kennel volunteer program intro 2012
TRANSCRIPT
GUIDE DOG FOUNDATIONKENNEL VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
2012
Guide Dog Foundation & VetDogs
Who are we?
Since 1946, the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Inc. has provided guide dogs free of charge to blind people who seek enhanced mobility and independence.
Our students come to us from all over the United States and many foreign countries. Our trademark small classes and individualized instruction often attract students who may have special requirements. We have successfully trained hearing-impaired blind people as well as many physically challenged people.
What is our mission? To improve the quality of life for people who are blind, visually impaired, or
with other special needs.
America’s VetDogs® – The Veteran's K-9 Corps® is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization founded by the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind and serves the needs of disabled veterans and active duty personnel.
To help those who have served our country honorably live with dignity and independence.
How can you help?
Our Program
A task force was formed to evaluate ways we can improve safety and working environment for the dogs in our kennel and the people who work with them
The program will accomplish: Improved safety of staff and volunteers Reduced stress levels for dogs Improved environmental stimulation for dogs Better learning and training success for dogs
How do we do it?
Improved safety
Standard technique for entering and leaving runs safely
Dogs maintain calm when approached by a handler of any experience level
Our motto: “Four on the floor opens the door"
Improved safety
Special equipment for walking dogs in kennel
One size fits all Less potential for a
dog to hurt itself by pulling too hard
Requires slightly different handling techniques than a leash and collar
Improved safety
SLOW IT DOWN! CALM ENVIRONMENT FOR DOGS AND PEOPLE = BETTER SAFETY FOR ALL!
WHAT DOES THE WORLD LOOK LIKE TO A GUIDE DOG PUPPY?
Reduced stress for dogs
Reduced stress for dogs
WHAT DOES THE WORLD LOOK LIKE TO A DOG IN THE KENNEL?
Reduced stress for dogs
Negative effect on health
Decreased learning Increase in
undesirable behaviors (barking, spinning, jumping)
Decreased training success
Exercise Engage in natural
behaviors (sniff, chew, socialize with other dogs)
Meaningful contact with humans
Grooming/body touch
What are the effects of stress?
What reduces stress?
Environmental stimulation
Exercise Socialization with other dogs Interactive toys Brushing sessions Massage Fun, easy training games Dedicated social interaction with
people EVERY DOG, EVERY DAY!
These activities lead to better learning and training success!
WHAT does all this mean for me?
Key items in the program
Expanded volunteer hours (10:30 AM – 5:00 PM weekdays, 11:30 AM-5:00 PM weekends)
Four level training program
Increased flexibility: can stop at any level or do all 4
Everyone starts at Level 1!
Community free run All free run is done
outdoors unless determined unsafe by GDF (rain, snow, extreme heat or cold)
Dogs are run in groups of 4-10
Second play field added so up to 20 dogs can get out at once.
Canine care staff will assist most volunteer shifts
Training staff also free run dogs at least once per day
Third play field available for training staff (not practical for volunteers)
CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW VIDEO
Level Training
Level 1 Socializer
You must complete at least 10 hours at Level 1 and pass the Level 1 test before progressing to Level 2
All Level 1 activities take place outside the kennel run
Calmly talk to and pet dogs through kennel gate
Provide positive reinforcement for good manners (calm and quiet greetings)
Stuff interactive toys (Kongs, bones Buster Cubes) with kibble
Help with community free run setup (water buckets, toys, scoopers)
Level 2 Socializer
You must complete at least 15 hours at Level 2 and pass the Level 2 test before progressing to Level 3
All Level 1 activities Play the “Door Game” – practice
safe and controlled door opening Play the “Leash Game” – safely
put on and remove slip lead without removing dog from kennel
Start with one dog and get tested for two dogs once you are confident
Level 3 Socializer
You must complete at least 20 hours at Level 3 and pass the Level 3 test before progressing to Level 4
All Level 1 & 2 activities Brush, pet, and cuddle dogs
inside the kennel run Distribute interactive toys at
scheduled times Assist staff and Level 4
socializers monitoring community free run (no leash handling)
Level 4 Socializer
Level 4 socializers must follow all procedures carefully and accurately to maintain Level 4 status
All Level 1, 2, and 3 activities Calmly and safely leash walk
dogs to community free run area
Monitor large group free run activities
Calmly and safely return dogs to kennel after play sessions
Kennel volunteer hours of operation
Levels 1, 2, and 3: 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Level 4 (community free run): 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Levels 1, 2, and 3: 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Level 4 (community free run): 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Weekdays Weekends
Training Sessions
Level 1: 1/2 hour classroom
+ hands on Level 2:
1 hour classroom + hands on
Level 3: 1 hour classroom +
hands on Level 4:
1 hour classroom + hands on
What’s Next?
Schedule a Level 1 Training Session! Call or email Barrie to schedule
631-930-9000, ext 1549 [email protected]
Upcoming Level 1 Training Dates:
TBA