Facilitating Safe and Positive Dog Play: Assessing Sociability for Professionals
This course is designed for anyone who works with dogs in group settings and wants to deepen their understanding of dog sociability and safe play practices. Whether you’re a daycare attendant, professional dog walker, animal shelter staff member, rescue worker, or a veterinary technician facilitating group training or playdates, this course provides the essential tools to assess and manage group play effectively.
Participants will learn to recognise signs of social affiliation, utilise safe handling techniques, and identify problematic group behaviour, ensuring that play sessions are both safe and enjoyable for all dogs involved. The course explores a variety of assessment styles, including history-taking, exam-style evaluations, and observational methods, offering a comprehensive approach to determining each dog’s compatibility in group settings.
The curriculum also covers key topics such as recognising early warning signs that a dog may pose a safety risk, how to monitor and promote healthy play styles, and how to facilitate interactions between poorly socialised dogs. With hands-on experience in conducting assessments and integrating dogs into group play, participants will gain the skills needed to reduce stress, increase safety, and foster positive interactions.
Throughout the course, participants will receive personal coaching from Canine Foundations’ Behaviour Consultants, ensuring they leave with practical, actionable knowledge that can be immediately applied to daycare settings, veterinary clinics, shelters, and other environments where group play is part of the routine.
Topics to be covered include:
- Assessment procedures & protocols
- Recognizing signs of social affiliation
- Safe handling practices
- Flushing out areas of sensitivity
- Identifying areas of low tolerance
- Healthy play styles
- Early warning signs of group difficulties
- How to promote healthy play
- Dog-to-dog play management suggestions
Canine Foundations is proud to offer 8.75 CCPDT (Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers) Continuing Education Credits for this course.
Dates & Locations
When: To Be Annouced
Where: To Be Annouced
Cost: $310.00 + tax
Registration: To register for the waiting list please email info@caninefoundations.com
For information on ordering a private course, please contact our Office Manager at
(705) 835-3177