Recognizing the Need for Intervention:
In a daycare setting, tensions can rise quickly between dogs. It is crucial for staff to not only recognize the signs of emerging issues but to know how to intervene swiftly and safely.
Use this technique especially when a dog appears to be fixating on another, as redirection can prevent the fixation from developing into aggression.
Identifying Escalating Situations:
Teach staff to look for early signs of aggression or discomfort, such as stiff body postures, intense stares, growling, or snapping. Once these signs are present, swift intervention is necessary to prevent an altercation.
Signs of Overwhelming Behavior:
Sometimes, one dog may begin to overwhelm another during play, especially if they are mismatched in size or energy level. Staff should watch for signs that a dog is becoming too intense or dominant, such as pinning another dog to the ground or rough play that isn’t being reciprocated.
Quick intervention in these cases prevents the situation from escalating into frustration or aggression.
Intervention Methods:
Recall Commands:
Train staff to use recall commands (e.g., “come” or the dog’s name) as the first line of intervention. A well-trained recall command can stop a situation from escalating by redirecting the dog’s attention back to the staff member.
Run drills where staff practice recalling dogs in moments of high energy or rising tension, teaching dogs to disengage from play when called.
Use of Time-Outs:
If a dog is becoming overstimulated or aggressive, time-outs can be an effective method to help them calm down. Train staff on how to remove a dog from a playgroup and place them in a designated time-out area to de-escalate. Time-outs should be brief (around 2-5 minutes) and used as a calming measure, not punishment.
Staff should be taught to recognize when a dog needs a break from play, even if no overt aggression has occurred yet. This proactive approach can prevent escalation.
Lead Management and Gentle Separation:
For more intense situations where two dogs are showing signs of aggression, staff may need to step in and physically separate the dogs using lead management techniques.
Teach staff to approach calmly, avoid showing panic, and use slip leads or leashes to guide dogs away from each other. Drills should include practicing this in controlled settings, so staff are prepared to intervene without causing further tension.
Distraction Techniques:
Staff should learn to redirect dogs’ attention using toys, treats, or new activities. For example, tossing a ball or introducing a chew toy can help divert a dog’s focus away from an emerging conflict.