* Vet Address / Cross Streets* Website Email Address Phone...Dog Bios for Fosters to Complete
Please complete form in full. When follow-up email is received, paste into dogs chat album under BIO Updates. Reminder to take your time with this form. This is our primary way to know and understand your dog, so getting great detail will result in better bios. Your...
Picking up a dog from the airport
Pickup at the airport can involve a lot of moving parts. We have done this a lot and we have streamlined the steps below, to remove any stress of the unknown. Volunteers: 1. Airport Lead. There will be one DIBS “Airport Lead” person at the airport. Airport lead...
DIBS Rescue, 2016 sweatshirt
TR625 Victory Springs V Crew Exploring this shirt, in white (it’s nice!!!) . Sizes kinda suck….S to XL only (odd!!!). I got a medium in it and its a generous size. We do NOT know this price, we hope it to be a fundraising item, and will maybe be $60? (I...
Tis the Season!
Regardless of what we celebrate this time of year, we all know the vibe is different. Things get busier and louder, and our routines are off. Just like people, our pets do notice it – the good and the bad. For a good number of dogs, this has been their first...New Sweatshirts!
January 2021, we will be offering a new sweatshirt! Donate $65 to get one of these! In an effort to save costs, we will place one order on WEDNESDAY January 6th. Please get your order in before then. Pick up is in Mississauga (north) or pay an additional $10 for...Want to Apply to Be a Flight Parent?
Thank you for your interest in being a DIBS flight parent! A flight parent can help out on both legs of their journey, if they want to (we often need help) Southbound – Read more about taking donations / returning crates to Mexico Northbound – Read more...
Tractive….The 101 Info for DIBS Adopters!
As you may have heard, all dogs in DIBS foster homes have a Tractive device on them during all daytime hours. We know that dogs can get loose while on a walk, in a park, or just bolting out of the front door of a home. When a dog is adopted, we want to ensure their...
Baby, It’s Cold Outside!
If you are reading this, there is a good chance that you are an animal lover! As the snow comes down (and it’s only November!), we need to advocate a bit more for our furry friends out there. Here are a few tips / things to consider! ...Foster Touching Base with Applicant
Hello Foster Parent! Part of your role is keeping applicants “warm”. We don’t want this for all applicants, but for the ones that we really really feel could be “the one!”. It’s important that applicants feel engaged with DIBS....
Even If You Don’t Win the Lottery…..
Too often we hear “If I won the lottery, I’d help all the dogs!” We get it, if I won the lottery, I’d be like Oprah “You get a spay/neuter van! YOU get a spay/neuter van! Everyone gets a spay/neuter van!!!” and they’d all...
Why do you foster?
Hello DIBS Foster Parent! We are interested to know more about you and your role with DIBS! Questionnaire: Why do you foster? Name First Last Email What city/neighbourhood do you live in? Do you live in a house/condo/apartment/shared...
DogFest Vendor Details
DogFest in the Square Streetsville, Ontario (the corner of Queen & Main in Streetsville) Saturday 20-July-2019 from 10am to 3pm. Please arrive early enough to be set up and ready for a 10am sharp start time. Parking: There is a Green P parking lot nearby,...
What To Do If You Have Found a Lost Dog or Cat
What To Do If You Have Found a Lost Dog or Cat If you see a dog or cat that seems to be lost, do take action! Don’t assume it’s a homeless pet. In Canada, the number of abandoned pets is low (yes, it happens), so if you see a cat or dog, there is a good...
Lost Dog! Steps to Take
Lost Dog! Steps to Take As a new dog owner, you need to take extra precautions: multiple leashes, monitor door usage (tackle stance like you’re in the NFL), collar, tags and microchip (ensure info is always current on file). But if your dog does get past you,...
Keeping Your Dog Secure
Dog Safety is one of those things that we don’t think about until after something happens. Some examples are when your dog: bolts from the car escapes through the front door or, has been gone for days, and you have no idea where to star We want to share our “lessons...Thalia – The Complete Story!
Thalia – The Complete Story! Riviera Rescue, based in Puerto Morelos, Mexico, was her front-line rescuer. Here is the story from Matteo: “This is Thalia, I found her almost 4 years ago, she was living a hell, she had a family but they chained her to a palm...
Your Rescue Responsibility
Adopting the perfect dog isn’t really a thing. Some dogs are better than others, some are fantastic, but under the wrong guidance from their humans, even the best dog may flounder. A dog’s life, learning, and education is an ongoing work in progress (just...
Shelter Puppy Syndrome!
Shelter Puppy Syndrome. Ok, we made that term up as there isn’t a lot of info on the topic. Perhaps it isn’t a universal issue. But – it is an issue facing our rescue organization. We have amazing rescue partners, and like anything in rescue, funds...Picking up a Foster from the Airport!
Volunteers: 1. Airport Lead. There will be one DIBS “Airport Lead” person at the airport. Airport lead person will need contact info for the flight escort, so they can discuss progress/address questions. 2. There will be a “Commercial Volunteer” at a second office...
Introducing a New Dog to your Existing Dog(s)
Whether you’re adopting a second (or third, or fourth!) dog, or you’re looking to start welcoming foster pups into your pack, you’re likely wondering how you can set both dogs up for happiness and success. Know your existing dog Understanding how...Foster Contract Content
DIBS Rescue Volunteer Contract 2023 1. My foster dog will be kept securely double-leashed at all times, while outside of the home. Foster dog is to be secured by using their flat collar, slip lead, a double lead, a leash attached to a harness or a combination...Personal Reference to Foster
Hello! Someone in your life has applied to foster dogs for DIBS Rescue, and they have listed you as a reference for them. Please don’t delay, and respond to the following questions. Thanks for helping save more dog lives! Once you complete the form, you will...
Shy / Fearful Dogs – Navigating the Great Outdoors
Showing Your Dog the World Beyond! Lots of dogs are very excited at the word “walk” or a glimpse of the leash. But not all dogs. There is a whole other category of dogs that are terrified to explore outside the safety of their space. We find it often happens with...
Teaching “Touch” to your Dog
Teach “Touch” or “Hand Target to your Dog” Why should I add this to my training regime? Helps nervous dogs approach people (our focus below) Gives your dog a proper way to say “hello” Allows them a way to focus when needed Provides...
Leash Reactivity in Dogs & You!
With leash-reactivity, the common denominator is a dog who feels trapped while on a leash attached to a human. That usually points toward an unsure or tense handler. Check to see if YOU are leash reactive! We don’t mean that you are barking at every dog that...
Kids & Dogs!
If you have been looking for a rescue dog for a while, but have kids, you may find it discouraging. Many rescues will not adopt to families with kids, or with kids under a certain age. This is typically due to something that has happened and falls into the...
The high’s and lows of having a dog…
Are You Ready for a Dog? We Mean, Really, Honestly, Undoubtedly and Unconditionally – Ready for a Dog? The reason for wanting a dog falls into the “high’s” category. We visualize all the wonderful things that go along with having a dog: Autumn...Donation Gifts
A big part of DIBS Fundraising is having our followers donate, and get a bit of DIBS gear to take home! If you donate, you get to feel warm and fuzzy, and if you choose, you get some DIBS swag. We do have these items at our Events (check the events page on our...Protected: Phone Screen Report
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Vet Reference Report
Hello! One of your clients has applied for a DIBS dog, and they have listed you as a reference for them. Please don’t delay as it may affect their screening: help by responding to the following questions. Note: if you prefer to complete this reference via...Personal Reference Report
Hello! Someone in your life has applied for a DIBS dog, and they have listed you as a reference for them. Please don’t delay, and respond to the following questions. Thanks for helping out a rescue dog in need! Once you complete the form, you will get...Protected: Home Visit Report
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Why Hire a Dog Trainer?
When you adopt a DIBS dog, the expectation is that you will sign up for training (well…it’s more than an expectation: it’s actually in the adoption contract). We don’t hesitate to have veterinarians and groomers lined up to help with our pets....
Dealing with a Shy Dog
From time to time a dog enters the rescue that seems “shy”. Often they have entered a shelter at a young age, and are not exposed to a lot of human contact, or life with a family. New surroundings can overwhelm them so fosters and new families need to be...Congratulations on your Adoption! Now the fun begins!
Congratulations on your Adoption! Now the fun begins! It’s so important to be thoughtful about introducing your dog to your world. First impressions matter – your dog feels this way too! Arriving at home: If you have existing dog, perhaps let the dogs meet outside...
Understanding & Catching Fearful Dogs
This document is aimed at assisting people who are trying to catch a high-stress, fearful dog. It can not cover every possible scenario but details the most proven methods for getting a fearful dog back home. Dogs generally run for one of two reasons; you need to...
Potty-Training!
When you adopt (or foster), we don’t know a dog’s skills in the bathroom department! We can hope, but we never know! To help with potty training, there are a few important tips! Outside treats only Schedule & consistency Crate training The same as...
Donations!
We love donations – both for dogs in foster care in Ontario, and for needs in Mexico (shelters and clinics) For Canadian Foster dogs, we need dog toys, leashes, harnesses, poop bags and winter coats (Pet Valu keeps us stocked up on food and treats) To send to...
Therapy Dogs
We do get asked if we have dogs that could be therapy dogs. Generally, we do not. Some may surprise us and be up for the task, but at DIBS, we do want our dogs to be the ones on the receiving end of support, while they acclimate to their new lives. Being a pet,...
Foster to Adopt (FTA)
Foster to Adopt (FTA) At DIBS, we want to have all the dogs come into rescue, but are limited by number of foster homes. In an effort to solve this dilemma, in some situations, after screening is completed and potential dog match is made, we may suggest “Foster to...
Shopping List for Your New Dog
Crate – discuss with foster parents, as not needed for all dogs. You will need to know the size to purchase. GPS Tracker – DIBS Rescue has decided to use Tractive GPS systems. It has great technology for tracking, has a battery life of 2-5 days, and is...
Decompression and Why It’s Important to Your New Dog
The First Thing To Do When Getting A Dog From A Shelter – Learn What “Decompression” Is It’s pretty damn awesome of you to look to the shelter when searching for a dog to add to your family. I mean that. Our nation’s shelters, pounds, and humane societies are...
Setting Boundaries for Your New Dog
Setting Boundaries for your Dog Picture this: your new rescue dog has come from a life on the streets or in the shelter. Desired human contact is a treat. Unconditional love is more than they can imagine. Then, they get rescued, travelled, fostered – lots of changes,...
How to Help your Dog Manage Stress
Training – Give your Pooch the Gift of Training! Training is good for all dogs, regardless of age, or their current skill-set. If you and your dog are new companions, training is the best way to help you both speak the same language. Your dog sees this time as a...
Dog Peeing in Favourite Spot Indoors
You’ve brought your new rescue dog home and suddenly they are peeing in that one spot – this is unexpected as you were told the dog was housetrained! There are a few things to consider: 1. Newly adopted dogs – even if fully housetrained – may have an accident in...
Integrating your new dog with an existing cat
INTEGRATING YOUR NEW DOG WITH AN EXISTING CAT How you introduce your new dog to your cat or cats plays a significant role in establishing their long-term relationship. We want your new dog and your cat to have many happy years together! We ask that you please follow...
First Few Days at Home – Setting Your Dog up for Success!
Trigger stacking: how we set our dogs up to fail When we adopt a dog, what we expect is for them to be happy. We like to think that they get what’s happening and that it’s all blooming marvellous. We tell ourselves that they know what’s going on and that...