Kids Around Dogs - 4 week Confidence & Safety Course
£55.00
Out of stock
Kids Around Dogs – 4-Week Confidence & Safety Course (Pilot)
Start date: Wednesday 4th February
Time: 4.30–5.30pm
Duration: 45–60 minutes each week (pilot timings are being tested)
Course length: 4 weeks
Group size: 4–6 children
Price: £55 per child (pilot course)
Course overview
The Kids Around Dogs (KAD) course is a calm, supportive 4-week programme designed to help children understand dogs better, learn how to stay safe around them, and build confidence through knowledge rather than pressure.
This pilot course is suitable for children aged 5–11 years, including:
Children who live with a family dog
Families preparing to welcome a dog
Children who feel nervous or unsure around dogs
Sessions focus on dog safety, canine body language and respectful interaction, not dog training.
All sessions are delivered in small groups to ensure a relaxed, supportive learning environment.
Weekly outline
Week 1 – Dogs & Us
An introductory session focused on getting to know each other and building understanding.
Who I am and what I do
Getting to know the children
Where dogs came from
Different dog breeds and why they look different
The jobs dogs have been bred to do
This session is designed to be fun, interactive and pressure-free.
Week 2 – Dog Body Language & Communication
Learning how dogs communicate without words.
How dogs show calmness, excitement, worry and stress
Early warning signs dogs give
Why dogs don’t always enjoy hugs or close contact
Learning to observe before interacting
Children are encouraged to think, watch and ask questions.
Week 3 – Staying Safe Around Dogs
Practical, real-world safety skills.
Dogs in the home
Dogs when out and about
Dogs children know vs dogs they don’t know
What to do if a dog approaches you
This session focuses on predictability, boundaries and confidence.
Week 4 – Meeting Dogs
A gentle, controlled introduction to real dogs.
Meeting Twix (Cocker Spaniel) and Gem (German Shepherd)
Observing how dogs can move, behave and communicate differently
Discussing why some dogs feel more intimidating than others
Opportunities for calm, consent-based interaction
Children may choose to:
Watch only
Interact calmly
Practise simple, appropriate interactions
There is no pressure to touch at any point.
Important information
At least one person aged 18 or over must remain in the hall for the duration of each session
Group sizes are kept small to ensure sessions remain calm, safe and supportive
This course is being offered as a pilot programme at an introductory price
Refreshments
Squash and biscuits provided for children
Tea and coffee available for adults