Dog Care Learning Module
Designed as an introduction for new volunteers.
Begin module
Our Dogs
- Osceola County Animal Services cares for dogs from surrenders, strays, confiscations, and bite cases.
- Each dog is assessed for health, behavior, and adoptability, then placed in the shelter or foster care.
- All dog care volunteers must complete this training.
Next
Training Requirements
Training requirements: To ensure the safety of both animals and volunteers, all dog walkers must complete a two-part training process: Session 1: Shadowing & Practice (50/50)
- You will shadow a qualified staff member or mentor to learn how to properly leash, handle, and walk a shelter dog.
- You will observe the best practices and participate in hands-on learning while also observing playgroups.
Session 2: Supervised Independent Handling
- You will walk and care for dogs with limited supervision, demonstrating safe handling and confidence.
Note: This training does not cover dog-to-dog introductions or playgroups. Dog-to-Dog introductions should only be done with the behaviorist.
► Upon successful completion, you will receive a dog icon on your name tag, indicating you're approved to walk adoptable dogs independently.
Note: *If there is inclement weather on a training day, training is cancelled. Please reschedule your training on Volgistics or alert the Programs Supervisor
Next
Safety & dog handling
• Always use only shelter-approved slip leads or martingale leashes.
• Walk one dog at a time.
• Avoid contact with other dogs, visitors, or public areas.
• Carry treats and waste bags at all times.
• Be patient—if a dog pulls, stop and calmly wait for slack in the leash before proceeding.
Next
Environmental & illness safety
- Avoid walking dogs during thunderstorms, excessive heat, or poor weather. Use indoor enrichment alternatives as needed.
- (Additional enrichment items are explained in the “Enrichment” module.)
- Know signs of dog illness: coughing, lethargy, runny nose, or loss of appetite.
- Immediately report concerns to a supervisor or mentor.
Next
Emergency procedures
Loose dog?
- Remain calm, don’t chase. Use treats to lure and alert staff.
You’re injured?
- Secure the dog (if possible), report to the front desk, and complete an incident report.
- If you are unable to move, use a radio to contact other team members or if you are in the dog play yards, use the air horns available in the “Bite Bags”.
- Pictured are the locations of the bite bags and what is located inside.
Dog seems ill? Report observations immediately. Do not bring dogs to the vet area unless directed. Look for these signs:
- runny nose or eyes
- lethargy or lack of energy
- excessive blood in kennel
- lots of itching
Click the image to enlarge.
Next
Kennel Cards
Kennel cards are created for every animal that enters into our shelter system.
Each animal is assigned a six-digit ID number that begins with an "A". You can see it pictured in the photo underneath the animal picture.
Click the image to enlarge.
Next
Choosing dogs for walks
Only walk dogs marked “OK TO WALK” on their kennel card.
- Puppies under 6 months,
- dogs on medical restriction, or
- dogs without clearance
may not be walked.
Always review kennel cards and any other attached signage on the kennel before handling.
Next
Signs on the Kennel
Purpose of Signs:
Kennel door signs are important communication tools to inform staff and volunteers about specific details related to each animal’s care.
Types of Signs: There may be various signs displayed—each one serves a purpose. These can include medical notes, behavioral alerts, adoption status, or special handling instructions.
Dietary
Infectious
Next
Behavior modification plan
Behavior Modification Plans are created to guide how we manage specific behaviors.These plans outline important steps and strategies tailored to each dog.
- It’s essential to read the entire plan before interacting with the dog.
- Following the plan helps keep the dog, staff, and volunteers safe.
- Consistency in handling ensures the best progress.
What You Should Do:
- Make an extra effort to read all signs on each kennel door before interacting with an animal.
- Pay attention to updates—signs may change daily based on the animal’s need
Click the image to enlarge.
Next
Record keeping & Communication
We use a variety of tools to ensure communication remains consistent between volunteers and staff.
Task Board or Whiteboard
Use the whiteboard in the hallway of A building to mark completed activities.
Always make sure to update the whiteboard with the appropriate information before starting your shift
Click the image to enlarge.
Next
Record keeping & Communication
Behavior and Exercise Sheet
Log every walk or socialization on the behavior and exercise sheet located on the kennel door
- Behavior sheets are for:
- Observations
- Medical concerns
- Enrichment/training updates
If an animal is missing their behavior sheet, make sure to replace it. Blank sheets are in the plastic cabinets located in the cubbies of A building.
Click the image to enlarge.
Next
Sticker System for Animal Handling
To ensure safety and proper handling, we use a color-coded sticker system on kennel cards:
- Green: Easy to handle - suitable for most volunteers
- Yellow: Intermediate handling recommended
- Orange: Moderate handling required - approach with caution
- Red: Advanced handling only - limited to experienced volunteers or staff.
Next
► Medical emergencies should be reported immediately to shelter staff.
Walking process
Before the walk
- medical/behavior alerts, and
- Treats (shelter-approved)
During the walk
- Follow approved routes only (short, medium, or long).
- Carry a radio if walking far from the kennel.
- Keep interactions low-stress. Do not force dogs to walk if fearful or overstimulated.
After the walk • Return dog to kennel using safe body-blocking technique.
• Make objective behavior notes (e.g., “pulled on leash,” “lay in corner, tail tucked”, “took treats gently”).
• Refill water bowls, dispose of waste in trash bins marked “Organic Waste”, and wash hands before handling another dog.
Next
Walking process
- Green = Short Walk (dogs that are HW+ or just got surgery)
- Blue = Medium Walk
- Purple =Long Walk
If you want to use the yard, please only use the three designated yards around A building
Click the image to enlarge.
Front of building A
Between buildings A & B
Between buildings A & B
Next
Final review
1. Check the whiteboard to see which animals have not been taken out. 2. Gather gear. 3. Before removing the dog, make sure to read ALL signage on the kennel door.
4. Remove dog from cage.
5. Walk, socialize, train, or enrich the dog. 6. Return the dog to it's cage.
7. Make notes on the clipboard attached to the cage door (Behavior notes). 8. Make notes and place magnets on the dog care boards. 9. Wash your hands between walking each individual animal. 10. Report any problems/concerns to your mentor or supervisor.
Next
► Use Next buttons to proceed. ► Click Submit when you are done.
Dog Care Learning Module
John Patience
Created on July 24, 2025
Start designing with a free template
Discover more than 1500 professional designs like these:
View
Urban Illustrated Presentation
View
3D Corporate Reporting
View
Discover Your AI Assistant
View
Vision Board
View
SWOT Challenge: Classify Key Factors
View
Explainer Video: Keys to Effective Communication
View
Explainer Video: AI for Companies
Explore all templates
Transcript
Dog Care Learning Module
Designed as an introduction for new volunteers.
Begin module
Our Dogs
Next
Training Requirements
Training requirements: To ensure the safety of both animals and volunteers, all dog walkers must complete a two-part training process: Session 1: Shadowing & Practice (50/50)
Session 2: Supervised Independent Handling
- You will walk and care for dogs with limited supervision, demonstrating safe handling and confidence.
Note: This training does not cover dog-to-dog introductions or playgroups. Dog-to-Dog introductions should only be done with the behaviorist.► Upon successful completion, you will receive a dog icon on your name tag, indicating you're approved to walk adoptable dogs independently.
Note: *If there is inclement weather on a training day, training is cancelled. Please reschedule your training on Volgistics or alert the Programs Supervisor
Next
Safety & dog handling
• Always use only shelter-approved slip leads or martingale leashes. • Walk one dog at a time. • Avoid contact with other dogs, visitors, or public areas. • Carry treats and waste bags at all times. • Be patient—if a dog pulls, stop and calmly wait for slack in the leash before proceeding.
Next
Environmental & illness safety
Next
Emergency procedures
Loose dog?
- Remain calm, don’t chase. Use treats to lure and alert staff.
You’re injured?Dog seems ill? Report observations immediately. Do not bring dogs to the vet area unless directed. Look for these signs:
Click the image to enlarge.
Next
Kennel Cards
Kennel cards are created for every animal that enters into our shelter system.
Each animal is assigned a six-digit ID number that begins with an "A". You can see it pictured in the photo underneath the animal picture.
Click the image to enlarge.
Next
Choosing dogs for walks
Only walk dogs marked “OK TO WALK” on their kennel card.
- Puppies under 6 months,
- dogs on medical restriction, or
- dogs without clearance
may not be walked. Always review kennel cards and any other attached signage on the kennel before handling.Next
Signs on the Kennel
Purpose of Signs: Kennel door signs are important communication tools to inform staff and volunteers about specific details related to each animal’s care.
Types of Signs: There may be various signs displayed—each one serves a purpose. These can include medical notes, behavioral alerts, adoption status, or special handling instructions.
Dietary
Infectious
Next
Behavior modification plan
Behavior Modification Plans are created to guide how we manage specific behaviors.These plans outline important steps and strategies tailored to each dog.
What You Should Do:
Click the image to enlarge.
Next
Record keeping & Communication
We use a variety of tools to ensure communication remains consistent between volunteers and staff. Task Board or Whiteboard Use the whiteboard in the hallway of A building to mark completed activities. Always make sure to update the whiteboard with the appropriate information before starting your shift
Click the image to enlarge.
Next
Record keeping & Communication
Behavior and Exercise Sheet Log every walk or socialization on the behavior and exercise sheet located on the kennel door
- Behavior sheets are for:
- Observations
- Medical concerns
- Enrichment/training updates
If an animal is missing their behavior sheet, make sure to replace it. Blank sheets are in the plastic cabinets located in the cubbies of A building.Click the image to enlarge.
Next
Sticker System for Animal Handling
To ensure safety and proper handling, we use a color-coded sticker system on kennel cards:
Next
► Medical emergencies should be reported immediately to shelter staff.
Walking process
Before the walk
During the walk
After the walk • Return dog to kennel using safe body-blocking technique. • Make objective behavior notes (e.g., “pulled on leash,” “lay in corner, tail tucked”, “took treats gently”). • Refill water bowls, dispose of waste in trash bins marked “Organic Waste”, and wash hands before handling another dog.
Next
Walking process
- Green = Short Walk (dogs that are HW+ or just got surgery)
- Blue = Medium Walk
- Purple =Long Walk
If you want to use the yard, please only use the three designated yards around A buildingClick the image to enlarge.
Front of building A
Between buildings A & B
Between buildings A & B
Next
Final review
1. Check the whiteboard to see which animals have not been taken out. 2. Gather gear. 3. Before removing the dog, make sure to read ALL signage on the kennel door. 4. Remove dog from cage. 5. Walk, socialize, train, or enrich the dog. 6. Return the dog to it's cage.
7. Make notes on the clipboard attached to the cage door (Behavior notes). 8. Make notes and place magnets on the dog care boards. 9. Wash your hands between walking each individual animal. 10. Report any problems/concerns to your mentor or supervisor.
Next
► Use Next buttons to proceed. ► Click Submit when you are done.