GoodDogz.org Education 

GoodDogz.org offers a variety of workshops and classes for both adopters and rescue volunteers.The following classes are being offered in Northern Virginia and are available for a nominal fee. Would you like to host a class in your area? Email us at education@gooddogz.org .

CURRICULUM: Did you know that most homeless dogs are surrendered for behavioral reasons? This class will help newly adopted dogs fit into their new homes, discussing your relationship with your dog and how it affects training. You will learn positive reinforcement training theories and guide your dog through some basic obedience skills. The instructor will also address teaching house manners and solving specific problems in the future. (This class is for dog/handler pairs.)

Adoption Counselor Workshop (for all dog lovers)
Taught by Leigh Siegfried, Opportunity Barks
CURRICULUM: Adoption counseling is not just for rescue volunteers! Friends, family, co-workers and neighbors are in prime positions to gently share information with potential adopters-- information that can ultimately save a dog from losing their home and possibly their life. This workshop will discuss how the Adoption Counselor must acknowledge that adopting a dog is an emotional decision, but how to help people learn about what dogs will work in their households and lifestyles. (This class is for humans only.) 

Behavior Testing in Shelters (for volunteers)
Taught by Megan Brooks, Animal Welfare League of Alexandria
CURRICULUM: With so many dogs needing help and so few resources, how do you choose? Developing a temperament testing process is a valuable way for rescue groups to measure a dog’s sociability and reactions, so they can best distribute the resources available to them at that time. Megan Brooks will share the carefully sculpted Temperament Testing program in operation at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. (This class is for humans only, but hands-on participation with shelter dogs is possible.)

Tellington Touch for Rescue Dogs, Part I (for all dog lovers)
Taught by Schon A. Gross, DogLeggs
CURRICULUM: Can you help ease the stress of your rescue dog(s)? Tellington Touch (TTouch) is a gentle method of body work and movement exercises that positively influences behavior, performance and well-being and deepens the relationship between animals and their people. In this 4-hour course, learn highly effective techniques to support dogs dealing with the stress of placement in rescue or new homes. Attendees will walk away with handouts describing each of the touches taught as well as a good foundation for success when incorporating TTouch into their care of their animals. (This class is for humans only; demo dogs will be provided.)

Tellington Touch for Rescue Dogs, Part II (for all dog lovers)
Taught by Schon A. Gross, DogLeggs
CURRICULUM: A continuation of Part I, this class will review touches and introduce groundwork to increase balance and confidence. Participants may bring their own dogs IF dogs are dog-friendly and can be crated quietly when not being used for demonstration. Please RSVP for yourself and your dog. Part I is a prerequisite for this class.

Compassion Fatigue in Animal Rescue Workers (for senior level volunteers)
Even “givers” can give too much, especially when dealing with a never-ending supply of helpless, at-risk animals. How do you manage your reserves and make sure you have enough of yourself left to give? This workshop will help participants re-examine their personal missions, recognize factors contributing to burnout, and learn how to protect themselves and fellow volunteers for future work.

Foster Parent Workshop (for volunteers)
CURRICULUM: This workshop will cover the role of a foster parent, working with a rescue group, safely integrating the dog into your home, training to make a dog more adoptable, and how to let go of your foster dog when he is adopted. The format will be part lecture and part discussion, and participants are encouraged to ask questions. There will be plenty of take-home materials, including handouts on various related issues that will be useful in the future. (This class is for humans only.)

Applications, Interviews & Home Visits (for volunteers)
CURRICULUM: Is finding good homes for your rescue dogs as hard as it seems? How do you evaluate and educate at the same time? This workshop will discuss the practice and theory of choosing homes, with attention to some necessary differences between groups. Participants will learn how to create and/or review applications, conduct friendly and fact-finding interviews, and use a home visit as a way to both collect information from and give education to an adoptive family. If you are already affiliated with a rescue group, please bring the application and/or home visit checklist that you will be working with. (This class is for humans only.)

Upcoming GoodDogz.org Workshops

• First Aid for Companion Animals (for volunteers & adopters)
• Volunteer Recruitment and Retention (for senior volunteers)
• Fundraising (for senior volunteers & board members)