Today, Year 3 were lucky enough to take part in a workshop ran by The Dogs Trust. The children were taught all about how to behave around a dog and how to react in different scenarios to ensure they stay safe and make sure the dog feels happy and safe too.

We learnt about the 5 senses of a dog and how the strength of senses varies between a dog and human . For example, dogs have over 300 millions scent receptors compared to a human who only have 6 million. We also learnt that a dogs smell is its strongest sense.

We even did some role play where some of the children bravely demonstrated what to do if out on a walk with a grown up and you come into contact with a dog you’d like to say hello to. Firstly, you must ask the grown-up you are with for permission. Next you must ask the owner politely if you are allowed to. Then you can get a little closer to the dog (but not too close!) and then stand still with your hands by your side and let the dog sniff you. If the dog wants to be stroked, they will stay near you and you can stroke them from the side 3 times, but if they don’t they will probably walk away. We discussed the importance of respecting how the dog reacts.

Interestingly, dogs don’t actually like to be cuddled, this is because they don’t have arms like us humans, so for them it’s tricky to understand hug as an act of love and care. So the best way to show your dog love is to snuggle next to them, stroke them and play fetch with them!

For more information on how to ‘Be Dog Smart’ please follow this link to The Dogs Trust website they have some brilliant resources.

We finished off by being awarded a ‘be dog smart’ sticker from our trainer Vicky who was really pleased with all the knowledge we had retained! We then used that knowledge to create posters to help educate other children, our family and friends about hoe to be ‘Dog Smart’! have no doubt they will be sharing even more of the fantastic facts they learnt to day with you at home 🙂

Great work Year 3 – you smashed it once again!