Dog Walker (Position for anyone 13 years and older) (HIGHEST NEED)

Dog Walker 

Dog Walkers will provide support with ensuring our dogs get a potty break, exercise, and learn lifelong behavior skills.

  

Objective  

Provide exercise, potty breaks, and support behavior skills by utilizing positive reinforcement. 

  

Duties  

  • Support modifying dog behavior through repetition and positive reinforcement. 
  • Utilizing a Weiss Walkie as a lead or harness.
  • Navigating dogs through public spaces. 
  • Provide walks for dogs that need medical support such as physical therapy or potty breaks for dogs with Upper Respiratory Infection. 
  • Directing clients to staff or Client Service Volunteers during open hours 
  • Understand how to read kennel profiles and signage. 
  • Report any medical or behavioral changes that are not already noted on the animals kennel.

Open Shift(s):

  • Mondays - 8am-10am; 10am-12pm; 12pm-2pm
  • Wednesdays - 10am-12pm

Skills Needed  

This is a physical position. Volunteers must possess strong dog handling skills and always be observant and aware of their surroundings. Volunteers must be comfortable utilizing only positive reinforcement to encourage wanted behavior. Volunteers must be comfortable with all sizes and all potential breeds of dogs. Volunteers need to be comfortable bending and squatting when leashing dogs.  Volunteers must be comfortable applying WHS skills and techniques. Volunteers must be comfortable with preventing unwanted behaviors such as jumping and barrier reactivity. Volunteers must be comfortable modifying behaviors such as mouthing and pulling. For more information about the behaviors we work with and some techniques we utilize, please visit: https://www.wihumane.org/behavior/ask-the-experts/dogs   

  

Required Training  

  • Meet & Greet with Volunteer Coordinator 
  • Milwaukee Volunteer Handbook & Waivers – Online Training 
  • People Centered Philosophy – Online Training 
  • Dog Handling Videos & Quiz – Online Training 
  • In Person Dog Handling 
  • One on One Training with AC/ACT Staff or a veteran Dog Walking Volunteer

Commitment/Age Requirement 

  • Minimum of a 6-month commitment required.
  • This volunteer position is for anyone 13 years and older. Volunteers aged 13-15 years old must volunteer with an adult. Volunteers who are 16 years and older can volunteer on their own.