The Australian Directory of Human Animal Interaction Programs

Kids and K9s Program

A community safety programme to teach kids how to behave safely around dogs.

Kids and dogs are a great combination but it is vitally important that kids are taught to relate to dogs appropriately and vice versa. Unfortunately children are at a disproportional risk of being bitten by dogs and when a bite occurs, it is often to the facial area. Naturally this results in dramatic headlines in the media, which can make some parents anxious.

The program teaches kids how to read dogs’ body language and how to approach and touch dogs under adult supervision. Role-playing is a particularly useful method of teaching children what to do. It helps them to understand and remember how they should act in various situations when they are around dogs. Education and positive experiences in the classroom will help to ensure safe practices at home especially when parents reinforce the main safety messages.

This volunteer program is organised by an accredited dog training instructor and subsidised by The Kintala Club as a contribution to local communities, and to help to promote responsible and enjoyable child/dog relationships. The dogs that take part have to be well behaved and “child proof”. They are trained by The Gentle Modern Method of Dog Training.

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