Could your small dog help our hounds?

Could your small-breed dog help rescue sighthounds on their way to life as a much-loved pet?

Socialisation with non-sighthound breeds is a huge part of the rehabilitation work we carry out with the dogs in our care. Many of the dogs we help have never seen another dog that looks different to themselves and need some help learning how to feel comfortable around them, through gradual socialisation. We currently have a great team of medium/large-sized volunteer dogs but are looking for more small breed dog volunteers to join the team! To be suited to this important role, our doggie volunteers need to be:

• Around cocker spaniel sized or smaller.
• Comfortable, calm and confident around large, boisterous dogs who may have minimal social skills. We are extremely careful to never put our volunteer dogs at any risk, but we also need to be sure they won’t feel worried about being around the dogs in our care!
• Keen to meet and socially interact with other dogs (when it is safe and appropriate to do so).
• Not show any reactive, defensive or fearful behaviour towards other dogs (especially large, bouncy dogs).
• In good enough physical health to manage at least 30 minutes gentle walking per session.

This is a very flexible volunteering role, but ideally, we would like our doggie volunteers and their guardians to be able to commit to regular visits (this could be weekly, fortnightly, or monthly to suit you) of around 45 minutes per visit. You must be able to travel to our Devon Centre (near Cullompton). All sessions will be carried out under the supervision of a behaviourist or experienced staff member, with the physical safety and emotional wellbeing of your dog considered a priority.

Please email rachel.cartwright@foreverhoundstrust.org for more information or click on the button below to apply for the role.