LONGMONT HUMANE SOCIETY VOLUNTEER DOG TRAINERS Volunteer Dog Trainers Sarah Clusman, Director of Operations 1
Longmont Humane Society Open admission facility since 1972; over 4300 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 My Story 1999 Volunteer Dog Handler 2001-5 Volunteer Coordinator 2006-2011 Training & Behavior Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) CGC Evaluator 2012-present Director of Operations 2
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 Our Numbers In 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...? 3
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! LHS Volunteer Program 2003 began requiring scheduled shifts-- no drop ins! Resulting in 28% increase in volunteer animal handling hours (28 weekly dog walkers then; now 400+) 2005 introduced playgroups and T&B (LRR 73%) 2006 70% increase in volunteer hours National reputation as leaders in the field of training, behavior & volunteer programs 4
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! Multiple levels invite a diverse volunteer population and benefit the animals Priority! Job specific training provided to all Volunteers Feline Friends Ages 13+ VIPS Very Important Puppy Socializers TEAM volunteers Treat Enrichment At Midday Small Paws Small mammals 5
Canine Volunteer Levels 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 Dog TLC Parents w/ children 8y+ Senior Citizens Basic handling No training equipment 6
Canine Volunteer Level II Level II Dog TLC Teens ages 14 yrs+ Most adults Most training equipment Taught to handle somewhat fearful/aroused dogs EVs EXPERIENCED VOLUNTEERS Level 2 ½ Authorized to handle those dogs who are more fearful or aroused Those dogs who require a somewhat more savvy handler Level 2 vols can become EVs after a few months of volunteer time and a brief one on one training session 7
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 Dog Training 101 Find a reward-able moment to enter Leash up 8
Impulse Control Environmental Cues Games promoting self restraint and eye contact Basic Obedience 9
On Leash 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! Most rewardable EYE CONTACT Dogs are thinking about what they are looking at! Create it as a default behavior Capture it! 10
Pressure & Release Basic form of communication Social pressure: think of close talkers Leash pressure 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 11
Safety in the kennels Fight or Flight? Which do you want them to choose? Set them up for success! Handling or Training A strong handler can support an animal to be successful but not necessarily for others A strong trainer can teach an animal to do behaviors independently of the handler (ie environmental cues) She does well for me... Clinical training rather than natural handling supports better generalization 12
Ah-ha moment! DOG is responsible for BEHAVIOR HANDLER is responsible for REINFORCEMENT! SO TEACH THEM WELL AND ALLOW THEM TO PUT IT TOGETHER Change takes persistence What has the elevator taught us? Remember the Extinction Bursts and hang in there! 13
Make it easy! Alleviate the need to check in with someone Kennel communication Allows flexibility in unique protocols Walk Board 14
Get Started! Check in area for volunteers Have all necessary supplies Leash/Poop Bags/Treats Check Walk Board Pick an appropriate dog/read signage/promote independence Basic Kennel Routine for all! Find a rewardable moment to enter Begin rewarding approximations of desirable behaviors Door routine -- no dashing out the door. They can do it! Volunteer Trainers Help us to... Reduce overall stress and enhance quality of kennel life Teach behaviors that are appealing to adopters Environmental cues, loose leash, sit EYE CONTACT! Modify or eliminate unwanted behaviors Generalize training to multiple handlers Use training to mentally stimulate HELP DOGS GET ADOPTED! 15
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 to, & & & empower our volunteers Internships Available! Sarah Clusman Sarah@LongmontHumane.org www.longmonthumane.org 16