The Big Walks of the Ozarks program is designed to directly impact all the dogs at our local shelters while involving the public to safely learn how to help care for the animals in their community, make them as universally adoptable as possible, and help showcase their incredible personalities.
Volunteers will complete 2 hours of classroom training at BPOZ covering dog body language, leash walking, reward based training, and safety protocols. Volunteers will then attend two hands on class at two shelters where we directly demonstrate how to safely and effectively get a dog out of a kennel and build a relationship using a slip lead and rewards. We will look at various dogs to talk directly about body language and signs of stress. Finally, volunteers will complete a shelter Release test where they will demonstrate a clear ability to safely and effectively walk into a shelter, talk to the staff about what dogs are appropriate for their skill level, and demonstrate how they can safely handle the dog outside while providing enrichment. Once Released, volunteers will receive equipment and access to our training hub. Volunteers will be responsible for going to the shelter for at least 4 (1 hour minimum) sessions over a 12 month period upon graduation to maintain their BPOZ training status.
We will be in touch if you are selected for the first cohort. (Don't worry if you are not selected. Space is limited, but we will do another one! It is nothing personal, just capacity!)
