Sophia Snuffelvrijwilliger

Do you have a social, obedient and child-friendly dog and would you like to stand in front of the class? Then working as a volunteer for the Sophia SnuffelCollege might be something for you! Together with your dog you visit the lowest groups of primary schools in your area, to teach children how to handle dogs safely. In this way, the number of dog bites in children can be limited and fear of dogs decreases. In addition, the Sophia SnuffelCollege contributes to more understanding and respect for dogs and other animals. The Sophia SnuffelCollege is a project of the Queen Sophia Society for the Protection of Animals.

"It's fantastic to be a sniffer volunteer! You can really teach children something through the interaction with your dog. The collaboration with your own dog makes it the ideal volunteer work for me and, moreover, you contribute to our society. In short, volunteering that satisfaction gives!" — Ilya Moll

"Even if there were only one child who was not bitten by a dog, my years of dedication to the Sophia SnuffelCollege have already paid off." — Dorette Stoveken

Activities:

The Sophia SnuffelCollege consists of three weekly lessons of 30 to 45 minutes. In the first lesson you introduce the children to a hand puppet. During the second and third lesson, your dog will come into the classroom and the theory will be put into practice. How do you tell if a dog is angry or sad? When can you pet a dog and when is it better to leave it alone? In a playful way you explain the most important rules for dealing with dogs. In addition, you let the children practice petting, brushing and giving kibble. Afterwards everyone receives a Sniffer Diploma and a workbook with games and information for the parents.

Do you think it is important that children learn how to handle dogs safely?

Sign up as a SnuffelVolunteer! To guarantee the safety of the children, every SnuffelDog takes the Sophia SnuffelCollege Dog Behavior Test. Via Sophia SnuffelCollege: dog in the classroom | Sophia-Vereeniging you can complete a questionnaire and send it by e-mail. If you and your dog seem suitable for the project, we would like to invite you for the Sophia SnuffelCollege Dog Behavior Test!

What do we expect from you?

• You are good with children and enjoy doing so;

• You have a thorough knowledge of dog behavior;

• You are available for at least 9 half-days per year during school hours;

• You are representative of the association and support our goals;

• You have your own transport to visit schools with the dog;

• You are prepared to approach schools in your area.

What do we expect from your dog?

• He is at least 18 months and at most 8 years old;

• He has followed a basic course at a dog school (this is not the puppy course, but the obedience training that follows);

• It is covered by the owner's liability insurance (AVP);

• He is resistant to stress and enjoys dealing with children.