Dogs Playing for Life Returns to Cincy CARE

Playtime with Purpose: National Training Returns to CARE

Cincinnati Animal CARE hosts Dogs Playing for Life for the third time with a weeklong behavior and enrichment program training

Cincinnati, OH — November 14, 2025 — Cincinnati Animal CARE, Hamilton County’s only open, stray-intake animal shelter and the sole provider of animal services, is once again welcoming Dogs Playing for Life (DPFL), a nationally recognized leader in canine behavior and enrichment–for a full week of on-site training, demonstrations, and professional development November 17–23.

This marks DPFL’s third visit to Cincy CARE, and is coordinated by Behavior and Training Manager Deborah Tung, and led by DPFL trainer Aaron Caldwell, with sessions open to shelter staff and registered volunteers at both the Dane Avenue and Colerain Avenue shelters. From day one DPFL has been one of our key lifesaving programs that truly differentiates Cincy CARE as a progressive municipal shelter committed to live outcomes.

Through its groundbreaking Fancy Footwork and playgroup programs, Dogs Playing for Life teaches shelters to use play as a diagnostic and enrichment tool—helping dogs express natural behavior, relieve stress, and build social skills that improve their adoptability. Cincy CARE’s daily playgroups are modeled on DPFL’s best practices, and since the organization’s first visit, the shelter’s behavior and training programs have evolved to include structured play sessions, advanced handling routines, and individualized support for dogs needing extra care.

“Our partnership with Dogs Playing for Life has been transformative for both dogs and people,” said Meaghan Colville, Shelter Director. “Playgroups have become one of the most important tools we have for keeping dogs mentally healthy, helping them communicate, and ultimately helping them find– and stay, in homes.”

Cincy CARE’s Behavior and Training team has also traveled to DPFL’s Colorado and Florida training centers, bringing back methods that are now part of the shelter’s standard behavior and kennel routines.

“Dogs Playing for Life has significantly elevated and transformed our playgroup program. Because of DPFL, our Behavior Team is now able to implement new, innovative strategies not only within playgroups, but also throughout our broader training efforts for our dogs” said Behavior and Training Manager, Deborah Tung.

Media are invited to attend select sessions during the week for photos, video, or interviews. Interested outlets or volunteers should email [email protected] for registration and scheduling details.

Quick Facts

• What: Weeklong Dogs Playing for Life training featuring Fancy Footwork and playgroup demonstrations
• When: November 17–23, 2025
• Where: Cincinnati Animal CARE’s Dane Avenue and Colerain Avenue shelters
• Who: Led by DPFL trainer Aaron Caldwell, coordinated by Deborah Tung, Behavior & Training Manager
• Who Can Attend: CARE staff and registered volunteers (registration required), media invited for video and interviews.
• Media Contact: [email protected]

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About Dogs Playing for Life

Dogs Playing for Life (DPFL) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of shelter dogs to increase lifesaving. By focusing on the power of play, DPFL programs help shelters across the country reduce stress, improve behavioral understanding, and make better adoption matches. Their training methods are used by hundreds of shelters nationwide and featured at leading animal welfare conferences.

About Cincinnati Animal CARE

Cincinnati Animal CARE is Hamilton County’s only open-intake animal shelter and a rapidly growing organization committed to progressive, lifesaving practices. Since opening in 2020, the shelter has maintained a save rate of over 90%, achieving no-kill status while handling thousands of animals each year. CARE provides both animal sheltering and dog warden services, powered by a dedicated team of staff, volunteers, and fosters focused on community-based solutions that keep pets and people together. Learn more at www.cincinnatianimalcare.org