DOG PLAY GROUPS HANDLER 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 sheltered animal to cope and thrive, we need to satisfy them at some level.
Play Groups: Worth the Time & Effort Enrichment, Assessment, Training, Adoption Enhancement 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.
Benefits vs. Risks of Play Groups 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 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! ***
Roles Within the Play Groups 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.
Behavior Team-Before the Session Starts 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
HSHV Dogs Having Fun & Playing! Get and add pics of HSHV
PLAY STYLES & COMPATIBILITY
Which Dogs are Candidates for Play Groups? 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
Different Play Styles of Dogs 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)
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
Your Voice 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 Body 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.
Moving the Dogs 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.
WORKING THE GATE
Out of the Gate! 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! 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
INTERRUPTIONS & CORRECTIONS
Interruptions vs. Corrections Interruptions Momentarily influences interaction Choose when behavior is inappropriate, not concerning Helpful to develop more appropriate play habits Example might be a negative verbal marker, with or without a shake can or spray bottle Corrections Goal is to extinguish behavior Choose when behavior is concerning & must not escalate for safety reasons 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 Only necessary if dogs are not responding to one another Often used at the gate, helps an excited dog enter play yard more appropriately Rather than distracting away from issue, use correction to teach the dog to make a different choice next time Intended to provide information that will teach dogs to behave more appropriately so they can remain in play groups
When to Use Interruptions & Corrections 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 Intervene 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
Handling a Dog Fight 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
CPR: Continue Play Recovery 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: Steps to Take After a Dog Has a Bad Play Experience (fight or scuffle) 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.
Signs a Dog is Ready to Leave the Play Yard 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
Communication Tools (Located in Green Bin in Play Yard) or Milk Jug
Using Communication Tools Spray Bottle(Water Only) w/ Verbal Lead ( eh eh ) 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: Shake Can or Milk Jug 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: Spray Shield or Pet Corrector 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: Air Horn 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
SAFETY TOOLS
Safety Tools At a Glance Un-Socialized Fearful Defensive Offensive Leash X X ** X X Gentle Leader Brand * Basket Muzzle X X X * For the potential suppression effect ** When fearful of the handler or when there is no catch pen
Safety Tools: Leashes 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: The Gentle Leader 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: Basket Muzzles 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 First 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)
HOW DOGS COMMUNICATE
Understanding Aggression 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: 2 Types 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
Warnings & Threats 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
Healthy Communication Pics from Play Group Here???
Body Language 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.
ASSESSMENT & OUTCOMES
Play Groups as Assessment 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 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 Group Outcomes 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
Can We Predict Outcomes? 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
What We Have Learned 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!
Next Steps for Volunteers 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 Your training log will be initiated and kept with the Behavior Staff in the Handler Trainee binder.
BEHAVIOR TEAM: LEAD HANDLERS Tareasa Patty Kyle 3100 Cherry Hill Road Ann Arbor, MI 48105 (734) 662-5585 www.hshv.org