Scent is one form of enrichment that is simultaneously popular, and vastly under-utilized in the shelter environment.

How can we promote rest for our animals in care?

Let them hide!

One of the reasons I believe critiques are so difficult is because not all experience equates to advancement in skill.

Working with dogs during playgroups can be a rewarding experience for both the dogs and humans working with them.

Our unwavering commitment to great welfare and creating evidence-based education for shelters has raised the ire of some large organizations

Shelter Playgroup Alliance occasionally receives questions about using food and toys in playgroup.

When we take care of our own emotional health, we can show up for the animals in our care.

For safe and fun playgroups, you need to train people, not dogs.

Escalation to aggression is NOT play.

Good leaders never stop learning.

Good play happens with relaxed dogs in a low-stress environment.

Volunteers are critical to great welfare.

For highly aroused dogs, there's much more going on under the hood!

...and what even is a cue, anyway?

Word choice reflects the relationship between you and your learner.

pssst -- our ethical approach to animal trainings happens to work with people, too!

Labeling a learner stubborn or unintelligent when a training session goes poorly is a dead end.

Don't tell yourself a story -- read the behavior in front of you.

Sprinkle in Happy Visits for long-term positive feels about vet visits!