@Kathleen GriffinLevel 1: Dog displays little to no concerning behaviors. Walks well on leash.
Level 2: Dog is shy, timid or fearful. Requires handler with knowledge of handling a dog with these attributes.
Level 3: Dog Displays some concerning behaviors such as jumping, mouthing, and/or poor leash skills. Requires handler who is comfortable and has experience handling an untrained dog.
Staff Only: Dog displays concerning behaviors, has not been evaluated, or is a medical case.
Our on-staff behaviorist works to evaluate each dog as they come in and level them appropriately. A dog can fluctuate between levels depending on a number of reasons. It is helpful to have volunteers access behavior past the initial evaluation and daily walks so that we get multiple insights on the dog's behavior. We have QR codes posted around our facility that leads them to a short feedback form on how their walks went and to share any new tricks or behaviors they noticed.
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Cheyanne Ornelas
Volunteer Coordinator
San Antonio Pets Alive!
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-26-2023 09:53 AM
From: Kathleen Griffin
Subject: Volunteer Tiers
Cheyanne,
What are the criteria for each of the 1-3 levels of dogs at your shelter?
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Kathleen Griffin
Licking County Humane Society
Original Message:
Sent: 01-20-2023 11:11 AM
From: Cheyanne Ornelas
Subject: Volunteer Tiers
Our team recently implemented this with all of our on-site dogs. We have 4 tiers, level 1-3 and then staff only dogs. All of our volunteers have the option to take a dog handling class and complete a subsequent "paws-on" training to be cleared for level 1. Our on-staff Behavior Specialist teaches the class and also conducts the hands-on portion. If volunteers wish to have further training to gain level 2 and 3, they reach out and set up a time to go over the handling the specific attributes that classify those dogs as L2 and L3.
Our training walks through everything from reading the behavior of dog, proper leash holding, what to do in a dog fight, etc. I would be happy to share our training PP if you want to look through it.
Each kennel is marked with a colored bone, and volunteers have corresponding marks on their name tags so that everyone knows who can walk who. One of the biggest things we see is that even if volunteers attend that class, they usually need guidance in removing dogs from their kennels and getting them to listen while outside. Having the hands-on session with our trainer has helped give them confidence and support during their first time.
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Cheyanne Ornelas
Volunteer Coordinator
San Antonio Pets Alive!
Original Message:
Sent: 01-19-2023 01:36 PM
From: Kathleen Griffin
Subject: Volunteer Tiers
The shelter where I work has a great volunteer base but we would like to organize them in tiers. We have dogs that only staff are allowed to handle, but with some instruction we do have volunteers who could help with them. I'd love suggestions on how to implement this program, what each level should require as far as training, what you have found to be successful in this area. Thank you for your suggestions!
#AdmissionsandIntake(includingIntake-to-placement)
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
#CommunityCatManagement
#EducationandTraining
#FosterPrograms
#PeopleManagement(includingVolunteerIntegration)
#Rehoming
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Kathleen Griffin
Licking County Humane Society
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