1. GUIDE DOG FOUNDATION
KENNEL VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
2012

2. Guide Dog Foundation & VetDogs
Who are we?
Since 1946, the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Inc. has provided guide dogs free of charge to
blind people who seek enhanced mobility and independence.
Our students come to us from all over the United States and many foreign countries. Our trademark
small classes and individualized instruction often attract students who may have special requirements.
We have successfully trained hearing-impaired blind people as well as many physically challenged
people.
What is our mission?
 To improve the quality of life for people who are blind, visually impaired, or with other special
needs.
America’s VetDogs® – The Veteran's K-9 Corps® is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization founded
by the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind and serves the needs of disabled veterans and active
duty personnel.
 To help those who have served our country honorably live with dignity and independence.

3. How can you help?

4. Our Program
 A task force was formed to evaluate ways we can
improve safety and working environment for the
dogs in our kennel and the people who work with
them
 The program will accomplish:
 Improved safety of staff and volunteers
 Reduced stress levels for dogs
 Improved environmental stimulation for dogs
 Better learning and training success for dogs

5. How do we do it?

6. Improved safety
 Standard technique for
entering and leaving
runs safely
 Dogs maintain calm
when approached by a
handler of any
experience level
 Our motto: “Four on the
floor opens the door"

7. Improved safety
 Special equipment for
walking dogs in kennel
 One size fits all
 Less potential for a dog
to hurt itself by pulling
too hard
 Requires slightly
different handling
techniques than a leash
and collar

8. Improved safety
 SLOW IT DOWN! CALM ENVIRONMENT FOR
DOGS AND PEOPLE = BETTER SAFETY FOR ALL!

9. Reduced stress for dogs
WHAT DOES THE WORLD LOOK LIKE TO A GUIDE
DOG PUPPY?

10. Reduced stress for dogs
WHAT DOES THE WORLD LOOK LIKE TO A DOG IN
THE KENNEL?

11. Reduced stress for dogs
What are the effects of stress? What reduces stress?
 Negative effect on  Exercise
health  Engage in natural
 Decreased learning behaviors (sniff, chew,
 Increase in undesirable socialize with other
behaviors (barking, dogs)
spinning, jumping)
 Meaningful contact
 Decreased training
success with humans
 Grooming/body touch

12. Environmental stimulation
 Exercise
 Socialization with other dogs
 Interactive toys
 Brushing sessions
 Massage
 Fun, easy training games
 Dedicated social interaction with people
 EVERY DOG, EVERY DAY!

13. These activities lead to better learning
and training success!

14. WHAT does all this mean for me?

15. Key items in the program
 Expanded volunteer
hours (10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
weekdays, 11:30 AM-5:00
PM weekends)
 Four level training
program
 Increased flexibility:
can stop at any level
or do all 4
 Everyone starts at
Level 1!

16. Community free run
 All free run is done outdoors
unless determined unsafe by
GDF (rain, snow, extreme heat or
cold)
 Dogs are run in groups of 4-10
 Second play field added so up
to 20 dogs can get out at once.
 Canine care staff will assist most
volunteer shifts
 Training staff also free run dogs
at least once per day
 Third play field available for
training staff (not practical for
volunteers)
CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW VIDEO

17. Level Training

18. Level 1 Socializer
You must  All Level 1 activities take place outside
complete at the kennel run
least 10 hours
at Level 1  Calmly talk to and pet dogs through
and pass the
Level 1 test
kennel gate
before  Provide positive reinforcement for good
progressing to
Level 2 manners (calm and quiet greetings)
 Stuff interactive toys (Kongs, bones
Buster Cubes) with kibble
 Help with community free run setup
(water buckets, toys, scoopers)

19. Level 2 Socializer
You must  All Level 1 activities
complete at
least 15 hours  Play the “Door Game” – practice safe
at Level 2
and pass the
and controlled door opening
Level 2 test
before
 Play the “Leash Game” – safely put on
progressing to and remove slip lead without removing
Level 3
dog from kennel
 Start with one dog and get tested for
two dogs once you are confident

20. Level 3 Socializer
You must  All Level 1 & 2 activities
complete at
least 20 hours  Brush, pet, and cuddle dogs inside the
at Level 3
and pass the
kennel run
Level 3 test
before
 Distribute interactive toys at scheduled
progressing to times
Level 4
 Assist staff and Level 4 socializers
monitoring community free run (no leash
handling)

21. Level 4 Socializer
Level 4  All Level 1, 2, and 3 activities
socializers
must follow  Calmly and safely leash walk dogs to
all
procedures
community free run area
carefully and
accurately to
 Monitor large group free run activities
maintain
Level 4 status
 Calmly and safely return dogs to kennel
after play sessions

22. Kennel volunteer hours of operation
Weekdays Weekends
 Levels 1, 2, and 3:  Levels 1, 2, and 3:
 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM  11:30 AM to 5:00 PM
 Level 4 (community  Level 4 (community
free run): free run):
 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM  12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM  3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

23. Training Sessions
 Level 1:
 1/2 hour classroom +
hands on
 Level 2:
 1 hour classroom +
hands on
 Level 3:
 1 hour classroom +
hands on
 Level 4:
 1 hour classroom +
hands on

24. What’s Next?
 Schedule a Level 1 Training Session!
 Call or email Barrie to schedule
 631-930-9000, ext 1549
 Barrie@guidedog.org
 Upcoming Level 1 Training Dates:
TBA