Laurie’s Top Picks for Playgroup Safety Kits
In the years that I have been running playgroups, one this is for certain- if you are not prepared for anything from a dog fight to a paw getting caught in a gate causing the dog (and everyone else in the group) to have a melt down, then you are more likely to experience panic, injuries, and sometimes traumatizing experiences.
Below is my list of my favorite gear to have in your Playgroup Safety Kit!
A slip lead that can be back-tied to a gate or fence.
Ensuring that you and your team has a means to quickly gain control of dogs in your group, and be able to secure them safely is paramount. There are more and more amazing leashing on the market, but one that I especially love for playgroups is the Rescue Pro Leash by Humane Innovations.
Not only can this slip lead interchange between a clip lead and a slip lead, but you can use it as a slip lead with a back tie if you get into a sticky situation!
Fitted handling gloves
Handling gloves in playgroup allow for more dexterity if you need to pick up a leash quickly and to protect your skin from flailing mouths. While they may not protect you from a severe bite, they certainly can add a small layer of defense. Ever pinch your hand in a gate when letting dogs in and out of group? Yeah, me too! I don’t run playgroups without them. I like using the Carhartt Women’s High Dex II and the Mechanics and the Mechanix Wear Women’s Original. In cold weather, I simple throw on my pull-back mittens over my other gloves.
A tool to insert between dogs
Getting in between two dogs, or more that maybe jump into an altercation that’s started, is never recommended, but before diving into a fight with other aversive tools or hands, you can consider having something in the yard that is strong, durable, and prevents further escalation - without having to put your self in danger. I recommend having a large pig board on stand by, and even better, a Freeman Y Pole to swiftly move dogs apart and create space.
Two well-made (and tested) break sticks.
While we hope it never gets there, anyone running dog playgroups in a shelter should know how to safely use a break stick for dog fights that include latching and holding. These incidents, while scary, can often be broken up very quickly both with training and the correct tools. I have walked into too many shelters that have inadequate break sticks or do not have them at all. Keep your staff and dogs safe with Barry’s Breaksticks. Handmade out of cutting board, they are strong, durable and easy to clean and disinfect. Laurie tested; Laurie approved!
Seatbelt cutter
This one may seem silly, but if you have shelter dogs in playgroups with collars, harnesses, or leashes on there is always a possibilities of a dog catching their jaw on another dogs gear. These terrifying moments freak out not only the two dogs, but most of the time the group around them. Collar caught situations can also be deadly quickly as both dogs are trying to pull away from each other, suffocation can occur. They can also be dangerous for handlers, as dogs in pain and panic with no escape route are more likely to bite. You may never have to use a seat belt cutting in your career as an animal welfare employee or volunteer, but the rare moment you need one, don’t be caught without it.
The Safety Kit Standard Trio
While we want to avoid using tools that are aversive to the entire group, it can sometimes be inevitable. These three tools are staples for every dog yard and every Playgroup Safety Kit should have them, in addition to the items listed above! These items can be purchased from many vendors, such as Chewy. Small airhorns can typically be found at boating stores or online.
To Conclude
There are many different safety tools out there, but the tools listed here are all gear and tools I have used to keep my shelter playgroups safe. If you are unsure of what your shelter needs for your Playgroup Safe Kits, schedule a Free Discovery Chat with me, so I can recommend the best gear for your team!
