Woof Pack. Community Driven Volunteering

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1 Woof Pack Community Driven Volunteering

2 What does the Woof Pack do? The Woof Pack is a group of volunteers that focus on the behavioral and physical well-being of the dogs under Shelby Humane Society s care. You will utilize the tools and training provided to help train and socialize our dogs. Consistency and attention to detail is imperative to being a member of the Woof Pack. Your role is very important and could be the determining factor in whether a dog is adopted or not.

3 Some of the behaviors you will be dealing with and helping to correct: Jumping up on you Mouthing / Biting / Chewing Boredom

4 Reactivity to people or other dogs Fearful or destructive behaviors

5 Enrichment Trail Sit at this station, we spend time teaching the dog how to sit. Sit is a gateway skill that helps the dog learn more commands.

6 Enrichment Trail Treat puzzles it is a fun break for the dogs Threshold some dogs are unfamiliar with doorways.

7 Enrichment Trail Stairs some of our dogs have never been confronted with stairs. Teeter Totter (Seesaw) it is fun and works their brain! Also it is fun for us!

8 Dog Handling Body Language Calm and Neutral is defined by a relaxed body posture and is usually approachable. Ears are up, mouth may me open or closed, loose body and the tail relaxed and might even be wagging. Anxious, Nervous or Frightened is usually used to describe a dog that is cowering or bringing its body together in a protective gesture. Other signs are a lowered body, ears back, pupils dilated, tail down and tucked, rapid panting, showing signs of submission (rolling over and exposing the belly) and licking the air, or lips. Another sign of distress is called a Tap Out. It is when a dog is experiencing absolute fear and stops being able to function. They expose their stomach and throat, avert their gaze, tuck their tail, flatten their ears to the side of their heads and might even pee.

9 Dog Handling Body Language All of these scared behaviors can escalate into aggression if actions are not taken to deescalate. If the signs of fear are not heeded, they could lash out. Backing away and leaving them alone might be best. Playful or Excited is commonly used to describe a dog that is engaged in play. Play bowing or hopping. They will usually have a very loose body with a wagging tail. Alert is a term used to describe a dog that is highly aware of their surroundings. Their ears are going to be forward, their eyes wide and they will lean forwards. An alert dog s tail will be held horizontal and might wag slightly from side to side. Dominant and Aggressive is not interchangeable. A dominant dog might not be aggressive until challenged. An aggressive dog is not always more dominant. A sign of a dominant aggressive dog is raised hackles, teeth visible, lips curled, stiff stance, ears forward and flat, and tail bristled and raised.

10 Dog Handling Body Language Dogs communicate in a multitude of ways, they use facial expression, eyes, ears, tail positions and even their whole bodies. Whale eye or side eye is a term used to describe the way a dogs will look at you from the side. Because they are scared, their eyes become rounder and you can see more white in their eyes. Mouth closed and or lips pulled back, and drooling could also indicate fear. You might also notice a wrinkle appear at the top of their muzzle. Teeth do not always mean aggression, but if the lips are pulling up vertically to display the front teeth, that is a good indicator that this dog needs to be left alone. Yawning and Lip licking is another sign of fear or stress.

11 Dog Handling Body Language Ears can also help in determining what is really going on with an animal. The closer or more pinned the ears become, the more fearful the animal. If the tail is up and wagging, the dog is probably comfortable being pet, if the tail is spine level and not wagging, it means they are alert and might not want to be handled at the moment. Hair is another sign we can use to determine how a dog is doing, When upset or alert their hackles might be raised. It does not always mean aggression, but it can indicate a dog is upset.

12 Dog Handling Proper Interaction Watch the Dog from outside of the cage. Stop, Observe, Report. Stop, do not enter. Observe. Look at the dog, do they look physically okay? Observe their behavior, are they barking or pacing? Report anything you see that might be dangerous or could potentially be harmful. Do not remove dog until cleared by staff. Pay attention to their body language, are their ears flat on their head? Is their tail tucked? Are they standing at the front of the cage? Are they jumping? Is their tail spine level and are they leaning forward? If you see that they might be anxious or scared, please do not interact with them, try giving them a treat instead. If they seem friendly and responsive, give them a treat through the kennel gate.

13 Dog Handling Removal from Kennel Open the cage. Move slowly and present your hand for them to smell. You do not have to rush them. With the slip lead in your hand, you open the kennel door, keeping one foot or leg pressed against the outside of the gate to make sure an animal does not run out. Lower yourself, bending at the waist, NOT over the dog. Do not loom over the dog. Making sure to keep a foot, leg or knee against the gate.

14 Dog Handling Removal from kennel Wrap or place the slip lead around the dogs neck and once it is secured you may lead the dog out. If they are not coming to the front of the cage, you may step in the kennel, but only if it is safe to do so and closing the door. Please only take them to the designated areas. Make sure to only reward good behavior. Please do not let the dog under your care come into contact with another dog being walked. This could cause conflict and might result in injury and/or disease.