Handouts for Adopters, Fosters, and Volunteers!
These handouts were put together as part of a larger project exploring alternative ways to assess and report on dog behavior in the shelter. This assessment is based on the handler's skill level, not necessarily the dog's behavior.
Green-Level Activities
Green level activities are intended to be simple enough to be understood and conducted by an entry-level volunteer. This level is intended to focus on learning how to train using positive reinforcement and learning how to ask/receive consent for interactions.
Yellow-Level Activities
Yellow level activities should be challenging in that they require the handler to work through the desensitization and counter-conditioning processes slowly, but not so challenging that they may require handlers to make decisions while the dog is displaying agonistic (conflict-related) behaviors. Activities at this level should be designed to restrict activity to such a low intensity level that the handler never sees agonistic behavior from the dog. Handlers at this level should be focused on developing observation and reporting skills while conducting simple exercises.