Dog Walks / Activities: Pacer & 1:1 Play Session

Purpose

This SOP covers three separate activities: general dog walks, pacer sessions, and one-on-one (1:1) play sessions. Follow the safety rules for whichever activity you are running, and stop the session any time a dog looks tired or stressed.

At a Glance

Every dog walk stays inside fencing, on a leash and collar, with a walkie talkie on hand and another trainer or staff member present.
Pacer sessions require a harness, constant supervision, and the safety shut-off engaged the whole time.
Beginner dogs get 15-20 minutes on the pacer before a break; dogs already familiar with the pacer get up to 30 minutes.
1:1 play sessions, with a staff member or with another dog, stay supervised throughout and are capped at 30 minutes.
When in doubt about any of this, ask a manager and err on the side of caution.

Walk Safety Basics

Keep every walk inside fencing so a loose dog cannot leave the property.
Keep the dog on a leash and collar, and carry a walkie talkie so you can call for help if needed.
Do every walk with another trainer or staff member present; never walk a dog alone.
If you are unsure about a dog or a situation, ask a manager and err on the side of caution.

Running a Pacer Session

Use the pacer to help a dog burn excess energy, build confidence, and improve mental and physical endurance.
Put the dog in a harness before starting; never run a pacer session on a collar.
Supervise the session the whole time; never leave a dog on the pacer unattended.
Keep the safety shut-off on the dog at all times.
Start at the lowest speed and increase it slowly as the dog gets comfortable.
Stop the session immediately if the dog looks tired or stressed.
Give beginner dogs 15-20 minutes maximum before a break; dogs already familiar with the pacer can go up to 30 minutes.
Some dogs new to the pacer need time just standing on it and walking slowly before they are ready to walk or run a full session.
Do not run a pacer session on your own until a senior team member has personally shown you how to use it.

Running a 1:1 Play Session

Use one-on-one play, with a staff member or with another dog, any time a dog would benefit from individual attention.
Run staff-led solo sessions in a classroom or other enclosed area, not with free access to the rest of the facility.
Stay present and supervise the entire session; never leave the dog unattended.
Good staff-led activities include fetch, tag, tricks, agility, and tug.
For dog-to-dog sessions, only pair dogs that are already a good fit with one another.
Stop play immediately if either dog looks tired or stressed.
Cap every 1:1 play session, staff-led or dog-to-dog, at 30 minutes before a break.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is responsible for showing a new staff member how to run the pacer?

A senior team member must personally show you how to use the pacer before you run a session on your own. Until then, only observe or assist under supervision.

What if a dog looks tired or stressed partway through a session?

Stop immediately, whether it is a pacer session or 1:1 play. Give the dog a break and reassess before continuing or ending the activity for the day.

Can I take a dog on a walk by myself?

No. Every walk needs another trainer or staff member present, and the dog stays on a leash and collar inside fencing at all times.

Who to Ask

Ask a manager any time you are unsure about a walk, a pacer session, or a play pairing, and err on the side of caution. Group rotation timing that runs alongside these activities is covered in Training Services: Rotation Groups, and steps for a play session that turns into an incident are covered in Managing Emergencies in Daycare.