Thank you for choosing to bring a rescue dog into your life! We know this is a big responsibility and are so grateful for your support. Rescue dogs can bring great joy, as they seem to ‘know’ somehow they have been saved and show their gratitude to their rescuers. However, rescue dogs often come from a home or environment that was not good for them in some way.
It is our responsibility as caregivers to learn to “speak dog” so we can listen to what our rescue dogs are telling us and give them what they need. Dogs may be shy or unsure, and may just need some extra time and space to settle in and feel comfortable. Some dogs may have experienced abuse and react to different objects or people. Learning how dogs communicate will let you know what your dog is telling you that he or she needs. Therefore, all volunteers working with our rescue dogs must complete the training course at the following link: https://university.maddiesfund.org/products/shelter-and-rescue-training-canine
The course is free, but you will need to register for the Maddie’s Fund website: https://www.maddiesfund.org/register.htm
After the course is completed, you will receive a certificate for the “Bringing a New Dog Home” and “Canine Body Language in the Shelter” sections. Please save copies or take screenshots of each certificate and email them to: oklahomagsr@gmail.com. And don’t worry, you will always be able to access your certificates even after you complete the course.
