"We know that playgroups at shelters can be beneficial for dogs: they provide enrichment, social contact and communication with other dogs and people, and allows them to decompress away from the kennel. But how are you supposed to start such a program from scratch at your shelter? Especially if there are no staff resources to allocate to this worthwhile endeavor? This workshop will answer those questions and more! After this workshop, participants will be able to: • Successfully and safely introduce dogs • Train volunteers with no playgroup experience so they can facilitate • Collect data on their playgroup sessions • Manage a playgroup session and be able to perform any of the roles at a playgroup This workshop will be hands on with dogs that are currently residing at the shelter! Once you’re familiar with the structure of playgroup, we’ll give you all the tools you need so when you get back home, you can start running playgroups and improving the welfare of your shelter’s dog population! This workshop will include classroom presentations, hands on practice, Q&A with both of the presenters and current Playgroup volunteers who went through the training, and will include a light lunch where you can continue asking questions and network with like-minded shelter dog enthusiasts!"

Sponsor:IAABC Foundation
Speaker(s):Beth Brown, Atalie Walding, Jennifer Pallanich, Erin Richardson

Contact:
 Email: courses@iaabcfoundation.org
 Web: https://iaabcfoundation.org/2023-animal-behavior-conference/