Dog Walker (13–15-year olds with an adult, 16+ solo)

Open Shifts:

Sundays 12-2pm, 2-4pm, 4-6pm BIG NEED

Mondays 2-4pm

Wednesdays 2-4pm, 4-6pm BIG NEED

Thursday 2-4pm

Saturdays 2-4pm

 

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

 

Duties

  • Support modifying dog behavior through repetition and positive reinforcement
  • Provide dogs with exercise
  • Utilizing a Weiss Walkie as a lead or harness
  • Navigating dogs through public spaces
  • Support modifying dog behavior through repetition and positive reinforcement
  • Provide walks for dogs that need medical support such as physical therapy or potty breaks for dogs with Upper Respiratory Infection
  • Understand how to read kennel profiles and signage
  • Report any medical or behavioral changes that are not already noted on the animal’s kennel

 

Skills Needed

This is a physical position. Volunteers MUST possess strong dog handling skills and always be observant of their surroundings and dog body language. Volunteers must be able to bend, lift, crouch, walk and stand for extended periods of time. 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 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
  • 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 (at least 2 weeks)

 

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.