Because some R.U.F.F. dogs come from backgrounds of severe neglect & abuse, sometimes they aren't sure if humans are friend or foe. Of course, we want them to learn how wonderful people can be, just like we want people to know how wonderful the R.U.F.F. dogs can be. For this type of work, you need a basic working knowledge of dog behavior & MUST WORK UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF AN EXPERIENCED VOLUNTEER OR KENNEL TECH TO START. Some dogs don't like every person they meet, just as you don't. If a dog was abused by a tall man wearing a baseball cap, you don't want to go in that dog's kennel on your first visit if you are 6'4" & wearing your Braves cap! The kennel techs work safely in direct contact with these dogs daily. But you need to know if you are selecting a dog to work with who has a "quirk" such as one who has been abused through a fence or crate before arriving at R.U.F.F. & doesn't want anyone to touch his kennel.
Sometimes pregnant dogs give birth after they come to R.U.F.F. & we like for the puppies to learn the kindness of humans at a young age. Puppies can be MESSY, too! But in the process of cleaning their kennel (& for as long as you want to afterward), you can have all the "play time" you want with them!