Keeping play safe and fun for all the dogs that attend can be a challenge if you are not managing problem behaviors in dog daycare. First you must be clear on what behaviors are appropriate versus inappropriate for the dogs that participate. If you don’t have these lists it can be a great team exercise to discuss and create them.
We’ve been helping dog daycares keep play safe for close to twenty years. Our experience indicates there are two key factors to keeping play safe:
- A formal dog evaluation process to screen for dogs that are appropriate for the environment
- A formal staff training program that teaches canine body language, leadership skills and play group management
Even with both of these factors in place you will stay have dogs that display inappropriate behaviors. You’ll want to teach your staff to be consistent and proactive in managing problem behaviors in dog daycare such as:
- Mouthing
- Jumping
- Barking
- Gate crashing
- Rough play
- Poop eating
- Humping
We discuss tips on managing all of these and leadership exercises that can help your daycare counselors succeed in this video. We even share the clues when a dog should be dismissed from daycare or as we suggest referred to another service within your center.
To learn more about teaching your staff about canine body language, be sure to check out Knowing Dogs!
2021 Daycare Games Closing Ceremonies