Green-Level Activities for Fosters and Volunteers

These activities are designed to give every dog a better chance at a successful family life. As a foster or volunteer, you can use these skills to help a dog feel more confident, comfortable, and prepared for adoption.

Green-Level Activities are simple, beginner-friendly tasks that can be learned and performed by entry-level volunteers. The focus is on:

• Using positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors

• Learning how to ask for and receive the dog’s consent before interactions

• Building trust through safe, respectful handling

• Supporting basic manners and calm behavior in everyday situations

By practicing these skills consistently, you can help prepare a dog for a smoother transition into a permanent home — while making their time in foster care or at the shelter more positive and enriching.