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Pathways Playgroup Mentorship

August 15-September 4

Pathways Playgroup Mentorship Summer 2025
$349.95
One time

August 14 thru September 4th This mentorship provides a guided learning experience focused on introducing shelter dogs safely and successfully through structured, low-stress playgroups. Participants will learn practical strategies to reduce the risk of conflicts, increase behavioral wellness, and support each dog’s adoption pathway while also having fun! Participants will learn Laurie's systems to keep playgroups fun, engaging, and inclusive to all animals and handlers!

✓ Group Mentorship Session with Laurie via Zoom
✓ 3+ Hours of Laurie Presenting Playgroup Related Content
✓ 4+ Playgroup Templates and Checklists You Can Use
✓ A Collaborative Environment with Other Shelters!

Mentorship Objectives

  • Safely facilitate low-stress dog introductions in a shelter setting

  • Evaluate dogs more accurately through observed social behavior in playgroups

  • Implement structured playgroup routines that enhance emotional wellness

  • Use observation and documentation tools to support behavior plans and pathways

  • Apply strategies for consistent, team-wide decision-making around dog behavior

  • Create clear pathways to adoption by integrating playgroups into behavior evaluations

Details:

Chapter Releases

  • Each Friday

  • August 15, 22, 29

  • 12:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time

Live Group Mentorship Sessions via Zoom:

  • Thursdays

  • August 21, 28 and September 4

  • 6:00-7:15 p.m. Eastern Standard Time

What you’ll learn

  • ✓

    Safe and Effective Dog Introduction Strategies

  • ✓

    Creating a Welfare Driven Playgroup Environment

  • ✓

    When to Let Dogs “Play It Out” and When to Intervene

  • ✓

    How to Safely Break Up a Dog Fight

  • ✓

    How to Structure Playgroups to Integrate with Pathway Planning

  • ✓

    Helping “Spicy” Dogs Learn to Play!

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