In this Foster Fast Track episode, Jackie Adams provides a beginner’s roadmap to the Fear Free movement, focusing on how fosters can reduce a dog's "FAS" (Fear, Anxiety, and Stress) from the moment they arrive. By shifting the focus from obedience to emotional safety, fosters can help even the most shut-down dogs begin to thrive. You'll learn the core pillars of a Fear Free home, including the concept of "Gentle Control," the importance of giving a dog agency, and how to create a "Fear Free Fortress" where a foster pup can truly decompress.
Key Takeaways:
Prioritize Emotional Health: The Fear Free approach treats a dog’s emotional well-being as equally important as their physical health. The goal is to prevent and alleviate Fear, Anxiety, and Stress (FAS).
Agency and Choice: One of the most powerful tools for a fearful dog is "agency"—the ability to choose. Let the dog decide when to approach you and when to retreat to their safe space; never force affection or interaction.
Build a Fear Free Fortress: Create a dedicated, quiet area in your home with high-value "survival supplies" (water, puzzles, soft bedding). This should be a "no-pressure zone" where the dog can hide and observe without being disturbed.
Gentle Control: Replace physical restraint with "gentle control and stabilization." Use food lures or target touches to move a dog comfortably rather than grabbing or dragging them by the leash.
Speak Dog: Learn to recognize subtle "whispers" of stress, such as lip licking, yawning, or averted gazes, so you can adjust the environment before the dog feels the need to "shout" (bark or growl).
Resources Mentioned:
Fear Free Shelters: fearfreeshelters.com — Free certification and resources for animal welfare volunteers and fosters.
Fear Free Happy Homes: fearfreehappyhomes.com — Videos, articles, and "kits" specifically for pet parents and fosters.
Maddie’s Fund: The Fear Free Shelter Program Overview — A quick link to the core modules used by many shelters.