Is your dog friendly, gentle, well-mannered and extremely socially motivated? If so, you and your dog may work together to touch the lives of those in need by being a Warm Hearts team! The Warm Hearts Network is a group of trained volunteers and their dogs who provide Animal Assisted Activities and volunteer visiting teams in the community. Our handler-dog teams are screened, evaluated and then registered to visit healthcare facilities, schools, senior living and activity centers, hospice and other locations to bring comfort and enjoyment to program participants. To participate in the Warm Hearts Network your dog must: Be two years of age or older Have been a part of your family for 6 months or more Display exceptional behavior & social personality Be extraordinarily tolerant & well behaved in new environments Be able to pass a registration evaluation with you as the handler (Team Testing) Frequently, the Warm Hearts Network identifies adoptable shelter dogs as potential Warm Hearts team candidates. These dogs have been evaluated through a screening assessment and would be wonderful additions to the program as well as great family dogs. In addition to volunteer visiting teams, we also help prepare professional teams consisting of licensed professionals ( in health care, education and human services) who use dogs in their professions. For more information on the Warm Hearts Network, or to inquire about becoming a Warm Hearts Team, contact
[email protected] View our calendar of events below. The Process Volunteer Visiting Teams Screening (held three times per year, see calendar below): No Fee WHN Test Prep Class (optional; for teams that need additional training prior to testing): $100 for 7 weeks WHN Entry Level Handlers' Workshop (held three times per year; required for all new teams prior to Team Testing): $15 per handler (for couples, both handlers must attend) Veterinary Screening Team Testing (held three times per year, see calendar below): $15 per team (handler+dog team - couples must each pass as handler) Registration for Volunteer Visiting Teams: $30/team or $50/couple plus $15 for 2 Year ID card Registration for Professional Teams is $30 for the initial test. Renewal for Volunteer Visiting Teams is every two years ($15 test fee, $30 registration). Renewal for Professional Teams is each year ($15 test, $20 registration per team per year). Phase II for Professional Teams (those using their dog to assist with work in professional health care or education setting): All of the above, followed by: Contact your state professional licensing board and obtain a copy of your professions standards and scope of practice/governing statutes, and continuing education requirements. http://www.rld.state.nm.us/boards/Boards_and_Commissions.aspx Participate in professional level continuing education/coursework for animal assisted therapy/animal assisted education www.dogwoodtherapyservices.com is one local organization that provides continuing education for licensed professionals. . Screening (No Fee) Sharing your dog with others can be a fun experience. In order to be successful, you and your dog should both enjoy going new places and meeting new people. A good handler+dog team has excellent communication, both verbal and non-verbal. WHN Teams have basic obedience training and interact with each other and community members in a calm and friendly manner. WHN Teams use humane training and handling techniques, and do not rely on physical force such as pushing the dog’s hips into a sit position, using choke chains, or jerking/popping the leash for compliance. To qualify for a screening: Dog is at least 2 years old Dog has been part of your family for at least 6 months Dog displays exceptional behavior skills and social personality Dog enjoys interactions with other people Dog is not easily overwhelmed by novel noises, sights, touch, or smells Dog [...]