Dog Care and Play - Canine Support Assistant

Help care for and play with dogs in training to be guide dogs!

The Canine Support Assistant (CSA) volunteer plays a key role in the development of all dogs in the training program. They provide enrichment for large, strong dogs* (12-18 months old) in our Canine Development Center. Volunteers interact with dogs to provide companionship and anxiety relief using Leader Dog-approved enrichment, grooming, and massage techniques.

Volunteers may encounter dogs who are not fully trained and may jump up or exhibit mouthing (placing their open mouth on limbs, toys, or objects) behavior. All applicants should have excellent balance and assume the likelihood of being jumped upon or mouthed while interacting with dogs.

Canine Support Assistants are crucial to helping Leader Dog provide the best care and animal welfare for our dogs in residence while they are training to be guide dogs. Happy, well-adjusted dogs make better guide dogs. Paid team members depend on the assistance of volunteers in this role to provide individual attention to each dog.

Skills and Attributes:

The ideal candidate will have the following skills and attributes:

Able to positively handle strong, young, energetic large breed dogs (40-80 lbs.)

Physical ability to bend, stoop, and walk unassisted while interacting with dogs

Able to work independently and quickly problem-solve when necessary

Able to comprehend and follow verbal and written directions, and execute detailed instructions

Able to observe dog behavior, and document that behavior in binders or charts

Comfortable cleaning up dog urine, feces and vomit

Communicate positively while working as part of a team

Professional, mature demeanor with a willingness to learn Leader Dog rules and requirements

Be committed to our mission: “Our mission is empowering people who are blind or visually impaired with lifelong skills for safe and independent daily travel.”