Preemptive Interventions:
Being proactive also means stepping in before an issue arises rather than waiting for it to happen. Teaching staff to anticipate changes in behavior or group dynamics will minimize risks.
Adjust as Needed: Proactive staff should feel confident making adjustments mid-day to playgroups based on changes they observe in energy levels, interactions, or dog behavior. Teach them to prioritize smooth transitions to avoid disruptions during these adjustments.
Role-Playing Proactive Interventions:
Scenario Training: Conduct role-play exercises where staff must intervene in a mock situation before it escalates. For example:
A high-energy dog begins to overwhelm a more timid dog. Staff should recognize the early signs of this dynamic and calmly separate them before it escalates into an altercation.
Two dogs are starting to stare each other down (a precursor to a potential fight). Staff should intervene with recall commands or separate them to de-escalate the situation.
Developing Risk Management Plans:
Emergency Weather Protocols: Teach staff to create action plans for extreme weather events (e.g., thunderstorms, snow, or extreme heat). These plans should include steps for moving dogs indoors, adjusting play schedules, and ensuring all dogs remain safe and comfortable.
Unexpected Daycare Guests (Visitors): Visitors can sometimes make dogs uneasy. Staff should be trained to recognize how a dog’s behavior changes when unfamiliar people are present. They should have a strategy to calm dogs or move them to quieter areas during visits.
Dog Introductions: Guide staff through proper dog-to-dog introductions, particularly for new daycare attendees. Role-play common introduction scenarios, including:
Introducing a puppy to a group of adult dogs.
Introducing two dominant dogs in a neutral space, ensuring staff know how to control body language and minimize excitement.
Check-Ins and Adjustment Strategies:
Scheduled Group Reviews: During shifts, hold regular check-ins with staff to discuss group dynamics and possible changes that need to be made based on energy levels, size disparities, or rising tensions.