Off-Leash Individual Play

Off-Leash Individual Play

Off-leash play is a powerful stress buster and mood lifter. Play helps burn off extra energy and is fun for dogs and humans alike. It allows for a dog to engage in an enriching activity with the social interaction of humans. Play builds confidence and trust and strengthens the human-animal bond.

Find more information at Play.

Before engaging in off-leash play:

• Ensure that you and the dog are comfortable with each other
• Watch for signs of anxiety or fear. Keep in mind that your attempts at physical play may be unfamiliar and confusing to the dog
• Carefully observe body language
• Engage the dog in play with confidence, friendliness, and playfulness
• Be safe and have fun

Find a play activity that is meaningful and rewarding for the dog. Play styles and preferences vary greatly among dogs due to many factors including genetics, personality, prior experiences, and emotional states.

Off-Leash Play Ideas

• Toys such as tennis balls can be used to engage the dog in chasing or retrieving. Soft toys and Frisbees can be used as well
• Obstacle courses can be great fun and enriching for dogs. Common inexpensive items such as traffic pylons, sandbags, straw bales, footstools, or plastic patio chairs can be utilized
• Agility equipment, if available, can be used either on its own or as part of an obstacle course
• This is a perfect opportunity to utilize a variety of games and activities.
• Have a squeaky toy on hand for distraction if the dog is engaging in undesirable behaviour such as digging or barking at other dogs
• Always have treats on hand to reward desirable behaviours

Personal Safety During Off-Leash Play

Before interacting with animal centre dogs, you need to have knowledge and experience of canine body language, signalling, and defensive handling techniques. Understanding and being able to recognize signals and behaviours associated with fear, anxiety, aggression or play will enable staff, volunteers and foster caregivers to play safely and successfully with the dogs.

For example, some dogs can become over-aroused and unruly when they start running freely. You need to be able to observe and recognize signs of over-arousal to maintain safety for all personnel involved. Viewing instructional video content demonstrating canine body language and play, or observing dogs engaged in play with other dogs, are two valuable ways to improve your skills.

Review and practice humane defensive handling techniques regularly to maintain your skill. Always put yourself between the exit and the dog. This strategy will prevent you from getting trapped in a corner and will allow you to exit if necessary.

You always need to proceed with caution when you play physical games with unfamiliar dogs.

Safety of the Off-Leash Play Area

• Before going to an off-leash area, check the area to make sure it is secure to prevent escape, make sure the gate latches work; there are no holes in the fencing. Ideally, the area should have a double-gated entry
• Ensure bio-security has not been compromised and that cleaning protocols are followed accordingly
• Ensure the area is not already in use prior to bringing the dog out; only one dog at a time should be in the play area unless you are intending to engage two or more dogs in a playgroup (See Playgroups for more information).
• Each dog participating in individual off-leash playtime must have already completed the SAFER evaluation
• Always put yourself between the exit and the dog. This strategy will prevent you from getting trapped in a corner and will allow you to exit if necessary
• Never leave the dog unattended in the off-leash area

Ensure the Following Dog Care Needs are met:

• Fresh water and shade must be made available at all times
• Remove feces immediately, and definitely before another dog uses the area
• Before putting the dog back in its kennel, ensure the kennel is cleaned of feces and urine, and the water dish is full

If the Dog Escapes

If the dog escapes from the play yard:

• Immediately try calling the dog and running AWAY from it to encourage the dog to chase you
• Crouch down with one knee (so you can easily stand up if needed) on the ground to grab their collar or leash when they DO approach you
• Have a spare leash ready to use as a slip lead if needed
• If the dog runs away, get help immediately — call or come back to the animal centre so that others can help retrieve the dog as quickly as possible

Seasonal Considerations

• Summer – be mindful of heat exhaustion signs and make sure fresh water is available at all times. (Make sure you are drinking enough water as well)
• Winter — limit time outside accordingly, watch for any signs of discomfort such as shivering, lifting paws, crouching or unwillingness to engage in interactions with you. Return the dog to its indoor housing if they show signs of discomfort.