Educating Children

The trust believes that one of the key areas of its work is promoting responsible dog ownership to children from an early age, an teaching children how to stay safe around dogs.

The Central Bedfordshire Canine Trust – Canine Care & Safety Award is a pioneering scheme which is available to visit schools, brownies, beavers and youth groups. The scheme includes games, activities, interactive computer games and talks to teach children how to look after and stay safe around dogs. The visit last about an hour and a half, and includes a visit from our of our “Safe Dogs” for children to meet. The schemes visits are free and completely funded by the Central Bedfordshire Canine Trust.

If you would like an educational visit for your school or youth group, please contact us.

Our Top Tips To Keep Children Safe Around Dogs!

Their love is unconditional, their looks can melt your heart, and their intelligence amazes us no end. Dogs have long been considered "man's best friend," but even the most gentlest of pooches has been known to bare his teeth. And not surprisingly, children are the usual victims. But blending a household with dogs and children is possible, and begins with teaching your children to respect the dog's fears and instincts. Teach your children to speak quietly, move slowly and always follow these simple rules when around dogs:

Always ask the owner before stroking a strange dog.
Do not stroke a dog through fences or car windows.
Do not go near a dog whilst they are eating, sleeping or playing with their toys.
Children should always be supervised by an adult when around dogs.
Do not touch a mummy dog whilst she is caring for her puppies.
It is advisable to shut the dog away in a different room whilst a child is eating.
Do not pull on a dog’s ears, tails or legs.

All dogs have the potential to bite, no matter what breed or age they are! It is recommended that you take your dog to obedience training classes like those run by Central Bedfordshire Canine Trust.

Central Bedfordshire Canine Trust offers a free educational scheme to Schools, Brownies, Beavers and other Youth Groups in Central Bedfordshire, aimed at teaching children to be safe around dogs and how to care for them. A qualified and CRB cleared member of our educational team will visit and deliver the scheme through fun games and activities.

On completion all children receive a certificate.