2 weeks already?!

ok ill give a little background... I applied at my local humane society to volunteer with the cats, they wanted me there, but wanted me to walk the dogs. I like dogs...not as much as cats...but i have never owned a dog. I dont know a whole lot about them, and strange dogs scare me. Well i agreed and every other sunday i go to walk the dogs. It has been months now, and i still am afraid of volunteering. The first time i did, a dog attacked me. I really like dogs and love volunteering but i find myself dredding ever other sunday. Does anyone have any tips on how i can get over my fear of dogs? or at least be more confident with them? I dont have a big voice and i am very short and just overall small, which makes the dominant thing not work so well. Oh no! i have to go volunteer in 20 minutes! (shakes ad shivers)

Well, in my not so humble opinion, you are a volunteer and beggars (the HS) should not be choosers. Perhaps you request that you would only walk dogs under a certain size? Or play with and socialize the puppies? I would think you would tend to be a bit less intimidated by the smaller dogs so that perhaps you could "work your way up" as it were. It's really not helping the dogs as trust me, they know that you're afraid of them!

Good luck!

Good luck to you. You are doing a great thing

Originally Posted by RoseHawke

Well, in my not so humble opinion, you are a volunteer and beggars (the HS) should not be choosers. Perhaps you request that you would only walk dogs under a certain size? Or play with and socialize the puppies? I would think you would tend to be a bit less intimidated by the smaller dogs so that perhaps you could "work your way up" as it were. It's really not helping the dogs as trust me, they know that you're afraid of them!

Good luck!

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I agree with RoseHawke. You are volunteering and doing a wonderful thing! They should be glad for your help. Excellent suggestion to start with the smaller dogs.

my sister used to volenteer aswell with dogs (she's more of a dog person) and she'd walk them to, i'd help ones or twice and i am short as wel but i had no prob. walking them!
maybe think about something else then the previous times you've been atacked and you'll forget about it. cuz if the you feel comfortable so does the dog keep going your doing a great job

thanks all, i guess i should explain a little better. There are only 2 options as a 16 yr old that i cant do...cats or dogs... they were so short on dog walkers that they really need them. And i do my best to walk the smaller easier dogs, but sheese when there arent any small ones....

ps... all went faily well today, got quite shakey for a moment though .....

I would just talk the whole time. If you talk to yourself, good job me, these dogs arent so bad, I am in charge I am walking them. You guys arent so bad, I can do this, then eventully you will start to believe it. Also it might be a saftey thing but can you bring a walkman or an Ipod to listen to? If you had some music it might help calm you down, or build you up and make you more confident depending on your choice in music. Check with the shelter first though, this might be a safty hazard.

Good for you for volunteering!

Good for you. I asked a few places if I could volunteer, some replied saying they only had morning shifts left and some replied saying they didn't have time for 'kids' like me. Ohwell, least I tried.

yea, wellingtoncats most places have age limits where you have to be 16, it sucks i had wanted to volunteer since i was 12.

Roxy_loves_CJ, thank you for the idea of "reasuring" myself, ill try that :-) but i dont think i can have music. They want us to share their high standards. No short shorts no strappy shirts...ect. "we want people checking out the dogs, not you" oy, when it gets hot this summer thats gunna suck really bad wearing jeans!

A few tips
Dogs communicate with body language. If your body language tells them you are scared,it will make them unsure of you.
Do not lean over the dog
Do not try to pat them on top of the head,go under the chin
Don't stare at them
When you want them to come to you,squat down and turn your eyes away and call them to you.
Remember they are in a strange place and will be wary.
Carry treats with you-cheese or hotdog pieces will help you make friends fast. Make sure the dog is not on a special diet when using treats.
When walking them, remember dogs like a strong leader it makes them calm and confident.
Put the leash on them and say "lets go" in a confident firm voice. And remember to praise when they do.
Walk tall, dogs really do feel much better with a person that is clean cut in commands and actions.

Thank you. bullit all of that was really helpful. Any tips on getting in and out of the cages when a dog heavier then me is pressed up against it, trying to get out?

If you are inside the cage, tell the dog to sit. This is a good time to use a treat.
If the dog has not had any training, throwing a toy or treat can occupy them until you can get to the door.
The same if you are outside wanting to open the door. Throwing a toy or treat can help. I am sure these dogs are very excited and this will be hard to break.

thanks again!