SHELTER RULES
for Volunteers
1. If you are not sure about something please ask. Better safe than sorry!
2. Some of our dogs use a "no-pull harness" for their comfort and yours. Extension leashes and harnesses are in buckets in the big shed. If you have never used an extension leash or harness please ask for a quick training.(Please do not unhook harnesses from the bottom. We are losing the fleeces off the leg ropes.)
3. Don't assume that the dog you are walking gets along with another dog. Always keep dogs separated in passing.
4. ALWAYS make sure your kennel door is shut and locked after you enter and exit the area as to not accidentally let a dog loose. Always enter a kennel area quickly with one hand down” shooing” the dog back and pull door closed behind you quickly with the other hand.
5. When returning a dog to its kennel after a walk check to make sure it has plenty of fresh water (use jugs or spigots) and scoop any poop from his/her kennel or yard. Make sure you take the harness and the leash with you for the next dog and make sure the gate is locked securely. You can give your dog a treat at this time!!
*Once again to make sure that you do not let the dog loose, walk out of the kennel backwards telling the dog to stay (with flat hand, palm facing dog) to make sure the dog is not coming out right behind you.
6. Try to learn your dog's name to make the dog feel more comfortable...many of these dogs are shy at first and will trust you more if you use his/her name when working with or around him/her.
7. DO NOT stand at a kennel area and stare at a dog. This makes dogs VERY uncomfortable (they see it as a challenge) and may make them appear aggressive.
8. Please do not stick your hands or fingers through the fencing.
9. We do not encourage bringing small children.
10. When waiting for your next job assignment you can always fill water jugs, scoop poop in yards or kennels and empty poop buckets, or just give a dog some loving!!
11. DO NOT let your dog chew on its leash while you are walking him/her. Distract it by throwing something or running with it. Chewed leashes are no longer safe and should be brought to the attention of a shelter staff member.
12. Damaged harnesses or leashes should be given to the person in charge.
13. If a car should come by please stay calm and walk your dog to the side of the road and hold him/her firmly until the car goes by. You can try to get them to sit and wait.
14. DO NOT give rawhide chews to dogs that share a kennel. They may fight over them!
Please stay alert!!! Thank you very much for helping us to help the dogs and brighten their day until they find their forever home!!
And for goodness sakes, please have fun and enjoy your time with the dogs!!!