Enroll Now
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Enroll Now ☆
Pathway Playgroups Online Mentorship
February 20 - March 19
There’s a New Way for Shelters to Play !
Welfare-Driven. Data-Rich. Staff-Empowering.
Reduce Dog Fights
Maximize Daily Care Efficiency
Create Longevity
Get Real Usable Behavior Data for Pathway Planning
CEU’s Available!!!
CEU’s Available
Dates: Video Release Dates: Fridays' February 20, 27, March 6, 13 Group Mentorship Sessions: Thursday's February 26, March 5, 12, 19 (Group 1 @ 4 p.m., Group 2 @ 5 p.m.) This mentorship provides a guided learning experience focused on running structured, low-stress playgroups and integrating them into your shelter's operations.
CPDT-KA: 15
CPDT-KSA 10.5
CBCC-KA: 4.5
IAABC: 13.25
NACA: 12
Course Overview
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Course Introduction
Dog-to-Dog Intros and Data Collection
Creating your Playgroup Lists
Using Data for Pathways and Adoption Counseling
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Playgroup Logistics, Roles, and Daily Intention Setting
Playgroup Safety, Tools, and Breaking up Dog Fights
Daily integration, efficiency, and time allotment
Legacy planning your playgroups for operational consistency moving forward
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Best practices for building your playgroup yard for the best behavior outcomes and welfare
Advanced and nuanced canine body language critical for playgroup leads and assistants
How to work with individual dogs’ specific behaviors such as humping, bullying, hyper arousal, same sex aggression, and excessive vocalization.
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How to identify when to intervene between two dogs, how to use low-stress interventions that de-escalate tension and avoid altercations.
Remedial socialization for shy and fearful dogs, using helper dogs, when and how to use muzzles in playgroups, and behavior modification in a playgroup context.
Specific Breed traits and how they can both play into your daily playgroups, and create a better understanding of who a dog is to set them up for success.
February/March Dates
Meet your instructor
Laurie Lawless
Laurie Lawless is a nationally recognized expert in shelter dog behavior, with over 15 years of experience shaping behavior-forward systems across animal welfare organizations. Her career was sparked in 2008 when she rescued an 85‑lb Boxer named Charlie—his behavioral challenges launched her into the world of professional dog behavior work, and she’s been “blaming Charlie” ever since.
Laurie is the founder of Shelter Behavior Integrations (SBI) and set out on a mission to advise shelters across the U.S. helping them reduce euthanasia, increase adoption, and boost staff morale by embedding proactive behavior strategies into daily operations. Her philosophy is simple: every shelter can implement behavior-forward frameworks, with or without a dedicated behavior team, to benefit dogs, staff, and communities.
Do You Have Questions? We have Answers!
Laurie@LawlessDogs.com