Dog Kennel Assistant

Volunteer

Assignment

Handbook

February 2019

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Table of Contents

Welcome and Contact Info………………………………………….…………….. 2

Dog Kennel Assistant Volunteer Assignment Description……..……..........……...3

Learning Objectives for this assignment….….……………………………………..4

Volunteer Shift Task Summary for this assignment……..……………..……….….5

Information about Dogs at the League…….………………………………………..6

Policies and Procedures for Dog Kennel Assistant Volunteers……...…...………..6-13

Volunteer Use of Walkie Talkies…………………………………………………..13-14

Volunteer Rules and Guidelines…………………………………………………….15

How to Greet a Dog……………………………………………………….……......16

Positive vs. Traditional Training Methods…………………………...……………..17-18

Body Language of Fear in Dogs…………………………………………………….19

Common Dog Kennel Assistant Volunteer Questions………………..……….........20

Training Checklist…………………………………………………………………...21

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Welcome to the Dog Kennel Assistant volunteer team at AWLA!

Welcome to the League, we are so excited to have you join our amazing team of volunteers! When

you become a volunteer at AWLA, you also become an ambassador for the organization and its

mission. The following pages will discuss the policies and procedures for Dog Kennel Assistant

volunteers at the shelter. We aim to provide you with an educational experience so you are prepared

with the information and training you need to work in our kennels and with the shelter dogs. In this

role, you will also be engaging with the public, answering questions regarding adoptions or about the

League in general. This handbook will serve as a source of information about your volunteer

assignment. It will explain your role, as well as the commitment the League needs from you and our

commitment to you.

Of course, no handbook can answer all your questions. If you have questions about this handbook or

this assignment please feel free to contact our Volunteer Manager, Adrienne Mintz at

amintz@awla.org or by calling (703)-931-9241, ext. 246.

Contact information for the Dog Kennel Assistant Assignment

Behavior & Training Manager - Rebecca Yoo….(703) 931-9241 ext. 244 ryoo@awla.org

Behavior & Training - Kat Heckert….(703) 931-9241 ext. 221 kheckert@awla.org

Volunteer Manager - Adrienne Mintz……………(703) 931-9241, ext. 246 amintz@awla.org

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Learning Objectives for the Dog Kennel Assistant Volunteer

Before volunteering independently, volunteers in this assignment will need to complete two classroom

sessions (that will include take-home materials) as well as hands-on training shifts with a buddy.

Volunteers should understand the following upon completion of the volunteer orientation, classroom

sessions (including take-home materials), hands-on training sessions, reading the Volunteer Guide &

this assignment Handbook:

● An overview of the League's services.

● General policies and procedures for the volunteer program.

● How the League aims to make matches between the dogs in our care and interested parties.

● Guidelines for showing dogs to members of the public including the ability to answer questions

about specific dogs, the League in general, as well as the adoption process and policies.

● How to work with shelter dogs including the ability to safely and appropriately handle them.

● How to read canine body language, signs of stress and have an idea of the variety of types of

dogs they will be interacting with.

● How to utilize the behavior concern forms

● What are behavior protocols and how are they used

● The reward based training system employed at the League.

● How to navigate the kennels and locate tools/equipment needed during a volunteer shift.

● Kennel cleaning guidelines.

● Kennel tasks to be completed during down time.

● Channels of communication for any medical and behavioral concerns.

● How to navigate the online volunteer system (VIC Net/Volgistics) and access your

personal volunteer account for tasks including:

o Scheduling yourself for volunteer shifts

o Reschedule a previously scheduled volunteer shift

o Cancel a scheduled shift (including telephone protocol for same-day cancellation)

o Update contact information (even upload a current headshot photo)

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Dog Kennel Assistant

Volunteer Shift Task Summary

o Did you sign in at the volunteer computer and check out a kennel key?

o Did you pick up some treats from the fridge?

o Did you stop by the front desk to be issued a walkie talkie?

o Do a walk-through of the kennels:

o Check for any clean up needed

o Review kennel cards

o Review behavior protocols

o Have you checked the yard and:

o Scooped any poop

o Filled water bowls

o Cleaned off benches

o Have you greeted members of the public and offered your assistance?

o Assist potential adopters by taking dogs to the yard for a meeting.

o Read all kennel signage & discuss pertinent information prior to taking dog

out

o Monitor interactions between dogs and the public

If there’s some downtime during your shift, you can:

o Rotate dogs into the yard for a break

o Please be sure to note (on the whiteboard) the names of the dogs

you had out so it is communicated to the staff and other volunteers

o Prepare treats in the staff lounge

o Prepare nylabones

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Information about Dogs at the League:

The Animal Welfare League of Arlington operates an open-admissions animal shelter. “Adoptable”

animals are sheltered here for as long as it takes to find them new lifetime homes or, in some cases,

until they are transferred to another rescue or shelter for adoption. Each dog that comes into the League

undergoes a medical evaluation by our animal care staff and may also have a behavior assessment by

our League behavior and adoptions staff.

All dogs that you will come into contact with as volunteers are considered medically and behaviorally

adoptable, and have been vaccinated against distemper, bordatella, parvo, parainfluenza and tested for

heartworm. All dogs that are at least 4 months old also receive the rabies vaccine at the time of their

S/N surgery unless already current. As a precaution due to the number of dogs that you will come into

contact with at the shelter, it is strongly recommended that you also keep your own dogs fully

vaccinated.

Our entire staff at the League works together to find permanent homes for shelter animals. We use

information gathered from their behavior assessment, as well as other factors such as how the dog is

adjusting to the shelter, their history in the previous home, their health status, etc to decide whether a

dog will be made available for adoption. Animals that have severe medical or behavioral problems

that make them unsafe to themselves, the community or other animals may be humanely euthanized.

Procedures for Dog Kennel Assistants

When You Arrive

When you arrive at the shelter for your shift, you will start in the volunteer lounge where you will:

- Put on your name tag

- Sign in to VIC Net/Volgistics at the volunteer computer

- Check out a kennel key

- Check the whiteboard for any notes from other volunteers

- Grab some treats

As you sign into VIC Net/Volgistics, you may see a pop-up message waiting for you. These will

generally be any updates or notifications from the staff.

Once you are trained to work with the dogs, you can grab some treats from the kitchen before you head

to the kennels. We practice reward based interactions and training with the animals here at the League.

You will need treats at some point while you are here for your shift. While we use treats, we also need

to be careful not to cause stomach upset/diarrhea as a result of too many treats or a variety of treats.

So, we do use a specific type, Natural Balance, which you will generally find in the fridge. This is

also an item on our wishlist, you are welcome to donate this to the dog kennel program.

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In The Kennels

Wellness Whiteboard

There is one main dry erase board in the hall just outside of the dog kennels updated by our dog

enrichment volunteers. All of the dogs in the kennel are listed on this board along with daily walks or

yard time received, special behavior notes, enrichment received, etc. Please check this board to see

which dogs have been out for that day and any special notes.

‘Adoption Pending’ Whiteboard

There is a smaller dry erase board in the dog kennel that is updated each morning with the number of

applications (or Pre-adoption consults, PACS) each dog has. Since this is only updated in the morning,

if an animal receives an application during the day, the front desk will know but it will not be updated

on the board. If you or a member of the public has any question regarding the adoption status of a dog,

the front desk will have the most up-to-date information. If an animal is no longer on view, the front

desk will know where the animal is located—it may have been taken off the adoption floor for medical

or behavioral reasons, adopted or sent to fostering.

Each animal can have a maximum of 2 “adoption pending” holds. Unless otherwise approved, these

holds are 24 hours in length.

Kennel Signage

Dogs have paperwork on their kennel that describes his/her personality, behavior information, or other

pertinent information. Each time you volunteer, please take time to read their kennel card and any

other signage on the kennel before taking the dogs out. There may be additional signage that explains

how to interact safely and appropriately with a specific dog (examples: bouncy, adolescent dog, fearful

dog, nervous dog, etc). With the number of volunteers assisting in the dog kennel, signs and postings

throughout the kennel are generally the easiest and most efficient way to communicate with you

regarding specific dogs.

Restrictions

Some dogs may have adoption restrictions noted by staff. This is typically based on known

information regarding how the dog’s behaviors in a home. We do not restrict based on owner

experience as we were ALL new pet owners at some point and we pride our shelter on offering support

after the adoption. Examples of restrictions:

1. Other pets in the home

2. Environment and/or neighborhood best suited for the dog

3. Children in the home

1. Children - If the kennel card indicates that a dog is not to be placed in a home with children, please

do not permit children under that age to pet/interact with the dog. If a member of the public wants to

visit with that dog, ensure they meet any requirements listed before taking the dog out for them.

For example, Snoopy can’t go to a home with small children he was surrendered for snapping

at the toddler in the previous home and during his interactions with us, was tense during

handling (i.e. hugging or having his paws touched). If a potential adopter has a child, please

consult with adoption staff. Do not take Snoopy out of the kennel for the potential adopter to

meet. It is for their safety, as well as Snoopy’s.

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2. Housing/home environment - For example, a woman approaches and she would like to visit Sally,

a timid Beagle who is hesitant to go through doorways, takes time to warm up to people, and startles

easily at movement/noises. Sally is recommended for a quiet neighborhood/household because of how

sensitive she is. To set her and her new family up for success, we would recommend her to a calm

home in a quiet neighborhood.

An example of another type of housing restriction you may encounter would be, Frankie, a barky

Chihuahua that was surrendered because he was too noisy.

3. Other pets - For example, we have had dogs at the shelter whom were selective about their dog

friends or those who are not compatible with cats. If we know this information ahead of time, it will

be included on the kennel card with details at our front desk. Dogs who have a history of and/or have

shown selectivity with other dogs as part of their assessment, may have details in their paperwork

about what types of dogs they will do best with.

For cats, if there is no information posted and the person has a cat at home, we do not have the

applicant bring their cat in from home. Please tell the applicant to let the front desk staff know that

there is a cat in the home. If they place a hold on the dog, we may schedule a cat test to be done by our

adoptions staff.

Other Restrictions - You may see other recommendations for adopters for a dog who has

shown tendencies towards separation anxiety when alone.

Exceptions to restrictions

If a potential adopter would like to discuss an exception to one of the restrictions listed on the

kennel card, please direct them to the front desk for further discussion. An exception would

need to be made by a staff member prior to taking the dog out for that person.

Behavior protocols Occasionally, you may see a dog with a behavior protocol. These are animals that have challenges

while here. The protocol provides dog kennel assistant with important information you need to know

when taking the dog out of the kennel. Dogs with protocols may:

- Be strong and need a training tool to help make walks easier

- Be fearful/easily stressed by people/dogs/environment

- Be reactive to people or animals, often because of barriers

- Dogs with protocols should have instructions or detail. As a dog kennel assistant, you can take

any available dog out into the dog yard to spend time with them or to introduce them to the

public, unless otherwise noted. However, if there is any dog that you are not comfortable with,

please don’t feel the need to show or interact with that dog. If you need help showing a dog for

any reason, please ask a staff member or another volunteer to do it (or to assist you).

On occasion, due to shortage of space, we may house dogs on the adoption floor that are not yet ready

for adoption. The hallway (leading up to the dogs that are unavailable) should have a barricade with

signage stating ‘Staff Only’ or similar language along with posting on their kennels. Please do not

mention, handle, show or provide information about unavailable dogs to the public.

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Interactions with the dogs

Reward-based Methods Used

As mentioned earlier in the handbook, we employ a reward based system of reinforcement when

working with our dogs, and all other animals in the shelter. While in our custody, it is our job to keep

all of the animals safe, comfortable and well cared for. Our staff and volunteers work very hard and

take great pride to provide the highest level of care that we can to meet our shelter dogs’ medical and

behavioral needs. Given our best efforts, no matter what the resources of a shelter, the kennel

environment is stressful on any animal. It is our goal to create an environment that is as minimally

stressful as possible for the animals in our care. Part of this means, using a reward based system when

interacting and training them and not force or physical/verbal punishment. We use rewards (food,

toys, play, attention) to reinforce behavior that we would like to be repeated in the future. We

withdraw attention and/or rewards for the unfavorable behaviors so that they are less likely to be

repeated. Organizations such as The Humane Society of the US (HSUS), the American Veterinary

Society of Animal Behavior, and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers all endorse positive dog training

as the most effective and humane way to train dogs.

We ask that you refrain from the use of punishment when handling the shelter dogs. This includes:

- Verbally scolding a dog

- Collar corrections, such as snapping or popping the leash

- Alpha Rolls

- Grabbing their muzzle

- The use of a choke or prong collar

The positive training philosophy helps to build the bond between animals and people, it promotes trust

and confidence instead of fear and pain. We want the dogs to understand that people bring all the good

things in life. A dog who has had positive interactions with people is more likely to seek people out

for social interactions. A dog like this is more easily adopted than a dog who exhibits fear and anxiety

toward people. So, ultimately, we hope the use of positive reinforcement helps to increase the

adoptability of the dogs. You will receive additional training regarding these methods and your role in

supporting them during your training.

Taking a Dog Out of the Kennel

All dogs must be on leash prior to exiting their kennel. The doors swing open in both directions, so

open doors slowly/carefully. You may need to block the dog with your leg so that they don’t escape

from the kennel without a leash on. You may also consider using treats to help focus their attention.

After attaching the leash, make sure you have a firm grip with both hands. Before exiting the kennel,

make sure that the aisle is clear of other dogs coming and going and then exit to the play yard with

your dog. Be sure to check the outdoor area for other dogs and people before stepping outside.

When interacting with the dogs– try not to encourage jumping, mouthing and rough-housing. Bring

toys with you to the yard when you take out an exuberant adolescent so you have an appropriate outlet

for potentially mouthy behavior. Rough-housing may encourage already mouthy dogs to put their

teeth on you which can easily result in broken skin. We do not want to encourage bad habits! Please

see our adoptions staff for tips and educational handouts on positive training techniques.

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Please keep in mind that while dogs available for adoption have been cleared medically and

behaviorally, each dog is an individual and circumstances can change. The stress of the shelter can

impact their behavior and stressors can be various and change daily. Stressors can be anything from

having to interact with lots of different people to the sounds they are hearing to the smells to the

proximity of other dogs, and the list could go on. While we do our best to minimize the stress on our

dogs, as the saying goes, there’s no place like home. As stress builds and builds, a dog can get closer

to a snap, a growl, or even a bite. There are a multitude of much more subtle indicators of stress that a

dog will generally exhibit before getting to the point of snapping. It is so important to understand body

language and signs of stress to keep you, the public and the dog safe. During the training you receive

you will learn about more subtle signs of canine body language and how to manage a dog who is

stressed. PLEASE REMEMBER to report any behavior or medical issues to our staff.

What to do if a dog gets loose en route to the dog yard

- Do not chase the dog; stay low and form a slip loop with leash.

- Give cue: “come” or try calling the dog’s name in a happy, high pitched tone. Calling the

dog’s name may or may not work as many stray dogs are named at the shelter and they may not

yet recognize their given names.

- You can try crouching down to see if the dog will come to you.

- Pretend to have a treat or if you have treats toss several on the ground to see if dog will

approach.

- If you have a playful dog, you can try running away a few steps to hopefully engage the dog in

play, it may run after you. Distracting the dog from the fact that it is loose can work.

- Try showing the leash and saying “Want to go for a walk?”, “Want to go for a ride?”, “Want to

go outside?” Surprisingly, these can work with the right dog!

If you can get close enough to the dog you can try to loop the leash over their head. The act of

reaching out towards the dog or over their head may trigger them to run away. If they do approach

you, try to reach under their neck or to the side of their face to take hold of the collar to leash them.

If you cannot catch the lost dog, try to find a nearby staff member or go to the front desk for assistance.

Junior Volunteers

Junior volunteers must stay with their parents during their shift at the League. Parents must hold the

leash in taking dogs to and from the yard. If the kennel card indicates that the dog will not be placed in

a home with children of a certain age, junior volunteers that are younger than the age restriction listed

are not permitted to interact with those dogs either.

Interacting with the public

Greetings

As a volunteer, you are representing the League and as an organization we value strong customer

service and a friendly, welcoming environment for the public. We ask that when you are here for your

shift, you greet members of the public when they arrive in our kennels and offer your assistance.

Please follow the 10-4 rule: Any time we’re within ten feet of someone we make solid eye contact and

smile, and when we’re within four feet, we greet them verbally.

Some folks are just starting their search and just want to quietly browse on their own. Others may

have lots of questions for you or are looking for your feedback regarding selecting a dog. And still

others know exactly what they want and are here to meet a very specific dog. While your volunteer

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experience will involve working with the dogs, as a kennel assistant you will very much be working

with people. This should be something you enjoy - working with and helping people.

When greeting a member of the public, you can simply ask them what they are looking for, a specific

breed, size, energy level, age, etc? Have they had a dog before? Do they want a quiet lap dog or are

they looking for a dog they can be active with? Do they currently have any pets? Are there children in

the home? If they want to browse, that is fine. You can let them know you are there if they have any

questions or they want to visit with a dog. If a member of the public is open to suggestion, try to get

an idea of what they are looking for. Perhaps there is a dog you can recommend for them.

The more often you volunteer at the shelter and get to know the dogs individually, the more

comfortable you will likely feel to make a recommendation to them about one of our shelter dogs or

just to answer their questions on the adoption process.

Showing Dogs

While showing a shelter dog to a potential adopter it is your responsibility to ensure both parties are

acting appropriately. If you are showing a shy, sensitive dog you will want to instruct people meeting

the dog to speak very softly and to interact slowly. You may offer the potential adopter a seat on one

of our benches and bring out some treats for them to offer to the dog. Also, be sure to watch for signs

that the dog’s stress is increasing if/when meeting members of the public so that you can intervene and

or take the dog back to its kennel if it seems too stressed or overstimulated.

**It is very important to stay with members of the public during the entire visit with the dog -

never leave dogs and the public unsupervised. For more rambunctious dogs, you may want to leave

their leash on to allow for more control if needed. This will enable you to answer any questions the

potential adopters have and to ensure meetings are safe for both parties. Please notify front desk staff

if any member of the public is not handling an animal properly or saying anything that may make you

think the applicant would not abide by our adoption policies.

Encourage adoption applications! Please encourage the public to apply on a dog even if the dog already has an application HOLD.

Many people do not follow through with the application process and we often move to the back-up

applicants. If we do not currently have a dog that matches what the member of the public is looking

for, please ask them to check back, look at our website/app, or stop by the front desk to get a list of

other animal shelters/rescue organizations in the area.

Let us know how it went!

Please report anything relevant - good or bad - regarding the meeting and/or your conversation to the

front desk staff. Your feedback and observations are invaluable and appreciated. It really helps our

front desk staff and Adoptions Counselor Volunteers who will be continuing the adoption process with

them to know how they related to the dog and vice versa. Feel free to share how things went and your

sense for the meeting. Did they seem relaxed with the dog or a little unsure or jumpy? Did everyone

that met with the dog seem comfortable or was there a family member who seemed nervous or scared?

Did they have a good feel for the dog’s needs, for example, if it was a shy dog, did they give it space

and time to feel comfortable? Did they have lots of questions? Did they meet more than one dog?

How was your conversation with them? Sometimes, in this more casual setting, they will tell you

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things they might not during the application review. For example, a person may tell you he wants a

dog to give to his mother (against our adoption policy) or a family that plans to leave the dog outside

all day while they are at work. If your feedback is less favorable or you have concerns, please ask to

speak with a front desk staff member privately, away from the front desk area, where you can speak

openly.

Dog-Dog Meetings

Not to worry, only staff and specifically trained volunteers are responsible for handling dog-dog

meetings. These meetings take place when a potential adopter brings their own dog to meet with one

of our shelter dogs. Please do not conduct a dog meeting.

Free Time! When it’s not busy….

You may have some down time during your shift when we don’t have visitors in the kennels. In these

cases we still want you to stay busy. During your training you will learn how to do the following:

1. Rotate dogs into the yard

2. Clean kennels and/or yard

3. Update whiteboard that tracks applications

4. Make nylabones

5. Prepare Treats

1. Rotate dogs into the yard

Check the white board in the hallway outside the dog kennels to see who hasn’t been out for a while

and take that dog to the yard. If all dogs have been walked it is ok to start with any dog of your

choosing. Remember to read all cage signs so you are better prepared before taking the dog out.

Spend some time together in the yard, play and hang out. Some dogs may be on cage rest or need even

shorter breaks due to recent surgery, injury or illness! Many dogs enjoy calm activity such as sniffing

and wandering the yard. This behavior should be encouraged as it provides opportunity to discharge

anxious energy and return to a calm emotional state.

**Be sure to listen for requests for help (via shelter-wide pages or via walkie talkie) showing dogs

or keep an eye out for visitors inside who may be looking for your assistance.

When taking dogs into the yard, take into consideration the current weather conditions—the dog’s age,

health, weight, type of coat and even breed (for example, pugs and other snub nosed dogs have limited

cooling ability) to guide you in how long to stay in the yard with each dog. Monitor dogs during yard

visits for signs of stress.

**Puppies under 4 months of age may not be walked outside or taken to the dog yard. Puppies may

only be shown to potential adopters in the puppy room. Puppies are given a series of vaccinations over

several months that do not take full effect until completed. Minimizing their exposure to bacteria and

viruses helps to keep them healthy.

2. Cleaning the Kennels/Yard

We often get compliments on the cleanliness of our shelter. We all pitch in and keep the yard and

kennels as clean as possible. Please scoop the dog yard with provided poop scoop and deposit in the

trash receptacle in the dog yard. If the container in the yard is full, please empty it into the dumpster.

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DO NOT USE POOP FLUSH for dog yard waste as the pea gravel that sticks to the waste will clog the

flush and result in a VERY expensive plumbing bill.

Waste scooped from the kennels may be disposed of down the poop room flush as long as it does not

contain other debris (such as string or chewed up blankets/toys). Please use guillotine doors to confine

the dog away from the side that needs to be cleaned. After scooping waste or cleaning up urine (or

vomit) in a dog’s kennel, please mop the floor to sanitize the area using the mop bucket and mop

located near the poop room.

3. Update Whiteboard

It shouldn’t take long to run the small white board up to the front desk to have the front desk staff

update it if things are slow. If it is busy though at the front desk, you will likely have to come back

when they are able to help you.

Food Preparation 4. Nylabones - Every morning after play groups and kennel scrub, our volunteers give out peanut

butter coated nylabones to the dogs. These need to be prepared daily. You will learn how to do so

during your upcoming training.

5. Treats - One of the first things you do when you arrive at the shelter is get some treats from the

lounge fridge. These treats need to be sliced and diced on a regular basis. If they were ready for you

when you arrived, it is much appreciated for you to prepare them for another volunteer. We will show

you the what’s and where’s for this task during your training.

Volunteer Use of Walkie Talkies

Hello Dog Kennel Assistant Volunteers, The use of walkie talkies has significantly improved the communication among the Animal Care Technicians (ACTs) and with the front desk. Effective tomorrow (Wednesday, August 16th), we ask that all Dog Kennel Assistant volunteers carry/use walkie talkiesduring their volunteer shifts. How? When a patron at the front desk, asks to meet a specific dog outside of the kennel, the front desk will use a walkie talkieto FIRST determine if a dog kennel volunteer is available to show the dog...

If a dog kennel volunteer is available (or will soon be available), we ask that the volunteer respond accordingly using the walkie-talkie. If the volunteer does not respond or indicates that he/she is occupied with another patron, an ACT will respond indicating their availability.

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Logistics: We will have three (3) walkie talkies designated for dog kennel assistants located at the front desk. After volunteers sign in for their shift, please stop by the Front Desk to be issued a walkie talkie prior to heading back to the dog kennel....front desk staff will be happy to show you how to use it. Please return your walkie-talkie to the Front Desk at the end of your shift so it can be placed back on the charger and be ready for the next volunteer. Note: the walkie talkies will only work on shelter premises (in the building or in the dog play yards). Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks so much for your help! Adrienne Adrienne Mintz

Volunteer Manager

Animal Welfare League of Arlington

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Dog Kennel Assistant Volunteer Rules and Guidelines

1. Use your best judgment! Do not take a dog out who makes you nervous or you cannot control.

2. Dog Kennel Assistant volunteers must follow the dress code/name tag guidelines applicable to all

assignments that include working onsite with animals in the kennels. Please note: long

necklaces and earrings should be avoided during your volunteer shift as they become a safety

hazard if/when an animal jumps on you.

Volunteers must wear:

closed-toe, secure-to-the foot shoes (flip flops are NOT permitted in any onsite assignment)

comfortable, long pants (preferred) or longer-length shorts/skirts that come within 3 inches of

the knee

3. Volunteers must wear an AWLA volunteer shirt and name tag .

4. Volunteers may only work for their assigned shifts and only in areas of the shelter where they

have been trained (cat room, dog kennel or small companion animal room).

5. Do not hang out with the dogs in their kennels. Use the yards or playrooms.

6. Try to avoid carrying the dogs to and from their kennels, this kind of invasive contact is stressful

and may increase the likelihood of injury (i.e., if they jump) or even a bite.

7. Dogs must be on leash prior to coming out of their kennel. Do not leash in the hallway.

8. Beware of dogs coming & going. Do not walk two (2) dogs thru a hall/doorway at the same time.

9. Check the yard and make sure dogs are safely confined before you bring a dog out.

10. Read ALL SIGNAGE before showing an animal and make sure the animal is appropriate for the

person(s) that would like to visit the animal. For example, if a family has a 4 yr old child and

they want to visit with a dog that has a restriction which reads “no kids < 10”, they are not

permitted to visit with that dog.

11. Volunteers should be present at all times when letting the public visit with an animal. Volunteer

feedback is greatly appreciated by front desk staff regarding those interactions.

12. Animals with age restrictions may not be handled by junior volunteers that are under the age

listed on the kennel card - even if their parent is present.

13. Junior volunteers must remain with their parents at all times in all areas of the shelter. If the

kennel card indicates that dog will not be placed in a home with children of a certain age, junior

volunteers that are younger than the age restriction listed for a dog are not permitted to interact

with those dogs either.

14. Volunteers are not permitted in areas marked "Staff Only, "Authorized Access Only" or

"Isolation". Only volunteers with staff permission and proper training are allowed in these areas.

15. Report a bite, scratch or any other injury to staff immediately.

16. Please report unusual behavior/illness in an animal to staff – do not write it on a whiteboard.

17. Only volunteers trained as “Dog Walkers” are permitted to take dogs on walks.

18. Only staff and authorized volunteers may do dog meetings. Please see front desk staff if a

member of the public has their dog here to meet a shelter dog.

19. Treats can be used in order to get a difficult dog back into their kennel or to help them warm up to

potential adopters.

20. Volunteers with questions should go to the front desk to find a staff member to answer them.

21. Please avoid putting your fingers or hands into the dogs’ cages! We ask the public not to do this

so we need our staff and volunteers to set the good example.

22. It is very important NOT to mention, handle, show or provide any information about

animals that are unavailable for adoption due to reasons under review. Members of the public that

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are found in unauthorized areas should be asked to leave and/or return to the area(s) where adoptable

animals are located.

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Positive Training Traditional Training

Dogs repeat behaviors that are

rewarded.

Dogs must be forced to behave.

Teaches alternatives to unwanted

behaviors.

Corrects mistakes without teaching

alternatives.

Dogs & their humans enjoy

training.

Dogs & most humans do not enjoy training based on punishment.

Based on research on how dogs and other animals learn. Zoos and aquariums use positive training too.

Based on dominance theory rooted in outdated research on wolves. Intimidation is used to show your dog who’s boss.

Dogs learn to trust their owners. Can lose your dog’s trust using punishment (yelling, shaking, squirting, hitting, yanking, throwing something at a dog, shocking, etc).

Reinforcement makes behavior stronger when applied randomly.

Punishment is ineffective when

applied randomly.

Looks at the root of a behavior

problem (i.e., most aggression is

fear-based; so, you want to create

positive associations with the

trigger, not punish your dog).

Suppresses a behavior without addressing the problem (ie, choke chains to suppress aggressive barking). The problem may reappear in a new unwanted behavior.

Cannot create fear & anxiety

issues.

Can create fear & anxiety issues.

Creates positive associations using

rewards.

Can create negative associations leading to reactivity/aggression. (If your dog is yanked for barking at another dog, he may start to blame other dogs for the

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discomfort or pain.)

Provides mental stimulation. Dogs

think.

Some dogs shut down to avoid

punishment.

Manages the environment to help dogs practice wanted behavior.

Dogs are corrected for unwanted

behaviors.

Builds a cooperative relationship with a willing partner.

Dog is punished as a teaching tool,

even before the dog knows what’s

expected.

Doesn’t cause injury to dogs or

people.

Dogs and people can be injured

using force.

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Common Dog Kennel Assistant Questions

I have a lot of experience with dogs, why do I need to be trained?

We see dogs of all kinds at the League with a variety of temperaments. While some dogs that come

into the shelter have some training, many of them do not. You should expect to see untrained and

excitable dogs. The shelter environment can be very stressful to dogs, causing them to be hyper,

excited or very fearful and nervous. Training will help you learn our safety standards and know how

to deal with issues that may arise in interacting with our dogs. It will also ensure that everyone in

contact with the dog remain consistent.

One of our goals at the League is to provide an environment that is as minimally stressful as possible

for the animals. Considering that our animals are interacting with so many different people - staff,

volunteers, and the public on a daily basis - it is important that we all interact and handle them in a

consistent manner. This can be helpful in reducing stress. So while it may seem like it is "just playing

with dogs," it is really much more than that. It is making sure that the dogs have positive experiences

while in the shelter, with people and out in the community. As we all know, stress affects behavior

and health. In your training you will learn handling techniques and how to interact with the dogs that

will minimize their stress and provide them with positive interactions with people.

Remember, these dogs may not behave or react like your dog or other dogs that you have spent time

with, so stay alert and follow all procedures and rules!

Can Dog Kennel Assistant Volunteers take the dogs out for a walk?

Not at this point. The dog walking volunteers receive additional training for taking the dogs off

property. When this program is open for volunteers, you may be offered this additional training.

Can volunteers walk the puppies?

Puppies under 4 months of age may not be walked outside or in play yard. Puppies may only be

socialized in their cage or puppy room. Puppies are given a series of vaccinations over several months

that do not take full effect until completed. Minimizing their exposure to bacteria and viruses helps to

keep them healthy.

Can I bring my own dog to the shelter to visit while I volunteer?

No. Please keep your own dog at home as there is no way for you to supervise it at the shelter when

you are out walking dogs or fulfilling your other volunteer duties.

Can I give the dogs treats? Is it OK to bring treats from home? Yes, you can give the dogs treats unless they are on a special or restricted diet (please see info on their

kennel). We give them a specific type of treats however – Natural Balance Dog Food Rolls – to

prevent stomach upset. Volunteers are welcome to bring or donate this type of treat to the League.

You will receive training during your buddy sessions regarding when to reward the dogs with food and

other ways treats can be helpful in working with the dogs in the shelter.

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