Dog charity visits Wallsend school

Children at St Aidan’s Catholic Primary took part in a series of workshops about how to behave around dogs, as well as a whole-school assembly.

The event was led by Rachel Hibbard, the Dogs Trust Education and Community Officer for the North East, with the assistance of several toy dogs who helped to model scenarios and provide demonstrations.

“The most memorable moment was watching a pupil interact with Rachel’s prop dog ‘Teddy the Dog’ in the assembly, and watching the joy on the children’s faces when Rachel introduced her dog props to them in workshops,” said Gemma Steel, the Class Teacher at St Aidan’s who organised the visit.

“This helped her to role-play how to approach dogs and how to behave around them, and how to respond to the dog safely and responsibly.

“Her workshops were interactive and fun, pitched perfectly to each class. The children enjoyed the role-play elements of the workshops.”

While children from Reception to Year 6 attended the assembly, three classes took part in the workshops, which covered ‘Happy Dog Rules’ for Year 2, ‘How to be a Dog’s Best Friend’ for Year 3, and ‘Canine Clues and How to be a Dog’s Best Friend’ for Year 5.

“The workshops and assembly were based on a key theme of safe behaviours around dogs,” continued Miss Steel. “The workshops complemented areas of the curriculum and generally supported classroom learning.”

It was the first time the Dogs Trust had visited St Aidan’s, which is a member of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust.

“These workshops are essential to children, as they teach them about how to behave when near to a dog, and what safe and appropriate behaviour is,” added Miss Steel.

“Many of our children will have contact with dogs, or meet dogs when out and about. They will now know important advice, such as when it wouldn’t be fair or safe to stroke a dog, as well as what to do if approached by a dog that you do not know.

“The idea is that the children will spread the message to their friends and family, and it will be carried with them as they grow up into adulthood, hopefully leading to responsible dog ownership, if they choose this.”