Welcome!

Duties

The role of the Dog Enrichment Program volunteer is to provide enrichment and stress reduction for all canine residents in the shelter using positive reinforcement based techniques.

Dog Enrichment Program (DEP) volunteers learn basic behavior modification skills and enrichment techniques to work with the dogs in their kennels (Level 1), in yards, and on walks (Level 2). They provide training, enrichment, and exercise with a focus on reinforcing positive behaviors, which provides consistency for the dogs, improves their adoptability, and is fun for both the humans and the canines.

General Responsibilities

Level I:

Basic clicker training to teach adoptable skills (example: attention, touch, sit, settle, etc.)

Spend time in kennel socializing, cuddling and playing with dogs.

Use food games for mental stimulation

Help prepare enrichment tools (example: cut treats, fill kongs, etc.)

Shift Times

10 a.m. - Noon and 1-3 p.m. -- 7 days a week

Qualifications

Greenhill Humane Society has the following requirements for participation in the DEP volunteer position.

Physical Capabilities

• High level of manual dexterity, quick reflexes, ability to use both hands simultaneously and ability to bend and squat (example: leash/harness and/or handle a dog)
• Ability to walk unaided on unpaved, uneven, rugged and sometimes muddy and slippery terrain when walking dogs and/or working in the kennel. (Mostly level II)
• Ability to maneuver well in tight spaces and react and move quickly in order to prevent dogs from escaping kennel.
• Ability to speak and effectively communicate verbally as well as in written form. (example: writing notes about a specific dog in behavior modification computer system)
• Ability to handle and restrain animals of small to large size with extreme caution and care. This requires average vision, hearing, steadiness of hands and body, quick reflexes and mental alertness.
• Ability to hear if dog is giving verbal warnings, such as growling, barking or yelping.

Cognitive Capabilities

• Ability to read and understand dog body language.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, while knowing when to ask for help if needed.
• Ability to assess the level of arousal, or excitement, of the dog you are working with and ability to recognize if the dog is overstimulated.
• Strong understanding of positive reinforcement training techniques and ability to practice these techniques while working with dogs (example: clicker training)
• Ability to carefully read and understand instructions, notes, kennel signage, dog board, and behavioral logs.
• Ability to recognize potentially hazardous situations when working with the dogs.

Training Requirements

• Online Sensory Enrichment Training
• In-person Basic Clicker and Dog Body Language class
• First shift shadow with staff

It is our hope that the information provided serves as a thorough and useful tool for volunteers when deciding whether the Dog Enrichment Program at Greenhill Humane Society is the right fit for them. If you have any questions or would like more information, please email the Volunteer Department at volunteer@green-hill.org, or call (541) 735-9339.