It seems to me there are a couple of issues here. I don't think a shelter wants just any JoeBloe walking in one day to say "hey I'd like to help by walking your dogs". The shelter needs to know something about its volunteers though a criminal check might be a bit much. If someone has been volunteering at a shelter for some time so the staff knows them and now new policies are being put into effect, then the shelter should have some sort of informational meeting/handout for all its volunteers so they know what and why. And even when volunteers have been accepted, some mini-training should be included for handling dogs. Many shelter dogs have been abused so I wouldn't want a volunteer who grew up under the "old" system of training with spanking and collar yerking now handling a special needs dog. Actual certification for dog walkers - no - the government intrudes enough.
Neat Dog Video
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I thought this video about Dog/Human interactions was pretty neat.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nV3FXeocKos&feature=player_embedded
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Very interesting video! Thanks for posting it.
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I saw this on tv not too long ago! Very nice to watch!
I think we should start with 'paw stimulation' on three day old basenji pups as well
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I've actually watched the entire program on National Geographic a couple of times. It really is interesting. Thanks for posting that.
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Great video!! I'll look for the entire version on National Geo channel.
It reminds me of the trainer I knew 35 years ago. I had a Newfie in 4-H Obedience who refused to stay on long down. He taught me the constant eye contact thing and that dog never again released early. Long down/out-of-site was another trick altogether. He was a great guy. I still use his training with kindness techniques for my pets to this day.
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that was really interesting. reminds me of the book "If Dogs Could Talk" (bad name for a book, but really good book)
http://www.amazon.com/If-Dogs-Could-Talk-Exploring/dp/0865476861
