About the Vacancy
Vacancy
Location
Applications Close On
Vacancy Number
Role Description
This type of volunteer provides a high standard of care for Seeing Eye Dogs in the volunteer’s own home as approved and agreed by Seeing Eye Dogs. As a Training Dog Caring Volunteer, your role is vitally important to the final outcome of our dogs. Your dedication and adherence to our program will directly impact the progress and outcome of our dogs in training. Managing home behaviour, toilet training and providing specific feedback to Seeing Eye Dog Dog staff is a large part of setting these dogs up for success. It is important to remember that dogs requiring Training Dog Caring have not completed all of their training and do require ongoing guidance. Training Dog Caring is for dogs in formal training that benefit from a home environment mimicking where the dog will live in when placed with a client. KEY DUTIES • Training Dog Caring Volunteers Care for dogs in Seeing Eye Dogs formal training (12-18 months of age) for 4-5 months at a time on nights and weekends. • A minimum 6 month commitment to the Training Dog Caring program is required. • Training Dog Caring Volunteers in Victoria are required to drop off (between 7am and 8.30am) and pick up the dogs (between 3pm and 7pm) from Seeing Eye Dogs in Kensington from Monday to Friday. In selected areas in NSW and QLD, our Instructors will collect the dogs from your home in the morning (Monday to Friday) and drop them back in the afternoon. • Training Dog Caring Volunteers ideally will be at home during the day e.g. retired, working from home to allow for flexibility in the training schedule. Training Dog Caring Volunteer Responsibilities • Follow the advice of Seeing Eye Dogs Instructors to: • Provide a relaxing environment that encourages rest after a busy training day, therefore they cannot be walked unless requested by Seeing Eye Dogs. • Maintain excellent obedience, house manners and social behaviours, they are still learning and need guidance to get by distractions. • Willing to participate in ongoing dog handling training onsite at Kensington or locally when required • Able to transport the dog to Kensington (if in Victoria) or any other location as required • Able to transport dog to local vets if required. • Physically fit/able to walk/handle large dogs • Able to care for a variety of dogs in the Training Dog Caring Program that would benefit from a rest in a home environment, of either gender, variety of breeds and coat colours / types. • Participate in toilet training as required and recognise that occasional toileting accidents may occur as the majority of dogs will be in the process of training • Clean up after puppies/dogs using equipment provided • Provide carer responsibilites: feeding, walking and other dog handling duties • Report back to the Seeing Eye Dogs Instructors any pertinent information regarding the dog in care The volunteer will not: • leave dogs unaccompanied for more than 3.5 hours at a time Currently available in: QLD: Buderim/Maroochydore VIC: Metro Melbourne region with the ability to travel to Kensington on weekdays for pick up and drop off. NSW: Woy Woy, Umina Beach, Ettalong Beach, Booker Bay, Blackwall, Horsfield Bay, Woy Woy Bay, Kariong, Koolewong, Tascott, Point Clare, Gosford, Wyoming, Point Fredrick, Erina and St Huberts Island
Skills and Attributes
All carers must be able to drive, own a car and have immediate car access to transport the pup/dog to Kensington or any other location as required Becoming a carer means you will join a dedicated group of like-minded volunteers who are passionate about dog caring and supporting people who are blind or have low vision to live the life they choose. The volunteer will demonstrate abilities in: • Ability to follow instructions • Ability to stand long periods • Dog handling skills (enjoys working with dogs) • Interpersonal and communication skills All our carers carry the following attributes when they support Seeing Eye Dogs: Kind and collaborative “The community is nice and welcoming.” • Surrounded by a supportive and encouraging community. • Share experiences and empathise with others who are going through a similar experience. Committed “It has opened up a new world in animal care for me; training these amazing dogs and knowing that I am doing something important.” • Dedicated to the purpose of supporting people who are blind or have low vision. • Devoted to caring for and training happy, healthy pups to become the next generation of Seeing Eye Dogs. Openness and flexibility “Being connected to the organisation, learning and gaining new skills.” • Solution focussed mindset, open to new challenges and learning new skills. • Being flexible and adaptable to a changing environment. Integrity “Feeling that I am a part of an interactive community who really cares about what they're doing and how we're all helping.” • Be a role model for others. • Valuing human connections. Healthy “Not only am I giving back to the community, dog walking keeps me fit” • Optimistic outlook and healthy emotional state. • A good level of fitness.
Training
Training for this role includes: • Dog handling skills check • Training Dog Caring Induction Training • Role specific (as required) (Caring manual provided)
Other Requirements
Once the application form has been returned, complete the following; • External Risk Assessment Form • Global Carer Agreement • Working with Children check (WWCC) in VIC and NSW / Blue Card in QLD • Police check • Interview & Property Inspection
Apply Now
Vacancy Id passthrough