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DOG PLAY GROUPSHANDLER TRAINING
information adapted from WWW.DOGSPLAYINGFORLIFE.ORG
3100 Cherry Hill Road | Ann Arbor, MI | 48105
(734) 662-5585 | www.hshv.org
Becoming Certified as a Handler
Volunteer Path• Minimum of 8-10 hours as a runner
• Blue Dot Dog Walker
• Ability/Commitment to complete Certification in 4-6 weeks
• Complete this independent study
• Shadow play groups for a minimum of 4 hours
• “Handle” for a minimum of 8 hours (4 sessions)
• Final Assessment/Certification:
• “Handle” during 3 different play groups with 3 different
leads
• Input from the 3 different leads will determine certification
• 3 months or longer without a shift you will be considered
“inactive” as a handler
PURPOSE BEHIND PLAY
GROUPS
Before we can expect a shelteredanimal to cope and thrive, we needto satisfy them at some level.
Humane Society of Huron Valley | (734) 662-5585 | www.hshv.org
• For dog-to-dog issues, a socially
healthy dog can be much more
effective than trainers/humans
• Higher receptivity to training due
to the mental and physical outlet
of play groups
• What may be considered
inappropriate play with a person
can be natural between dogs
• Enhanced quality of life for a
shelter dog
• “Packs” create a more natural
environment for overcoming fear,
anxiety, and reactivity.
Play Groups: Worth the Time & EffortEnrichment, Assessment, Training, Adoption Enhancement
Humane Society of Huron Valley | (734) 662-5585 | www.hshv.org
Determining sociability more accurately• Assessments on leash and/or behind a barrier are not necessarily predictive
Physical outlet, exercise & mental stimulation• A 30 minute romp can be equivalent to a 2 hour walk!
• Mental energy is burned through intensive social interaction.
Natural environment for “pack” animals• Pack-like bonding vs. social isolation can minimize behavioral deterioration.
• Rapid behavior modification can be accomplished.
• Best NOT to create mini-packs within one common territory
Resources maximized• Two people can attend to more dogs in group than handling individually
• No Less than 2 people in yard for 3+ dogs
Benefits vs. Risks of Play Groups
Humane Society of Huron Valley | (734) 662-5585 | www.hshv.org
Reduction of Barrier Reactivity (BR) & On Leash Reactivity (OLR)
• Healthy contact can reduce perception of threat
Better Roommate matches
• After playing together, dogs generally cohabitate in kennels more
smoothly ***
Better Adoption Matches
• Many dog interactions go more smoothly from the social experience that
play groups provide while sheltered ***
*** NOT a guarantee that territorial or resource guarding issues will
not surface in the home! ***
Benefits vs. Risks of Play Groups
Humane Society of Huron Valley | (734) 662-5585 | www.hshv.org
• Lead Handler: Manager/director the play group
session. Decides who comes in and goes out. Controls
the gate. Reviews any notes before session, provides a
“briefing” to everyone in the play group.
• Handler: assistant to the Lead. An extra set of eyes on
the dogs. Takes direction from Lead Handler on when to
use interruption/correction tools.
• Runner: Transporter of dogs to and from the play yard.
Timing of when and which dogs to bring to and from the
play yard is decided by Lead Handler. Runner waits for
direction from Lead Handler on when to let dogs in/out
of the gate.
Roles Within the Play Groups
Humane Society of Huron Valley | (734) 662-5585 | www.hshv.org
• Compiles the potential play groups after reviewing prior notes
and current dog population
• Assembles two-way radios and provides brief instructions to
both runners and handlers
• Provides supply of “Come See Me in the Play Yard” cards to
volunteer runners
• Leads the pre-session and/or a post-session review with team
(i.e. who is doing what, anticipated dog line-up, other
considerations for the session)
• A binder is kept with all session notes on dogs-this is mostly
done by handler and the lead handler, but runners might be asked to take notes on occasion
Behavior Team-Before the Session Starts
Humane Society of Huron Valley | (734) 662-5585 | www.hshv.org
Get and add pics of HSHV
HSHV Dogs Having Fun & Playing!
PLAY STYLES &
COMPATIBILITY
Humane Society of Huron Valley | (734) 662-5585 | www.hshv.org
• All ages, breeds, temperaments…it depends on the
dog.
• Dogs that have just had surgery, heartworm, or sick
dogs are not good candidates
• Most important, it depends on the comfort level of the
handler
Which Dogs are Candidates for Play Groups?
Humane Society of Huron Valley | (734) 662-5585 | www.hshv.org
Dogs do and will switch between play styles and benefit from the
various styles described below.
Gentle & Dainty
• Mutual, easy to manage, easily becomes nervous, quiet, frequently stops and
starts play
Rough & Rowdy
• Mutual, noisy/vocal, physical/wrestling type play, grabbing/holding/chasing
other dogs
Push & Pull
• Less mutual play, chasing/driving/nipping other dogs, prefers to move other
dogs around, antagonistic, handler may need to intervene to keep things
“polite”
Seek & Destroy ** usually needs the most handler intervention
• Mimics herding behavior, more mutual than anticipated, important that dogs
are observed for vulnerability and/or escalation (keeping it playful)
Different Play Styles of Dogs
Humane Society of Huron Valley | (734) 662-5585 | www.hshv.org
Play Style Compatibility
Generally, same play styles do well together.
Push & Pull and Seek & Destroy
Rough & Rowdy LOVE to play together…if
handler is comfortable enough to let it
GO!
Rough & Rowdy and Push & Pull can be
combustible
Gentle & Dainty don’t prefer to play with
the other play styles
HANDLING TECHNIQUES
& HUMANS
Humane Society of Huron Valley | (734) 662-5585 | www.hshv.org
• Refrain from unnecessary talking.
• Keep your voice gentle and calm, but confident. For
example: A low, steady tone exudes confidence and
control.
• Avoid sounding panicked, reactive, or excited.
• Limit talking to the dogs. Remember: play groups are
designed for dog-dog interactions.
• Negative Verbal Marker - use a consistent negative
marker such as “eh-eh” or “enough” in order to clearly
communicate with the dogs when they are behaving
inappropriately or disproportionally to the feedback they
are receiving from the other dogs.
Your Voice
Humane Society of Huron Valley | (734) 662-5585 | www.hshv.org
• Keep hands away from the dogs. Limit interactions, such as
petting, so that the dogs can remain focused on their time
with one another.
• Be aware that you might become a highly valued resource
to the dogs by giving attention or affection.
• Use your lower body, rather than your hands, to teach
them to yield to your legs and to calmly communicate with
the dogs. This is a way to take space, particularly at the
entrance gate. You can also use your body to calmly step
in between dogs to reduce tension.
Your Body
Humane Society of Huron Valley | (734) 662-5585 | www.hshv.org
• When handling the dogs by their collars or on leash always
guide the dogs smoothly - don’t drag them.
• Use calm, consistent movements and a soft, loose leash or
guiding hand.
• Refrain from using pressure on their collar, as long as they
are following you. Don’t put the dogs in a defensive state
by pulling and dragging them.
• Remember: soft and gentle guidance communicates to
the dogs that they are correct, while a tight leash or firm
grip conveys that they are in trouble.
Moving the Dogs
WORKING THE GATE
Humane Society of Huron Valley | (734) 662-5585 | www.hshv.org
• Lead Handler will need to watch the new dog and other dogs in
the yard; balance between taking a moment to observe?...or,
building frustration?
• Allow dogs to meet with new dog in the staging pen
• Goal is to reinforce correct energy upon entrance
• Decide
• if leash stays on or comes off
• does the dog need a muzzle
• does the dog enter the play yard at all with this group
• Lead Handler not only decides if a dog comes in, but if a dog
needs to come out
Out of the Gate!
Humane Society of Huron Valley | (734) 662-5585 | www.hshv.org
• Is a current dog showing unwanted behavior such as growling,
biting at fence?
• The new dog in the staging area would be taken out, the more
“aggressive” dog removed, then the new dog is re-introduced.
• A dog rushing a fence or not allowing a new dog into the group
could set a negative tone for the group, which might increase the
likelihood of a fight
• Understand taking space…use your legs or spray bottle
― Teaches dog to yield to your legs, not hands
― Use your body to calmly step in between dogs to reduce tension
• Open in or out…yield or invite? Look at body language
― Excessive or Excited Barking
― Biting at the fence
Out of the Gate!
INTERRUPTIONS &
CORRECTIONS
Humane Society of Huron Valley | (734) 662-5585 | www.hshv.org
Interruptions Corrections
Momentarily influences interaction Goal is to extinguish behavior
Choose when behavior is inappropriate, not
concerning
Choose when behavior is concerning &
must not escalate for safety reasons
Helpful to develop more appropriate play
habits
Helpful for dogs who need to show
increases responsiveness to the handler (or
other dogs), while decreasing drive in play
Example might be a negative verbal marker,
with or without a shake can or spray bottle
Example might be a negative verbal
marker, with or without a shake can or
spray bottle
Only necessary if dogs are not responding to
one another
Rather than distracting away from issue, use
correction to teach the dog to make a
different choice next time
Often used at the gate, helps an excited
dog enter play yard more appropriately
Intended to provide information that will
teach dogs to behave more appropriately
so they can remain in play groups
Interruptions vs. Corrections
Humane Society of Huron Valley | (734) 662-5585 | www.hshv.org
• Dogs will usually move through their communications
and work out their own issues without your assistance
• Understand what the dog is telling you (aggressiveness
vs. excitement)
• Before using an interruption or correction, always
precede with your negative verbal marker which
teaches the dogs to listen for your verbal cue so that no
further interruptions or corrections are needed
• Allow dogs to teach each other how to interact in a
healthy way, rather than becoming dependent on you
When to Use Interruptions & Corrections
Humane Society of Huron Valley | (734) 662-5585 | www.hshv.org
1. Play is not mutual
2. One dog is having fun at the expense of the
other
3. Response is disproportionate to the feedback
from the other dog
4. Struggling to complete the greeting ritual due to
arousal, immaturity, fear, etc.
5. When a fight begins, not before it starts
When to Intervene
Humane Society of Huron Valley | (734) 662-5585 | www.hshv.org
Most important…Stay Calm, no yelling or hitting as it can
cause the fight to escalate
1. Use a startling tool (i.e. shake can, pet corrector, air horn)
2. Use any object, (not your hand or body) to get between the
dogs (trash can, chair, clip board, etc)
3. If dogs remain engaged, grab hind legs or leashes. Avoid
reaching for the collar as the dog could re-direct onto you
4. Avoid pulling dogs apart as this can cause tearing and more
serious injury than biting alone
5. Immobilize the dog who is holding on by controlling the back of
their head by pushing in
6. Do not let go of the dogs once apart, remove the offending dog
7. When possible, do Continue Play Recover (CPR) after removing
the offending dog
Handling a Dog Fight
Humane Society of Huron Valley | (734) 662-5585 | www.hshv.org
When & Why it’s needed
• Bad play experiences (fight or scuffle) can happen
when a dog is
• nervous or doesn’t fit into a group
• too offensive (seeking to aggress)
• intolerant of others
• selective and just didn’t enjoy the particular other dog(s)
• The victim dog needs to decompress & recover – end on
a positive note, before returning to their kennel
• CPR time decreases potential, future defensive behaviors
• An average CPR session lasts 20-30 minutes
CPR: Continue Play Recovery
Humane Society of Huron Valley | (734) 662-5585 | www.hshv.org
The Lead Handler will always direct the CPR
Ways to incorporate CPR
• The offensive dog is removed from the yard; the remaining dogs keep
playing so they will be able to have another positive experience
• With the victim dog, add a social dog to provide positive play time or
a solo play session (this could be in the upper or lower play yards)
• Take the victim dog for a calm walk and spend extra play time in their
kennel
• Provide positive play, but resist overly comforting the victim dog
Remember, serious fights are rare and the benefits of play
groups outweigh the risks.
CPR: Steps to Take After a Dog Has a Bad
Play Experience (fight or scuffle)
Humane Society of Huron Valley | (734) 662-5585 | www.hshv.org
• When they are standing at the door to the
pen cage
• Laying down in the yard, panting
• Not interacting with other dogs
• Snapping at other dogs when they walk by
• They get into a fight
Signs a Dog is Ready to Leave the Play Yard
Humane Society of Huron Valley | (734) 662-5585 | www.hshv.org
Communication Tools(Located in Green Bin in Play Yard)
or Milk Jug
Humane Society of Huron Valley | (734) 662-5585 | www.hshv.org
Uses & Benefits:
• Interruption/Correction for a single dog
• Helpful at the gate to help dogs enter more
calmly & to enforce respectful space from
dogs already in the yard
Possible Disadvantages:
• Dogs may become fearful of handler
• Dog may not consider this an aversive (may see it as a
reward!) & will not respond to water as intended
Using Communication Tools Spray Bottle(Water Only) w/ Verbal Lead (“eh eh”)
Humane Society of Huron Valley | (734) 662-5585 | www.hshv.org
Uses & Benefits:
• Interruption or correction for multiple dogs
• Can be rattled lightly or firmly, at or near the
“offending” dog or tossed as a startling tool
• Depending on the “size” of the situation, can choose can or
jug to correct
Possible Disadvantages:
• Many dogs will hear it at the same time, may affect the other
dogs
• Dogs may become fearful of handler
Using Communication Tools:Shake Can or Milk Jug
Humane Society of Huron Valley | (734) 662-5585 | www.hshv.org
Uses & Benefits:
• Interruption or correction for multiple dogs
• Sprayed at or near dog’s face
• For some dogs, the sound of the spray is enough correction;
some dogs will need the sound and touch of the air to be
more effective
Possible Disadvantages:
• Dogs nearby will also be affected
• Possible physical reaction to citronella
• Dogs may become fearful or reactive to handler
Using Communication Tools:Spray Shield or Pet Corrector
Humane Society of Huron Valley | (734) 662-5585 | www.hshv.org
Uses & Benefits:
• Interruption or correction for multiple dogs
(sound or pop horn)
• Startles dogs apart that are engaged in a
fight
Possible Disadvantages:
• Intense and scary to many dogs
• Typically will affect all dogs in yard
• Possible physical reaction to extreme volume too close to
ears
• May develop fear of handler and/or play yard
Using Communication Tools:Air Horn
SAFETY TOOLS
Humane Society of Huron Valley | (734) 662-5585 | www.hshv.org
Safety Tools At a Glance
* For the potential suppression effect
** When fearful of the handler or when there is no catch pen
Un-Socialized Fearful Defensive Offensive
LeashX X ** X X
Gentle
Leader
Brand *
X X
Basket
Muzzle X
Humane Society of Huron Valley | (734) 662-5585 | www.hshv.org
• Dogs will go to play yard with only a leash
(you can use a leash wrap for ease of walking
needed) and not other walking tools like a harness, etc
• Runners will remove purple leash and replace with black
leashes once inside the gate
• Allow dogs to enter yard with leash so that it drags behind
them
• Allow dogs to drag their leashes if you anticipate they aren’t
well socialized, fearful, might overreact to other dogs, or you
are getting to know them. Having a leash to grab will keep
everyone safe
• Dragging leashes can cause problems such as entanglement
• As soon as comfortable with dog’s play, goal is to remove the
leash
Safety Tools: Leashes
Humane Society of Huron Valley | (734) 662-5585 | www.hshv.org
• Potential distraction
• Can suppress an exuberant dog that comes on too
strongly at first
• If dog will be dragging a leash, best to attach to collar
rather than gentle leader
• Fits normally (not too tight) around nose & head so
dogs are aware of the halter, but can pant and drink
• NOT a tool for an aggressive dog
Safety Tools: The Gentle Leader
Humane Society of Huron Valley | (734) 662-5585 | www.hshv.org
• For aggressive or dogs with a history of
inappropriate behavior with other dogs
• Better to use a muzzle whenever you are in doubt
about a dog’s behavior
• Watch for signs of over-heating in hot weather
• Remove once dog is showing lack of aggression or
other socially appropriate dogs are wanting to play
with the muzzled dog.
Known & skilled play group dogs are often better judges of a new dog’s behavior than the handlers!
Safety Tools: Basket Muzzles
Humane Society of Huron Valley | (734) 662-5585 | www.hshv.org
• Be a neutral hall monitor
• Keep yard free of toys, treats=potential trigger
• Check collars for proper fit (loose ones can be a
hazard)
• Remove dragging leashes once comfortable
• Remove certain training equipment that might become
a hazard in play (i.e. muzzle, leash)
Safety First
HOW DOGS
COMMUNICATE
Humane Society of Huron Valley | (734) 662-5585 | www.hshv.org
• It’s a behavior, not a trait
• Can be legitimate communication & considered
appropriate
• Can be a disproportionate response to a situation &
considered abnormal behavior
• It’s up to handler/leader to determine when an
“aggressive” response does or doesn’t make sense
Understanding Aggression
Humane Society of Huron Valley | (734) 662-5585 | www.hshv.org
Defensive:
• Defending or guarding
• Rooted in fear and/or anxiety; lack of social skills
• Can typically interact w/ other dogs, but may need support from
handler
• Will often choose flight instead of fight
Offensive:
• Offending; a fault or crime
• Not as common as thought
• Often are dog-dog aggressive, not appropriate for play group
• Ignore cues from other dogs, will pursue a dog trying to get away
• Will be aggressive even with the opportunity to flee or avoid conflict
• Should be eliminated as a play group candidate
Understanding Aggression: 2 Types
Humane Society of Huron Valley | (734) 662-5585 | www.hshv.org
• Way to communicate with body language &
vocalizations
• A dog’s way of saying “I don’t want to have to be
aggressive, so you better stop what you are doing now.”
Warnings
Appropriate way for dogs to say “Please Stop”.
Common when a dog is behaving more defensively
Threats
Declaration of an intention to inflict injury or pain
Common when a dog is behaving more offensively
Be prepared to intervene if escalates to aggression
Warnings & Threats
Humane Society of Huron Valley | (734) 662-5585 | www.hshv.org
Pics from Play Group Here???
Healthy Communication
Humane Society of Huron Valley | (734) 662-5585 | www.hshv.org
• Pinned Ears
• Erect Tail
• Hackles
― Shoulders (offense)
― Full body (defense)
• Mounting
• Necking
• Growling
• Showing Teeth
Remember to look at overall body
language to get a better
understanding of dog’s behavior.
Body Language
ASSESSMENT &
OUTCOMES
Humane Society of Huron Valley | (734) 662-5585 | www.hshv.org
Playful: initiates play. Avoids/diffuses defensive or offensive
aggression
Un-socialized: overly aroused/reactive despite appropriate
social gestures from others
Fearful: overwhelmed by environment
Prey-like: fearful with immediate flight response,
accompanied by high pitched vocalization
Tolerant: avoids playful and/or antagonistic gestures
Play Groups as Assessment
Humane Society of Huron Valley | (734) 662-5585 | www.hshv.org
Defensive: doesn’t initiate aggression, but responds with
aggression to challenge or bullying
Dominant: confident with calm leadership. Appropriately
corrects obnoxious behavior, will submit to antagonistic
behavior, diffuses aggression, ignores indifferent dogs,
will play with appropriate dogs of either sex
Offensive: seeks out opportunities to aggress
Play Groups as Assessment
Humane Society of Huron Valley | (734) 662-5585 | www.hshv.org
• Social: appropriate and playful w/ other dogs
• Tolerant: more tolerant than playful, or shows no
interest
• Selective: plays w/ some dogs while intolerant of
others
• Defensive: playful w/ some dogs, but reactive to
dogs that challenge or threaten
• Offensive: not able to play with or tolerate other
dogs
Play Group Outcomes
Humane Society of Huron Valley | (734) 662-5585 | www.hshv.org
• Shelter vs. Home
― Is not always contextual
• Successful Play Sessions
― Not a guarantee dog will be social with other dogs in the home
• BR & OLR Behaviors
― Not accurate predictors or dog aggression
• Resource Guarding (dog-dog)
― Can escalate or disappear once home
• Territorial Behaviors
― Can emerge once home
• Relationship
― Affects behavior and cannot be scientifically measured
Can We Predict Outcomes?
Humane Society of Huron Valley | (734) 662-5585 | www.hshv.org
• Shelter life is unpredictable
• You never know until you try…that’s how you grow
• Once an animal is gone, there is no way of knowing how they could
have been in another context or in relationship
• Support adoptions
• Serve more animals by having shelters work together to share
resources
• When implementing new programs, revisit medical protocols to treat
the “whole” animal
• Consider play groups part of standard care…like feeding and
cleaning
• Play Groups are GOOD for Shelter Dogs!
What We Have Learned
Humane Society of Huron Valley | (734) 662-5585 | www.hshv.org
Email volunteers@hshv.org – to let them know
you have completed this independent study.
Receive confirming email from Volunteer
Department that the Dog Play Group Handler
Shadowing VIC assignment is now open to you!
Sign-up for Trainee shifts in VIC.
Remember these shifts start with shadowing,
move into hands-on, and end with
assessment by Behavior staff.
Next Steps for Volunteers
Humane Society of Huron Valley | (734) 662-5585 | www.hshv.org
Your training log will be initiated and kept with the
Behavior Staff in the Handler Trainee binder.
Next Steps for Volunteers
3100 Cherry Hill Road | Ann Arbor, MI | 48105
(734) 662-5585 | www.hshv.org
BEHAVIOR TEAM:
LEAD HANDLERS
Kyle
Tareasa
Patty
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