Question 1

How do I become a General Body Member?

Accepted Answer

A General Member is welcome to attend any of our general body meetings, open exec meetings, and optional command practices! They are also able to volunteer at our social events and fundraisers. While General Members are not able to handle the leash of a SDIT, it is a great way to support the club and learn more about what it means to be a Volunteer Trainer.
 
To become a General Member, contact us at osu4paws@gmail.com to join our email list, and pay membership dues!

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Image: 2 dogs at an amphitheatre photoshoot

Question 2

How can I become a Primary Volunteer Trainer (Handler) or Secondary Volunteer Trainer (Sitter)?

Accepted Answer

To become a Primary Volunteer Trainer or Secondary
Volunteer Trainer, follow these steps:

1. Go to 
https://www.4pawsforability.org/volunteer-trainer-programs/ (https://www.4pawsforability.org/volunteer-trainer-programs/)
2. Fill out the Housing Verification Form & the Application
3. If you are approved, you will complete an online orientation and attend an in-person (or online for Secondary VT) orientation in Xenia, OH.
4. Contact osu4paws@gmail.com once you are approved to handle the service dogs in training, or if you have any questions!
5. Pay club dues
 
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Image: SDiT Paguro

Question 3

How much are club dues?

Accepted Answer

Membership dues are $11/semester or $20/year and are commonly paid through Venmo, PayPal, or cash.

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Image: SDiT Fargo

Question 4

What kind of training do Volunteer Trainers complete?

Accepted Answer

All Volunteer Trainers and Secondary Volunteer Trainers must do the following:
1. Complete an online orientation
2. Attend an in-person (or online for Secondary VT) orientation in Xenia, OH led by 4 Paws Staff.
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Primary Volunteer Trainer Requirements
- Fill out 2 forms a month.
- Attend a virtual or in-person obedience classes in Xenia, OH every month.
 
Secondary Volunteer Trainer Requirements
- Fill out monthly forms
 
At orientation and obedience classes, the volunteers will learn about the rules of the program as well as work through real life scenarios in order to learn how to properly train and socialize their SDIT. 
 
All Volunteer Trainers and Secondary Volunteer Trainers will complete an OSU-specific orientation quiz in order to learn more about the specific rules in place at Ohio State.

Question 5

Do the dogs go everywhere with you?

Accepted Answer

Almost everywhere! They come with us to class, to the store, to restaurants, and sometimes work. However, there are some places we can't take the pups. Such as: science labs, loud concerts, OSU football games, certain hospitals, and commercial kitchens. In some situations, the dogs may be exposed to stimulation such as a rowdy crowds or loud noises that are unsafe for them, and in others, they may not be allowed due to sanitation or health reasons. 
 
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Image: SDiT Bupkus & Handler Meranda Coleman

Question 6

How long do you have the dogs for?

Accepted Answer

It depends! Sometimes, an experienced handler will have a dog from as early as 8 weeks to as late as a year old. Other times, handlers will have dogs that are older, around 5-6 months old and have been through either the prison program or another foster home. Sometimes, a pup just needs a home for a few weeks! For example, if dogs need to work on a particular issue (such as being scared of elevators), the trainers may send them back out to us for a bit to get the issue resolved.

Lastly, though it isn't a part of the college program, 4 Paws is always looking for weekend fosters to hang with a pup just for the weekend, until training starts back up on Monday! They have also offer a puppy starter program for those who want to "start" a puppy from 2 months to 4 months old.

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Image: SDiT Cas & Co-Handler Mia Spallino

Question 7

How much money do you spend on the dogs?

Accepted Answer

4 Paws pays for all the basic supplies such as a kennel, leash, collar, easy walk, vest, bowl, food, a couple startup toys and veterinary care. Handlers are in charge of providing treats for training and socialization purposes. Any additional costs you may spend is completely voluntary, however most handlers will buy more items such as rain gear, toys, bones, paw-protection gear, etc. One benefit of joining our college organization is that we reward participation with prizes!
 
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Image: SDiT Hydra

Question 8

Can a Service Dog in Training live in a residence hall?

Accepted Answer

Primary Volunteer Trainers are allowed to live with a dog in the dorms if it is their second-year at the university (ex. a transfer student has to wait until their 2nd year specifically at OSU)! These are the only individuals who can bring their dog into their residence hall. Sitters and co-handlers are not allowed to take any dog into any residence hall. 
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Image: SDiT Cersei

Question 9

If I donate to the organization and change my mind, can I receive a refund?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately refunds are non-refundable as all of the donations we make are given either directly to 4 Paws for Ability or used rather quickly for our dogs here on campus. Please keep this in mind if you decide to donate.