u/Steamboated-

Visiting Taipei next month and would just like some advice on seats. I typically don't like to sit too close (Looking at 116-118, 108-110) but I know that the cheerleading culture is a big thing and maybe something I don't want to miss as a visitor. I typically like to go maybe one section up in the 200s probably. Would I still get a good view of the game and the stage from there? Is there something specific about the "hot zone" I should know?

First post: https://www.reddit.com/r/fosterdogs/s/DBmUlvpqyQ

Finally received the dog from the shelter last night. This was NOT the calm and shy dog I originally met and I’m exhausted 😂 very cuddly, jumpy, and playful. I had him sniff around the apartment and our building’s dog park when he arrived. Pulled on the leash a bit, but not hard. I only corrected when he tried a bit too hard. Trying to balance the beginning between corrections and just letting him explore since he’s very curious. We walked around the building a bit and then went inside to eat and settle down. He napped under the table a bit when we got back. He was getting chewy, so I gave him a cow kneecap for a few minutes before going to bed to help settle him back down.

The shelter recommended against a crate or pen (which I regret now), so he slept in our bedroom in his bed (despite some attempts to climb on ours). He didn’t sleep much though. Whined a bit and eventually vomited. Not sure if it was anxiety, the kneecap, the treats, or a little everything. This was at 1am and then he woke us up again at 5am, so I took him out to the dog park again to sniff, chase a ball, and then go on a long walk.

All in all though, I consider this a success so far. I’m glad he’s drinking water and eating. My biggest fear based on my first impression was that he would shut down as soon as he got here. Of course he’s not perfect and is a little naughty, but we’ll get there eventually. Debating how to handle the crate and or pen situation, because we simply cannot trust him home alone free as the shelter owner was doing. He’s not too destructive around us, but has chewed the carpet and tried to jump on the couch a few times so we don’t want to know what happens if we leave him alone free. For now he’s great at protecting us from delivery drivers, his reflection, my shoes, and the magic talking box in the living room. Going to get him bathed now and hope to see some more words of encouragement and feedback while I drink about 3 coffees.

I decided to foster this dog (pictured) for the first time. I’m also new to caring for a dog, and while I’ve always wanted one, I’ve waited because I wanted to be sure I could give a dog the care it deserves. My only real experience was helping a former roommate with his German shepherd. The dog was reactive on walks, and I quickly realized how much I didn’t know. That experience made me nervous about eventually getting a dog of my own. I’ve been trying to watch videos from dog trainers since then, interested to learn more about proper training.

This little guy was rescued along with about 30 other dogs from the dog meat trade in China. I don’t know how much trauma he’s experienced or what behaviors to expect. The shelter is overwhelmed, so I decided to step up and foster. I keep reminding myself that even if I’m inexperienced, a calm home is probably a big improvement over a crowded shelter.

What makes me most nervous is those first few days. That moment we get home and I think “okay now what?” He’s estimated to be 2–4 years old and was described as a teddy bear mix (possibly schnauzer/Shih Tzu). When I met him, he was very quiet and withdrawn, but that’s kinda why I like him. While the other dogs barked and wanted attention, he mostly sat in the back calmly. When I took him for a short walk, he seemed much more interested in sniffing around and lying down than interacting with me; completely understandable.

My instinct is to give him plenty of space, but I also want to help him become more confident and adoptable. How much should I let him decompress versus gently encouraging training, routine, and interaction? How hard should I push in those first days? And for those of you who’ve fostered shy or traumatized dogs, what should I realistically expect?