Dog Behavior & Enrichment Program
PAL has always been committed to the philosophy of creating well-balanced dogs in the kennel by providing structure and an environment where the dogs learn boundaries that can be transferred into a home (behavior) and by creating a lifestyle for the dogs that will make their stay with us – long or short-term – bearable for them (enrichment.)
Our focus is to give our dogs the skills and coping mechanisms they need to transition into their new home and stay in their home, forever.
We are inviting volunteers to participate in this new chapter for the dogs. Please read through the requirements for participation. If this is not the program for you, we have other ways you can help dogs coming soon with our new puppy program! Handling dogs is a physical activity and one that requires consistency for our dogs to be successful.
PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Spend eight (8) hours a month with the dogs.
- Able to walk four (4) miles in a session.
- Able to physically handle a 55-pound dog that has no leash skills (not easily pushed over, pulled over or dragged down.)
- All activities are outdoors. (Must love being outside.)
- Wear appropriate shoes and attire.
- Should be capable/comfortable bending over multiple times to leash dogs and clean up poop.
- Must commit to a regular schedule (can be seasonal or year-round.)
- Willing to attend continuing education at least once a year after training sessions are complete or to advance to another area of the program.
- Able to login to volunteer database and track hours.
REQUIRED TRAINING
- Basic Communication Through the Leash: Attend two (2) classes with instructor Kevin McHale]
- Training Techniques: Attend two (2) classes on training techniques to be incorporated into the dog walks and enrichment sessions with instructor Natalee Merrick.
- Continuing Education: Volunteers will be required to attend continuing education training at least one time per year.
Do you meet the requirements above and want to volunteer in PAL’s New Dog Behavior & Enrichment Program?
NEW VOLUNTEERS: Complete the Volunteer Application and select “Dog Walking” as your area of interest.
ACTIVE VOLUNTEERS: Click here to sign-up for the program. You will be contacted soon to schedule your classes.