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Dog Walking Best Practices

[subheading_3]Dogs who have been at the shelter for an unduly long period may suffer from frustration and stress often labeled “kennel crazy.” This can happen to dogs of all types, and it is important to maintain as calm an atmosphere as possible to diffuse this undirected and sometimes misdirected energy.[/subheading_3]

All WAHS volunteers are requred to adhere to the Dog Walking Color Code System:

Green – Yellow – Orange – Red

Please try to incorporate the following techniques for the betterment of all the dogs:

  1. Read and observe all signs and symbols on each individual kennel
  2. Do not enter a kennel until the dog is sitting or has all paws on the floor.
  3. Do not remove a dog from his/her kennel unless the dog is sitting or has all paws on the floor
  4. Keep the dog close to you when entering and exiting. Do not let the dog out in front of you.
  5. If you enter a play pen with such a dog, you can allow that dog to run and romp with his leash still attached. It will slow them down just a bit and you can stop them and retrieve them by stepping on the leash.
  6. Do not play tug of war with EW dogs. It encourages tenacity, which is not always desirable.
  7. For playing fetch with a dog who has not learned to release the ball/toy on command, use two or more items. Encourage the dog to “drop it” before tossing the other item.
  8. Be aware of dogs who focus on or stare at other dogs with intensity. Change their focus or turn the other direction.
  9. Do not leave children unattended in play pens with dogs.
  10. Walkers under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent at all times while walking dogs.
  11. 16 years and older can walk green and yellow dogs. Under 16 years a dog must be doubled leashed with an adult (21 or older). No volunteers are permitted to walk “Red” dogs.
  12. Parents must maintain control of the dogs, including getting them in and out of kennels
  13. We want all the dogs to get outside daily. It is better for all dogs to have longer leash walks than to simply roam around the play pens or to get overly excited.
  14. All dogs are walked a minimum of twice daily by staff. Extra walks by Volunteers help to maintain healthy happy dogs.
  15. If you are uncertain about a specific dog, check with staff.
  16. See how to break up a dog fight.
  17. Report all incidents or accidents to staff immediately.