Pampered Paws Staff Academy

Safe Handling of Dogs and Dog Behaviour

Learn how to read dog body language, handle dogs safely, manage group walks and daycare, and prevent incidents before they happen.

5 Behaviour modules

20 quick checks

5 real situations

Score at least 70 percent to pass

Before you start

Please complete your details. Your certificate and ClickUp record will use this information. This course focuses on safe handling, dog body language and group safety.

Full Name

ID Number

Modules Final Test Certificate

Module One Foundations of Dog Behaviour

How Dogs Learn

Dogs repeat what is rewarded. Food, praise, touch, play and access to people or dogs are all rewards. Calm, reward based handling is the core of Pampered Paws.

Reward behaviours you want more of.
Remove attention calmly from behaviours you do not want.
Avoid shouting, smacking or rough handling.

Why We Avoid Harsh Methods

Harsh tools and methods (choke chains, prong collars, shock, spraying in the face) can increase fear and aggression. We follow modern reward based handling so dogs feel safe and staff stay protected.

Module Two Reading Dog Body Language

Relaxed Dog

Soft eyes, loose face, normal breathing.
Tail in neutral position with a soft wag.
Curved body, not stiff.

Worried Dog

Head low, weight shifted back.
Tail low or tucked, ears back or to the side.
Lip licking, yawning, looking away, lifting one front paw.

Very Stressed or About to React

Body frozen like a statue.
Tail high and tight or fully tucked.
Hard staring, growling, lunging, snapping.

Golden rule: when you see hard eyes plus a stiff body, you stop, give space and change your plan.

Module Three Safe Handling and Restraint

Core Handling Rules

Move slowly, speak softly, do not grab from above the head.
Support the body when lifting, especially old or small dogs.
Use two people for large or fearful dogs.

On the Grooming Table

Use a non slip surface and correctly fitted loop.
Two fingers should fit between neck and loop.
Never leave a dog unattended on a table or in a bath with a loop on.

Using Muzzles Kindly

Use comfortable basket muzzles that allow panting and treats.
Introduce with food so the dog builds a positive link.
Muzzles are for safety, not punishment.

Module Four Group Walks and Daycare Safety

Pampered Paws Walk Policy

Maximum of four dogs per handler.
Route planned for safety, shade and space away from triggers.
No phone use during walks except for quick updates or emergencies.

Safe Daycare Groups

Match for size, play style and energy level.
Short play sessions with calm breaks.
Separate dogs if there is chasing, pinning, hiding or constant mounting.

Module Five Incidents and Difficult Situations

Breaking Up Tense Moments

Interrupt early when you see hard stares over toys or space.
Call dogs away, remove the trigger, give a calm break.
Do not grab collars near mouths if dogs are already fighting.

Bites and Near Bites

Secure the dog safely away from people.
Give first aid to the person and call for medical help if needed.
Record exactly what happened and inform management.

Take the Safe Handling test

When you feel confident with the modules, click below to open the final test. Your score and long answers will be sent to management.

Think about real dogs you work with and answer as if you are on the floor in the shop.

Pass requirements

Score at least 70 percent overall.
20 multiple choice questions.
5 real life situations with written answers.
Certificate and ClickUp record on pass.

Final Test Safe Handling of Dogs and Dog Behaviour

Answer all questions. The first twenty are multiple choice. The last five are long answers where you type how you would handle real situations.

1. Why does Pampered Paws use reward based handling

It improves welfare and learning with less risk of harm.
It makes dogs obey faster through fear.
It is mainly cheaper than other methods.

2. A relaxed dog usually has

A stiff body and hard stare.
A loose body and soft eyes.
Tail fully tucked under and ears flat.

3. Which sign suggests a worried dog rather than a relaxed one

Rolling over happily for a belly rub.
Soft blinking eyes and loose tail.
Lip licking and looking away from you.

4. When lifting a small dog under ten kilograms you should

Lift by the front legs so they stay still.
Place one arm under the chest and one under the hindquarters.
Lift by the collar so they cannot move.

5. Which sign is most worrying during grooming

Soft wagging tail and licking your hand.
Closing eyes during a gentle head rub.
Freezing still with hard eyes while you touch a knot.

6. The safest statement about muzzles is

Basket muzzles can be kind if introduced with food and allow panting.
They must be so tight the dog cannot open the mouth at all.
They are only for aggressive dogs and never used at Pampered Paws.

7. On a group walk the Pampered Paws rule is

Up to six dogs per handler.
Any number as long as they are on lead.
A maximum of four dogs per handler.

8. During a walk you notice one dog panting heavily, slowing down and lying in shade. The best action is to

Continue the walk so the dog gets fitter.
Shorten the walk, offer water and move the dog to a cooler place.
Jog the dog to make it keep up.

9. Which combination shows escalating stress that could lead to a bite

Yawning, lip licking, body stiffening and growling.
Soft blinking, loose tail and sniffing the ground calmly.
Play bow and bouncing side to side.

10. When handling a dog on the grooming table you must

Leave them alone briefly if you need to fetch something.
Tighten the loop when they lean off the table.
Keep eyes on them and never leave them looped unattended.

11. A dog turns its head away, licks its lips and yawns while you reach for its paws. This usually means

The dog wants you to move faster.
The dog is showing early stress and needs a slower, kinder approach.
The dog is bored and wants a toy.

12. Which option matches reward based handling

Waiting for four paws on the floor then giving attention.
Shouting until the dog stops jumping.
Smacking the dog when it barks.

13. When matching dogs for daycare play you should first think about

Colour and breed.
Which dogs the staff like most.
Size, energy level and play style.

14. During play one dog is always chasing and another is always running away with a tucked tail. The best response is

Let them sort it out, dogs will be dogs.
Only correct the dog that is running away.
Stop the play, give a calm break and adjust the groups.

15. If a dog shows a new limp at pick up time you should

Calmly explain what you saw and suggest a vet check.
Say nothing unless the owner asks.
Guess the diagnosis and give medical advice.

16. When a dog tries to back out of the collar at the gate you should

Pull forward quickly to keep them in place.
Drop the lead to reduce pressure.
Hold the leash close, move to a safe space and re check the fit.

17. Which situation is most likely to trigger redirected aggression

Two calm dogs walking side by side.
Dogs resting in separate crates.
A highly aroused dog barking at a fence while another dog stands very close.

18. Good record keeping after incidents is important because

It helps identify patterns and improve handling plans.
It replaces talking to the owners.
It protects only the business from trouble.

19. When approaching a nervous dog in a kennel you should

Crouch side on, avoid staring, speak softly and let the dog sniff first.
Walk straight in, bend over the dog and grab the collar.
Rattle the door loudly to make the dog move.

20. Which statement fits Pampered Paws values best

Dog welfare comes first even if it takes more time.
Customer convenience always comes first.
Getting through the queue is the only goal.

21. A large dog on the table becomes stiff, ears back and starts low growling when you touch a knot near the tail. Describe exactly what you do from that moment onward.

22. You are walking four daycare dogs. One is pulling hard, another is barking at every dog you pass. Explain what you do during this walk and what changes you make for the next booking.

23. Two small dogs in daycare begin to argue over a toy and the noise rises fast. Describe your actions from first warning signs to the moment everything is safe again.

24. A new rescue dog arrives for grooming. The owner says the dog is scared of men and has snapped at a vet before. You are the only staff member available. Write how you manage the dog safely and kindly.

25. During a busy day two dogs have a minor scuffle in daycare. One yelps and hides under a chair. Write the report note and the message you would send to the owners.

CERTIFICATE

OF ACHIEVEMENT

Safe Handling of Dogs and Dog Behaviour

This certifies that

ID Number:

has successfully completed the course and demonstrated the required standard of safe handling, dog behaviour understanding and group safety at Pampered Paws.

Certificate Code:

DATE

SIGNATURE Pampered Paws Management

Pampered Paws Certified