Dog School Volunteer

GTHS’s animal behavioural services are branded ‘Pawsitivity Pet Training’. We provide these services through our Community Programs, to support pets and people in our community and beyond. The Dog School Volunteer role is ideally suited to someone who loves people and dogs and is passionate about consistently providing a great customer experience.

In 2021 we began offering one-on-one (private) Behaviour Modification Sessions (online and in-person), whilst continuing to offer Puppy and Adult dog school training at our Animal Centre. As a result of these services, we were able to positively impact over 100 dogs and pet owners that year, and we continue to support hundreds of dogs and pet owners in their journeys together.

Description

Reporting directly to the Behaviour Specialist, the Dog School Volunteer provides support to the Trainer and pet owners of dogs of all ages, sizes, breeds, and backgrounds.

Time Commitment

Playgroup sessions will run based on sufficient attendee sign-up. Volunteers should select a minimum of 2 Puppy Manners sessions, or a minimum of 1 session from the Adult Dog Training – Basic or Adult Dog Training – Intermediate options, and must be available to attend every class (and potential rescheduled class) per session. This is an overall commitment of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes per week over an 8-week period (ie. 2 sessions of 4 weeks) or over a 4-week period. Puppy Manners and Adult Dog Training session dates (along with rain dates for class rescheduling) will be provided upon request and/or at time of application.

Roles and Responsibilities

Help set up area(s) where each training session will be held and tidy up afterwards
Ensure pet owners receive exceptional customer service
Clarify instructions and guidance provided by Behaviour Specialist to pet owners, as needed
Assist pet owners to reinforce positive and wanted dog behaviours
Ensure any questions are acknowledged and addressed
Follow appropriate protocol, policies and procedures

Qualifications

18 years of age minimum
Maintains a professional appearance and attitude
Exceptional interpersonal, listening and communication skills
Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of this volunteer role and of the organization
- Able to work one-on-one and in a team environment
Good customer service skills
Dependable
- Self-motivated
Strong time management skills
Genuine interest in the welfare of animals and congruent values with the organization
- A gentle and kind approach to dog handling
- Confident with dogs
- Medium and/or large dog experience is required
Dog handling and/or training experience is required
- Yellow GTHS Dog Handling status is a must (training will be provided)
- Comfortable learning new dog handling techniques
Ability to follow protocol

Working Conditions:

Physical demands of the position include standing, walking, bending and kneeling
Closed toe shoes must be worn and clothing that has no sentimental value (ie. can get dirty)

Dog School Volunteer

Description

Time Commitment

Roles and Responsibilities

Qualifications

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