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

Dog Walkers provide dogs the opportunity to get outside for a potty break, exercise, and learn lifelong behavior skills.

 

Duties

  • Provide dogs with exercise and potty breaks.
  • Support modifying dog behavior through repetition and positive reinforcement.
  • 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 Wisconsin Humane Society 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 Video– Online Training
  • Dog Handling Video & Quiz – Online Training
  • In Person Dog Handling and Dog Walking Training - With Staff 

 

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.

 

 

Open Shift Times:

 

  • Mondays: 8-10am, 10-12pm, 12-2pm, 2-4pm
  • Tuesdays: 8-10am, 12-2pm,12-2pm, 2-4pm
  • Wednesdays: 8-10am, 10-12pm, 2-4pm
  • Thursdays: 8-10am, 10-12pm, 12-2pm, 2-4pm
  • Fridays: 8-10am, 12-2pm, 2-4pm
  • Saturday: 10-12pm, 12-2pm, 3-5pm
  • Sundays: 12-2pm, 3-5pm