Utilizing Volunteers

Trained volunteers are also very helpful with early socialization. If you already have volunteer help at your organization, selecting the best candidates for helping with early socialization is imperative to ensure the consistency with early socialization protocols and procedures. Below are a few desired qualities of volunteers when selecting help with early socialization: 

• Reliable- They follow other procedures and protocols in your organization
• Dependable- They faithfully attend scheduled shifts each week 
• Invested – In the continuous improvement of your organization and the mission

When first starting, it is best to select a small number of volunteers to begin your program and then increase your number of volunteers in the future. Once a small number of volunteers have been selected, an interest meeting or email that explains the goal behind the implementation of the early socialization program should take place. During this meeting, explain the expectations of the volunteer role as well as shift details.

Once interested volunteers are identified, an orientation can be held to review protocols and procedures as well as additional training. Below are suggested topics to discuss during the orientation:

• Shift details- Where? When? 
• Canine Body Language overview
• Skills puppies will learn in early socialization program
• Review protocols – i.e. biosecurity and socialization

After the orientation, volunteers are prepared for their first shift to assist with early socialization.