3 Quick Tips for Shelter Dog Playgroups
When faced with a population of shelter dogs who have been cooped up for too long, it’s natural to want to go full-steam ahead. However, just throwing dogs into a playgroup without proper preparation is a recipe for dog fights, injuries, and disease transmission.
Plan Ahead
We’ve established that there are a ton of benefits to shelter dog playgroups, but how do you actually go about starting one? There’s lots to consider, but let’s chat about 3 actionable steps to start building successful playgroups today.
In the sheltering space, it’s often necessary to strike a balance between forward movement and caution. Plan ahead for a successful playgroup by:
Pairing dogs wisely: Group dogs who have compatible play styles, behavioral needs, and energy levels, and run separate playgroups for big dogs, small dogs, and puppies.
Choosing the right space: You should choose a space that’s large enough to accommodate the dogs in your playgroups, try to have entrances and exits that swing both ways, and incorporate a holding area for dogs who may need to be removed quickly.
Reducing competition: First and foremost, dogs are animals with natural drives to guard resources. Reduce competition by incorporating kiddie pools instead of water bowls and removing anything worth guarding, like food and toys.
Having a break plan: Be sure to always have a plan in place to break up dog fights quickly and safely.
All playgroup staff should have a firm foundation of training and hands-on experience with dog behavior.
2. Staff Intentionally
It’s important to ensure that your staff is up to the task of managing groups of large dogs. Choose a consistent group of staff members who are trained for playgroups and work well together, and be sure to have clearly defined roles, including:
Playgroup leader: This staff member is responsible for managing the handlers and dogs within the playgroup, and they should be experienced in working with dogs and behavior management. Consider assigning a member of your behavior team to fill this role.
Playgroup support: These staff members may have less experience than the playgroup leader, but they should still have a good foundation in understanding dog behavior. Playgroup support staff are responsible for tasks like monitoring dog body language during playgroup, assisting with emergency interventions, and monitoring exits.
Playgroup runners: This role might be filled by a staff member or volunteer with less experience but a desire to learn about dog playgroups. They would assist with tasks like removing dogs from their kennel, bringing dogs to and from the play area, and placing harnesses on dogs prior to them joining the playgroup.
3. Closely Monitor Dog Body Language
This should go without saying, but we’re gonna say it anyway. Being knowledgeable and vigilant about dog body language could mean the difference between a dog fight or intervention before things get to that place. Here are some common dog body language signs that could spell trouble:
Lack of role reversal: In polite play, dogs take turns chasing, being chased, and being on top of each other for short spurts. If you notice one dog is continually pinning, chasing, or being the aggressor with another dog, it’s a good time to redirect.
Stiff bodies: In positive play, dogs will often have relaxed, loose, bouncy movements. When you start to notice stiff tails and limbs, it’s a sign that play might be turning sour.
No breaks: Frequent pausing is a hallmark of polite play. Dogs take brief pauses to prevent escalating energy and arousal, so if you notice uninterrupted play with no breaks, it can be a sign that things are getting a bit too rowdy.
When you work with Laurie, you get it all: hands-on support, educational resources, and remote follow up.
Build Bulletproof Playgroups with SBI’s Playgroup Intensive
Still looking for playgroup guidance? Look no further. Shelter Behavior Integrations (SBI) offers an in-person playgroup intensive to jumpstart your playgroup program. SBI founder Laurie Lawless offers a hands-on approach that includes staff training, hands-on workshops, and 2 months of remote support. Check out the SBI website to learn more!
