Dog Playgroup Current Best Practices Guide, Tips & Tools

Running canine playgroups for sheltered dogs can be the best part of the day for shelter workers and volunteers. Watching shelter dogs run around and having fun boosts staff morale like nothing else can. Plus, staff and volunteers learn more about the dogs’ personalities, which helps them make better matches between the dogs and adopters. The benefits of playgroups are immense.

However, developing and implementing a playgroup program for sheltered dogs can be a daunting task. The ASPCA takes a unique approach to off-leash dog interactions in shelters by focusing on how playgroups can serve specific purposes. Whether using playgroups for enrichment, socialization for puppies or behavior modification, this guide provides the core principles for a successful canine playgroup program. Central to these best practices are considerations for welfare, assessment, risk management and beneficial behavior change.