If you have experience in working with young children and you enjoy the companionship of dogs, volunteering as a Delta Dog Safe™ Presenter is likely to be a rewarding role for you.
Applications are currently open
- To apply, please email a brief cover letter detailing relevant experience and skills to: info@deltadogsafetas.org.au
- Teaching experience will be highly regarded.
The success of the program relies on a dedicated team of volunteers, who are trained and accredited by Delta Society Australia.
Steps to Becoming a Volunteer with Delta Dog Safe™:
- Attend a training seminar
- Become familiar with the Delta Dog Safe Presenter Manual
- Attend school presentations as an observer, alongside experienced presenters
- Be granted a Working with Vulnerable Persons Card
- Deliver school presentations solo or as part of paired team
- Commit to a minimum of one presentation per month
You will be giving these vital dog safety messages to children:
- how to recognise whether a dog is friendly, scared or angry
- how to behave if confronted by an unknown, unleashed dog
- when not to approach a dog
- how to pat a dog safely
The program uses ‘model’ dogs in classroom presentations, (not live dogs) because:
- The model dog does not provoke anxiety in children who have a fear of dogs
- The model dog can be consistently manipulated to provide appropriate responses to the children’s behaviour during role play
- The model dog has appeal and novelty value to encourage children’s interest
- The model dog does not cause the distractions that a live animal may do
- The model dog can be used extensively and for long periods. A live dog in this situation would be unduly stressed
To find out more about volunteering with Delta Dog Safe™, contact the program coordinator.