GUIDE DOG FOUNDATIONKENNEL VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

2012

Guide Dog Foundation & VetDogs

Who are we?

Since 1946, the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Inc. has provided guide dogs free of charge to blind people who seek enhanced mobility and independence.

Our students come to us from all over the United States and many foreign countries. Our trademark small classes and individualized instruction often attract students who may have special requirements. We have successfully trained hearing-impaired blind people as well as many physically challenged people.

What is our mission? To improve the quality of life for people who are blind, visually impaired, or

with other special needs.

America’s VetDogs® – The Veteran's K-9 Corps® is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization founded by the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind and serves the needs of disabled veterans and active duty personnel.

To help those who have served our country honorably live with dignity and independence.

How can you help?

Our Program

A task force was formed to evaluate ways we can improve safety and working environment for the dogs in our kennel and the people who work with them

The program will accomplish: Improved safety of staff and volunteers Reduced stress levels for dogs Improved environmental stimulation for dogs Better learning and training success for dogs

How do we do it?

Improved safety

Standard technique for entering and leaving runs safely

Dogs maintain calm when approached by a handler of any experience level

Our motto: “Four on the floor opens the door"

Improved safety

Special equipment for walking dogs in kennel

One size fits all Less potential for a

dog to hurt itself by pulling too hard

Requires slightly different handling techniques than a leash and collar

Improved safety

SLOW IT DOWN! CALM ENVIRONMENT FOR DOGS AND PEOPLE = BETTER SAFETY FOR ALL!

WHAT DOES THE WORLD LOOK LIKE TO A GUIDE DOG PUPPY?

Reduced stress for dogs

Reduced stress for dogs

WHAT DOES THE WORLD LOOK LIKE TO A DOG IN THE KENNEL?

Reduced stress for dogs

Negative effect on health

Decreased learning Increase in

undesirable behaviors (barking, spinning, jumping)

Decreased training success

Exercise Engage in natural

behaviors (sniff, chew, socialize with other dogs)

Meaningful contact with humans

Grooming/body touch

What are the effects of stress?

What reduces stress?

Environmental stimulation

Exercise Socialization with other dogs Interactive toys Brushing sessions Massage Fun, easy training games Dedicated social interaction with

people EVERY DOG, EVERY DAY!

These activities lead to better learning and training success!

WHAT does all this mean for me?

Key items in the program

Expanded volunteer hours (10:30 AM – 5:00 PM weekdays, 11:30 AM-5:00 PM weekends)

Four level training program

Increased flexibility: can stop at any level or do all 4

Everyone starts at Level 1!

Community free run All free run is done

outdoors unless determined unsafe by GDF (rain, snow, extreme heat or cold)

Dogs are run in groups of 4-10

Second play field added so up to 20 dogs can get out at once.

Canine care staff will assist most volunteer shifts

Training staff also free run dogs at least once per day

Third play field available for training staff (not practical for volunteers)

CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW VIDEO

Level Training

Level 1 Socializer

You must complete at least 10 hours at Level 1 and pass the Level 1 test before progressing to Level 2

All Level 1 activities take place outside the kennel run

Calmly talk to and pet dogs through kennel gate

Provide positive reinforcement for good manners (calm and quiet greetings)

Stuff interactive toys (Kongs, bones Buster Cubes) with kibble

Help with community free run setup (water buckets, toys, scoopers)

Level 2 Socializer

You must complete at least 15 hours at Level 2 and pass the Level 2 test before progressing to Level 3

All Level 1 activities Play the “Door Game” – practice

safe and controlled door opening Play the “Leash Game” – safely

put on and remove slip lead without removing dog from kennel

Start with one dog and get tested for two dogs once you are confident

Level 3 Socializer

You must complete at least 20 hours at Level 3 and pass the Level 3 test before progressing to Level 4

All Level 1 & 2 activities Brush, pet, and cuddle dogs

inside the kennel run Distribute interactive toys at

scheduled times Assist staff and Level 4

socializers monitoring community free run (no leash handling)

Level 4 Socializer

Level 4 socializers must follow all procedures carefully and accurately to maintain Level 4 status

All Level 1, 2, and 3 activities Calmly and safely leash walk

dogs to community free run area

Monitor large group free run activities

Calmly and safely return dogs to kennel after play sessions

Kennel volunteer hours of operation

Levels 1, 2, and 3: 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Level 4 (community free run): 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Levels 1, 2, and 3: 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Level 4 (community free run): 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Weekdays Weekends

Training Sessions

Level 1: 1/2 hour classroom

+ hands on Level 2:

1 hour classroom + hands on

Level 3: 1 hour classroom +

hands on Level 4:

1 hour classroom + hands on

What’s Next?

Schedule a Level 1 Training Session! Call or email Barrie to schedule

631-930-9000, ext 1549 Barrie@guidedog.org

Upcoming Level 1 Training Dates:

TBA