School workshops

Show dogs affection in ways that they understand.

We all want to show love and affection to our dogs, and lots of people understandably do this in the same way they would show love to a human. 

However, dogs can find some of these behaviours worrying, so we want to make sure children know how to show love in ways dogs understand and enjoy. Hugs and kisses, for example, can remove a dog’s choice to move away and that can be especially worrying for them. 

That’s why we suggest gentle strokes and snuggles instead so that dogs can move away freely whenever they choose, which is important for both our safety and their wellbeing. 

When dogs are busy, we give them space.

There are some important times when dogs should be left alone, as like us, they appreciate their own space in certain situations. By understanding when dogs need space, we can make sure they don’t feel worried by us being too close when they are eating, chewing, drinking, sleeping, resting and playing by themselves. 

When we notice that a dog is busy, this is a cue for us to find something to do by ourselves that we enjoy. 

At all times we should give our dogs choice.

Freedom of choice is an important way to help dogs feel relaxed and safe. If dogs are uncomfortable in a situation they will often just try to move away from the person, situation or thing that might be worrying them. 

There are simple ways we can give our dogs choice and for children we suggest: 

• Let your dog choose when to say hello – let them decide when they would like to come and interact
• Let your dog choose when to say goodbye – let them decide when they would like to end an interaction
• If your dog moves away, let them do so without following them– they might just want some space, or some quiet time.

Recognise how dogs communicate using signals.

For older children we also explore dog body language and how this can tell us how a dog might be feeling. If we understand dog body language, we can then recognise if our dog is worried by something we are doing. 

Often the best thing to then do is stop what might be worrying our dog and give them some space – there are lots of dog body language signals we can look out for.