Animal Welfare Professionals

Three attachments:  San Antonio Pets Alive! (SAPA)'s Volunteer Apron Guide, Bone Identification Chart and Volunteer Training Presentation

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. 

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. 


#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
#PeopleManagement(includingVolunteerIntegration)