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01283 219761
Make a difference by fostering a dog in assistance training on their journey to becoming a life-changing assistance dog! As an Assistance Dog Training volunteer, you’ll provide a loving, stable home environment and support their continued development with guidance from our expert trainers.
Location
The dog will live with you in your house in Derbyshire, however, you will need to take the dog to the training centre for their training in rural Leicestershire (so you need to live within a 30-minute drive of post code LE12 9SR)
Is the location accessible for those with physical disabilities or limited mobility?
Yes
Is the location accessible by public transport?
Yes
When?
Could this role be carried out virtually or through a hybrid volunteering model?
No
Is a criminal record check (DBS) required for this role?
No
Is a driving license required?
Yes
Are expenses covered?
Yes, TRAVEL only.
What will you be doing?
Canine Partners are looking for volunteers who can provide loving homes for our young dogs, aged 14 months upwards, whilst helping to train them to be canine partners.
By volunteering you will be a valued member of our Charity and know that you are integrally involved in the care and training of a dog that will change the life of a person waiting for their Canine Partner. You can benefit from the companionship and enjoyment of having a dog in your life without lifelong commitment or costs associated with dog ownership, meet like-minded people and have the opportunity to develop your knowledge of puppy development and training.
What is involved?
- Commitment to providing a loving home, care, and training for a dog for the duration of their time in training.
- We consider this a full-time role as you, or another approved adult member of the household, will be required to care for the dog for much of the day and overnight.
- Our trainers need access to the dogs during weekdays for training purposes. We ask that you commute to and from our training centre when
required to drop off/collect the dog. Drop off and collection times are between 7.30 - 9.30am and 4-6pm. We try to be as flexible as possible with the times that are best for you.
- Availability to attend pre-arranged training sessions at your home, in your local area, and at our training centre.
- Attend an Introduction session before we coordinate a dog into your care
- With our guidance, and using positive training methods, to continue the training of the dog in various areas. For example:
• Home behaviour
• Social behaviour
• Behaviour around other animals
• Walking on a lead
• Off lead exercise
- Maintaining the dog’s health and welfare and, via support and training, to recognise behaviour/health concerns and report them immediately to the dog’s trainer
What skills are required?
• You have a dog friendly secure garden
• Though desirable, prior dog ownership is not required.
• All members of the household are keen to foster.
• There is no more than one pet dog living in your home. The pet dog must be over 12 months of age and would need to undergo our pet dog suitability assessment
• Have the time and ability to commit to the training and care of a young dog. This is a physical role
• Have access to a suitable vehicle to transport the dog
• That you or other approved adult member of the household are at home most of the day, and overnight, to care for the dog
• Attend two training sessions each year
• Understand that the dog in your care remains under the ownership of Canine Partners
Is training provided?
Yes
Additional important information
Support and Training:
• Induction process which includes telephone assessment and home visit
• On-going Instruction and support from our dog trainers. This will be in person, via video link, phone calls, handouts etc.
• Holiday cover and appointments cover can be arranged.
• Payment of expenditure such as mileage to and from a training session with a Canine Partner representative
• Access to our volunteer portal with many resources for your use.
• Invitation to join our Official Canine Partners Community Facebook Group
Apply now....
For further information on this opportunity call 01283 219761 or email volunteer@sdcvs.org.uk
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