*HPHH Train group participants recieving special thank you gift from Shara at Dogs’ Homes*

At Dogs' Homes of Tasmania, several participants have recently progressed into our Train program—a more advanced stage of learning that builds on foundational animal care knowledge and develops practical animal handling and training skills through hands-on experiences.

Designed to foster independence and responsibility, the program provides opportunities for participants to contribute meaningfully to animal welfare while developing valuable vocational skills.

*Train group participants Jason (L) and Layla (R) with pup Freesia*

In recent months, this progression has come to life in a particularly special way. What began as lending an extra pair of hands quickly evolved into participants taking the lead…quite literally!

Participants have begun working alongside Dogs' Homes animal care staff and long-term volunteers, supporting daily care routines throughout the shelter. This includes assisting with meal preparation and helping set up kennels for the evening, ensuring each dog has everything needed for a safe and comfortable night.

In one special instance, a long-term Dogs' Homes volunteer specifically sought out participants and invited them to assist in a new way. This time, participants took on greater responsibility—independently fitting slip leads and returning dogs from the play yard back to their kennels. This doesn’t only require practical animal handling skills, but knowledge and skills in understanding different behaviours and unique temperaments between breeds in order to safely handle the variety of shelter dogs in care.

This was a valued experience for participants to put their learning into practice while building real-world animal handling skills.

*Thank you card and keychain gifted from Dogs’ Homes to HPHH Train Group participants*

The impact on participants has been profound. Several have shared how rewarding it feels to contribute in such a tangible way, describing the experience as feeling like they are "really helping."

One participant shared, “Being seen like a volunteer is so important to me because I get to see the impact that the community and people like me can have on the dogs. I love spending time with them and just helping in any way I can. I also love seeing the dogs warm up and build confidence to staff, volunteers and us participants, even if they have a short stay”.

Taking ownership of meaningful tasks has strengthened their confidence and sense of purpose, while moving them closer to a goal many aspire to: volunteering at Dogs’ Homes independently.

Another participant shared, “This is important to me because I’m always learning not just about dogs but about people; how to converse with others and find common talking points on a variety of interesting topics. This also while gaining hands on experience with animals who benefit from the extra company”.

Adding to this growing sense of belonging, participants now wear their own Train program vests (pink hi-vis vests) and personalised name badges, helping them feel part of the wider Dogs' Homes team. Staff and volunteers regularly stop to greet them, answer questions and encourage their growth, creating an environment where participants feel welcomed, respected and valued.

What makes this moment so meaningful is not just the skills being developed, but the trust being shared. Through the support of the Dogs' Homes team, of course with the courage and determination of participants, they are stepping into genuine responsibilities and discovering the positive impact they can have on both the animals and the people who care for them.