Volunteer Dog Trainers Sarah Clusman, Director of Operations Longmont Humane Society Open admission facility since 1972; 4000 annual intake City contracts for impounds Accepts behavioral & non-behavioral transfers nationwide Non-discriminatory practices although BSL surrounds us Overall LRR of 95%; canine 97% Vital Programs: Volunteer, Foster, Public & Shelter Clinics, Training & Behavior for Shelter & Public Dogs, Adoption Follow Up No one size fits all shelter program due to varying resources October 23 26, 2014 1
My Story 1999 Volunteer Dog Handler 2001-2005 Youth Volunteer Coordinator 2006-2011 Training & Behavior Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) CGC Evaluator 2012-present Director of Operations What is our role? To function as a safe haven for lost & surrendered companion animals To provide any and all available resources to support the medical & behavioral health of all To save as many lives as possible, without compromising quality of life and not at the expense of our community To educate the public about responsible pet ownership October 23 26, 2014 2
How do we do it? 2012, cut 30% of our staff, saved $300k compared to previous year, and increased our overall LRR by 8% Canine LRR 97%; Feline 92% 120 dogs get walked 3-5 times/day Playgroups every day Filled Kongs, toys, blankets given out to every dog every day How do we do it...? VOLUNTEERS! The more volunteers we have, the more we can do for the animals! THE ULTIMATE RESOURCE! Volunteers are valued at $20.85/hour (national avg.) Be willing to take in a diverse group of talents, train, support, communicate and appreciate! October 23 26, 2014 3
Volunteer Opportunities Required attendance at orientation: Adults - monthly Teens age 13+ - quarterly Required commitment: 2 hours/week; 3 month minimum. Commit to us and we will commit to you! 2003 began requiring scheduled shifts-- drop ins! Resulting in 28% increase in volunteer animal handling hours (28 weekly dog walkers then; now 400+) Multiple levels invite a diverse volunteer population and benefit the animals Priority! Job specific training provided to all no Volunteers Feline Friends Ages 13+ VIPS Very Important Puppy Socializers TEAM volunteers Treat Enrichment At Midday Small Paws Small mammals October 23 26, 2014 4
Canine Volunteers JACA (Jr. Animal Care Asst.), age 13 Toy enrichment/kong filling Click for quiet Visit with the dogs Sit in the kennel; teach calm Canine Volunteers Level I Level I Dog TLC Parents w/ children 8yrs+ Elderly Basic handling No training equipment October 23 26, 2014 5
Canine Volunteers Level II Level II Dog TLC Teens ages 14 yrs+ Most adults Most training equipment Taught to handle somewhat fearful/aroused dogs Canine Volunteers Level III DOG TRAINERS Required time commitment includes attending weekly 3LV class taught by T&B and a weekly shift dedicated to training Not glorified dog walkers but skilled handlers Handle and train adoptable and yet-to-be adoptable dogs. October 23 26, 2014 6
Handling vs. Training A strong handler can support an animal to be successful but not necessarily for others She does well for me A strong trainer can teach an animal to do behaviors independently of the handler (i.e. environmental cues) Clinical training rather than natural handling supports better generalization Primary skills Find a reward-able moment to enter Leash up Door routine Impulse control games Basic obedience October 23 26, 2014 7
Leash Skills Use as communication, not a cue Soft leash tells dog they are correct Don t handle as if you are carrying a suitcase Use your feet! Drop & Go! Ah-ha moment! DOG is responsible for BEHAVIOR HANDLER is responsible for REINFORCEMENT! SO TEACH THEM WELL! AND ALLOW THEM TO PUT IT TOGETHER October 23 26, 2014 8
Nitty Gritty The best trainers are usually quiet. Single markers or environmental cues Low tones that exude confidence and support Be mindful with praise; not ineffectually effusive Volunteer Trainers Help us to... Reduce stress; enhance quality of kennel life Teach behaviors that are appealing to adopters Environmental cues, loose leash, sit EYE CONTACT! Modify or eliminate unwanted behaviors Help our staff! Use training to mentally stimulate October 23 26, 2014 9
Make it easy! Alleviate the need to check in with someone Kennel communication Allows flexibility in unique protocols Walk Board October 23 26, 2014 10
What we have learned... When we have expectations of our volunteers and our dogs, the benefit to BOTH is tremendous We train, trust, support, listen, and empower our volunteers Internships Available! Sarah Clusman Sarah@LongmontHumane.org www.longmonthumane.org October 23 26, 2014 11