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Playgroups

Dog Selection SOP

SELECTING DOGS FOR PLAYGROUPS: SOP

This standard operating procedure can be used to decide which pairs or groups of dogs to try together.

STEP 1: PRE-SCREEN DOGS & RECORD INFORMATION

  • When dogs become medically & behaviorally eligible for playgroups, fill out the Dog Play Profile sheet for each dog with any available information.​

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  • Conduct first introductions for each dog with a tolerant, dog-friendly dog (see Dog Introduction Methods) & add information to the Dog Play Profile. 

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  • Whenever the dog goes out to play with other dogs, continue to record individual information on each dog's sheet to help playgroup leaders decide who to include together in future playgroups.

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  • Good record-keeping will help staff and volunteers stay up-to-date on each dog, and provide information to adopters and adoption counselors. 

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STEP 2: MAKE PLAYGROUP MATCHES

When selecting dogs for a new playgroup, consult the dogs’ Dog Play Profiles and the grid below. The grid provides general guidelines for matches to avoid & to try first, but the only way to know if two dogs might play well is to try them together.

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STEP 3: REFINE PLAYGROUP MATCHES

Make note of dog pairs that worked or didn’t work well, and continue to update information on the Dog Play Profiles to inform future playgroups. 

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STEP 4: DOCUMENT RESULTS

  • Dog Play Profile - All the information about an individual dog's play history & play style

  • Playgroup Notes - Playgroup planning worksheet & notes about how pairs & groups played together

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Next: See Introducing Dogs

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