Please find downloadable, shareable handouts that are free for fosters, rescues, and shelters to use to educate fosters and volunteers on how to care for, handle, and help pregnant and nursing moms and pups! If you need help on caring for orphaned puppies, please see our newborn puppies guides and our puppy guides (for puppies over three weeks).
These handouts are very summarized versions of content published in full throughout the Goodest Pups. They are designed to be digestible and easy for anyone to understand. They may also be adapted and customized by animal non-profits with attribution to the Goodest Pups.
| Title | Summary | Matching Blog Post |
|---|---|---|
| Mom and Pups Foster Guide | An eight-page guide on supplies, handling, care and development milestones for fosters caring for mom and her pups. | |
| Supply List for Fostering Pregnant Dog | A list of necessary and optional supplies that a foster should have when taking on a pregnant dog. | Supplies You’ll Need to Foster a Pregnant Dog |
| How to Set Up a Whelping Box | A detailed guide on how to set up a whelping box for a pregnant dog – before, during and after giving birth! | How to Set Up a Whelping Box |
| Stages of Labor | An overview of the three stages of labor, including subtle and more obvious signs of the start of labor and active labor. | The Three Stages of Labor for Pregnant Dogs |
| Foster’s Role During Labor & Delivery | A guide to what foster’s should expect during labor and delivery and what they should do (if anything). | The Three Stages of Labor for Pregnant Dogs |
| When to Be Concerned During Dog Labor and Delivery | A list of possible complications and problems that may arise during labor and delivery, both for mom as well as newly born pups. Includes solutions and when to go to the vet! | When to Be Concerned During Dog Labor and Delivery |
| When to Wean | A one-page guide (with references) on when to start weaning pups. | |
| How-to Puppy Proof Your Home | One-page guide to instructing fosters on how to puppy-proof their home before taking in foster(s). | How to Prepare Your Home for a Foster Puppy |
| Setting Up the Puppy Pen | One-page guide on how to set up a puppy pen for success. | |
| Introducing Food + Water | One-page guide on how and when to introduce food/water. | |
| Introducing the Potty Area | Two-page guide on building the foundation for potty training with proper setup. | How to Start Potty Training a Litter of Puppies |
| Introducing Grooming | One-page guide on how to introduce elements of grooming. | |
| Setting Up the Puppy Outdoor Area | One-page guide on securing outdoor space and how to enrich outdoor spaces. | |
| Puppy Vaccination Schedule | One-page cheat sheet on when to vaccinate puppies based on age. | Puppy Vaccination Schedule for Rescues and Shelters |
| Puppy Dewormer Schedule | One-page cheat sheet on when to deworm puppies based on age. | Puppy Dewormer Schedule for Rescues and Shelters |
I also highly recommend implementation of a puppy socialization program, which includes enrichment, familiarization, desensitization and socialization. I have developed my own program, KinderPUP, based on research as well as what has worked for me as a foster in a rescue environment.
