Experienced Dog Buddy

Save to Favorites

Responsibilities:

• Walking difficult dogs
• Providing enrichment
• Supervising play groups
• Socializing
• Light training through positive reinforcement
• Picking up after the dogs both inside and outside to prevent the spread of diseases, parasites, etc.
• Speaking with the public about the dogs and puppies in our adoption program if volunteering during public hours

Qualifications:

• Good to High Level physical condition due to the high level of physical activity.
• Commitment to using the handling and training protocols outlined by the Dog Buddy Training program.
• Receptive to feedback and willingness to learn.
• Ability to work independently and follow instructions.

Training Requirements:

• Volunteers start by attending a one-hour orientation.
• At the time of orientation, volunteers sign up for the first 2 hour Dog Buddy training session.
• When they attend the Dog Buddy training session, they will sign up for the second piece of training, which lasts for one hour.
• They are then required to shadow a current Lead Dog Buddy volunteer for a minimum of 4 hours.
• Volunteers must pass both a written and observational assessment before volunteering on their own.
• Further training sessions, along with a required set number of completed volunteer hours with the dogs, allows volunteers to graduate to higher levels of expertise and interaction with our dogs here at the shelter. Not all Dog Buddies will advance at the same rate. These volunteers must pass both a written as well as observational assessment before advancing.