Testing Staff’s Ability to Recognize Early Warning Signs:
Training is most effective when staff are regularly tested and challenged to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Reflection Sessions: Have staff participate in group discussions after drills to reflect on their experiences, share insights, and learn from each other’s observations.
Scenario-Based Learning:
Set up scenario-based drills where staff must identify early warning signs of stress, discomfort, or aggression in dogs. These drills can include:
A dog in a new environment showing subtle signs of anxiety (e.g., excessive yawning, pacing, or lip licking).
Two dogs about to enter an aggressive altercation, with one showing signs like whale eye or a stiff body.
A resource-guarding scenario, where a dog begins to tense up when another dog approaches its toy or food.
Video Simulations:
Use videos of real dog interactions and have staff identify key warning signs. These videos should cover a range of behaviors, from mild stress to outright aggression, to help staff fine-tune their observational skills.
Real-Time Assessment:
During the daycare shift, conduct spot assessments, where supervisors ask staff to quickly assess and explain a dog’s behavior and any signs of stress they are noticing. This keeps staff alert and encourages them to continuously monitor their environment.
Intervention Suggestions:
As part of the drills, staff should be asked to not only identify the warning signs but also propose appropriate interventions. For example:
A dog exhibiting stress might need to be removed from the play area and placed in a quieter environment.
If two dogs are showing signs of tension (e.g., stiff postures, direct staring), staff should separate them before the situation escalates.
Feedback and Reflection:
After each drill or real-time assessment, provide staff with feedback on their performance. Highlight where they excelled and where improvements are needed.