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'Dogs Playing for Life' sponsors training for dogs at the San Angelo Animal Shelter

Dogs Playing for Life organization awarded the San Angelo Animal Shelter with special training for dogs.

SAN ANGELO, Texas — The San Angelo Animal Shelter received a special visit from Dogs Playing for Life trainers who will educate shelter staff on dog playgroups. The shelter was awarded a sponsorship grant from Dogs Playing for Life, dedicated to implement dog playgroups in shelters. 

“Playgroup is something we haven't tackled in the past. We just had a lot of concerns about the safety of it and so we have learned this in a very controlled environment with really experts in the field that can really guide us and know how best to handle any interaction that comes up,” City of San Angelo Neighborhood & Family Services Assistant Director, Morgan Chegwidden, said.

Chegwidden said playgroups are really beneficial for the dogs to take some time out of their kennels. The dogs spend some time engaging with other canines, and Chegwidden said 30 minutes in a playgroup is equivalent to a two-hour walk. 

“Play groups really help us get them out of that super stressful environment and lets them relax for a little bit and play with some other dogs so we get so much more information on how they deal with other animals,” Dogs Playing for Life lead program instructor, Kodi Sadler, said. 

Sadler said Dogs Playing for Life teaches staff about pressure release and a little bit of behavioral science so they can get a better understanding how to use their tools effectively and appropriately. Some of the tools they implement in the training are squirt bottles and shake cans. 

“A lot of dogs because they are stressed out they become a little edgy and very quickly they realize okay this is a fun experience and so you get to see dogs actually having fun for the first time since they got to the shelter. They are also growing their social skills just like people dogs need practice,” Sadler said. 

Sadler said playgroups are necessary to increase the quality of life for shelter animals. With playgroups, staff is able to determine and get a good read at the dog's personality. 

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