Our Philosophy

The Extra Mile Dog Rescue uses a holistic approach with its dogs. Ample exercise, good nutrition, coexistence in a loving home with limitations and boundaries, and daily demonstration of good dog behaviors are all essential ingredients in our foster homes.

Long walks at least twice daily help create a bond between dog and human that weaves its way through all other aspects of the dog’s life. The walks also reinforce many good dog behaviors including sit and stay, walking with a loose leash, and meeting humans and other dogs without incident. High quality dog food with wholesome and minimally processed ingredients is an important key to optimum health and supports exercise and endurance. Benevolently set limitations and boundaries lay out exactly what humans expect as they take on the role of being the leader, allowing the dog the less stressful task of being a follower. Additional good dog behaviors such as polite eating habits, house breaking, crate training, leaving objects when requested, not jumping, and sitting before going out doors are taught and reinforced daily. Our foster parents are able to modify behaviors if necessary by praising the dog when the appropriate behavior is offered.

Foster families are trained on all these ingredients and use them with their own dogs. The addition of a foster dog to the household seems like a natural progression and is not too strenuous on either the family or the dog. Families adopting dogs from our rescue are also trained on these ingredients and are strongly encouraged to continue using them over the course of the dog’s life. They are also encouraged to call us if they encounter any problems with their new family member so we can help make appropriate changes that result in a well-adjusted dog in a happy household.