“Dog Walking with a Purpose” - New Program at HSHV
by Michael Burkey, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
On December 9 and 10, 2009, the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) of Ann Arbor, Michigan commenced it’s new “Dog Walking with a Purpose” training program for it’s volunteer dog walkers. The program was developed by Helen DePinto, HSHV Director of Behavior Programs and endorsed by Tanya Hilgendorf, HSHV Executive Director.
Prior to the new shelter opening, it utilized volunteers who agreed to walk dogs at least two hours per week. The old program allowed dogs the opportunity to venture outside of their kennel approximately 3 times per day for about 40-60 minutes to relieve themselves, experience human companionship, and to receive a mental break from the unfortunate temporary confinement of their kennels.
The new program is expanded to include “Walking with a Purpose.” DePinto and professional dog trainer and behavior expert Michael Burkey of Michael Burkey’s Canine Behavioral Training are training volunteers how to teach shelter dogs to sit, come, walk on a loose leash, pay attention to the handler and other skills using positive based training methods. The volunteers will then train the shelter dogs during their daily outings. Teaching shelter dogs good manners not only makes them more adoptable but also provides the dogs with mental stimulation which relieves stress of being in a shelter.
After having attended the initial volunteer orientation; 21 volunteers successfully passed the intensive “Walking with a Purpose” two hour training program that covered topics such as: behavior modification, humane training equipment, specific issues related to shelter dogs, and dog training techniques. After the lecture and discussion period, the volunteers practiced what they learned with the shelter dogs in the shelter’s brand new training room. It was an impressive sight to see how quickly all of the dogs began to orient their attention toward their handler and learn good manners as opposed to focusing on the other dogs in the room. This was a direct result of the volunteers’ improved skill levels.
Does becoming a volunteer dog walker appeal to you? If so, the benefits are numerous. Number one, you will be performing an awesome service for dogs who are in need of learning good manners. Your contribution will help make dogs more adoptable and increase their likelihood of making a permanent positive adjustment to their new homes. And, you may just save the life of a dog who would not have been adoptable without a little training assistance from volunteers. What could be better than that?! Additionally, if you’re not careful, the shelter dogs and their loving personalities will forever touch your heart and make you a more caring and loving person.
Visit HSHV’s website to learn more about becoming a Volunteer Dog Walker (HSHV also is in need for volunteers in other areas). In a nutshell, you will need to complete a volunteer application and a screening process. If you are accepted, then you will attend an orientation and dog handling classes. As a volunteer dog walker, you will be expected to donate at least two hours per week of your time. If this interests you, then contact HSHV and apply to become part of the “walking with a purpose” team. The dogs will love you for it! If, however, you don’t have the time to become a volunteer but want to learn how to train your own dog, HSHV offers group dog training classes at the shelter, 3100 Cherry Hill Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105.
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