****This opportunity is set up for "runners" / handlers getting the dogs to and from playlots and for observers only. You must be an approved dog handler to be a runner. Anyone can observe. There are two shifts per day for the three days of the training. Sign up for any or all of them.
Playgroups are the single most important enrichment activity we can give to dogs in our care. As the Dogs Playing For Life (DPFL) manual states, “in addition to exercise and social interactions, play groups provide opportunities for enrichment, assessment, training, and behavior modification.” It lets dogs be dogs.
Thanks to Animal Farm Foundation, Safe Humane Chicago is once again hosting in-lot playgroup training for leads and back-ups along with instructions for "runners" / handlers. Contractor Angela Tomasino will be the lead trainer for this three-day training event. Angela will be joined by an experienced playgroup lead/ trainer Ashley Pastor from Animal Farm Foundation running playgroups and training at CACC all day Saturday - Monday with lunch provided and debrief from 1p to 2p (schedule adjustments will be posted and emailed to participants).
WANT TO SIGN UP FOR IN-LOT TRAINING? See the separate opportunity for that during this 3-day training.
RUNNERS? WHO WANTS TO HELP WITH HANDLING THE DOGS GOING TO AND LEAVING THE PLAYLOT? Yes, that's what is commonly termed "runners," which does not convey the importance of these handlers. You are essential, and not "just" to support the in-lot team with dogs to play. We need volunteers to get the dogs out of their kennels and to the playlot gates to go in with their playmates; to let them shake off their play time and go back to the kennels -- all to make sure the playgroup team in the lot can simply supervise the playtime for the dogs to be together in the best ways possible. MOREOVER, THE DOGS NEED THESE HANDLERS TO PROVIDE OBSERVATIONS ON NEEDS OR CONCERNS ABOUT HOW THE DOG IS DOING -- AT KENNEL, WALKING, AND SO FORTH. Learn a bit about this during this 3-day training. (P.S. In essence, you are fulfilling a "dog walker" role in this capacity -- and more.)
Questions / Concerns: email Cynthia Bathurst at cbathurst@safehumane.org.
