Amy Robinson has experience working with children and dogs in her private training practice. She has conducted classes for kids and dogs, and currently teaches Operant Conditioning at the high school level in Ft. Pierce. While there is much bite prevention information, most of it concerns what kids should do if they see a loose dog in their neighborhood. Most bites, in fact, are inflicted by the family dog or the child’s friend’s dog. These unfortunate incidents are, to a great degree, preventable. Amy offers the following three separate interactive presentations for pre-K and elementary school aged children that address these issues in a fun and entertaining way. Each presentation is about 20 minutes, and includes a fun kid’s quiz and a copy of her DVD, “Drool School”, for school use. Cost of a 20 minute interactive presentation is $45. If your school would like her to present to two classrooms on the same day, cost is $75 for both. Contact Amy at (772) 234-7591 or e-mail her at amy@droolschool.com

 

Interactive Presentation 1- Safety for Kids and Dogs

 

I Family Dog

          A. Approach-                  Stop short and invite the dog closer

                                                Sit in chair and extend hand

 

          B. When to pet-              dog is relaxed

                                                Dog is playful

                                                Dog is happy

 

          C. When to leave alone- Dog is eating

                                                Dog is sleeping

                                                Dog is on furniture

                                                Under furniture

                                                In crate or bed

                                                Chewing a bone

 

          D. Dog Body Language- Ears up, mouth closed

                   (don’t touch)         Alert, stiff posture

                                                Crouching, eyes turned away

                                                Barking

                                                Staring, ears up

                  

                   (OK to touch)        Mouth open, ears relaxed

                                                Tail wagging

                                                Rolls over on back

                                                Sitting

         

                    Corresponding DVD section: proper approach and petting

 

 

Interactive Presentation 2- Safety for Kids and Dogs

 

II.                 Play dates:

 

A.    Friend’s dog-

 When to greet

 Turn to the side

 Stand up straight

 

B.    If you’re afraid-

Be quiet

Don’t look at dog’s face

Hold still

Ignore!

 

C.    How to play-

Throw a toy

Roll a ball

 

D.   How NOT to play-

Running fast

Yelling

Holding bats, lacrosse sticks, toy trucks

 

 

Corresponding DVD section, “Red light, Green light” (about 4 minutes)

 

 

III Halloween Safety for Kids and Dogs

 

This is a 20 minute conversation with kids during craft-making time. Craft can be icing dog biscuits and decorating them. Additional craft can be decorating a Halloween colored bandana for their dog. This presentation can be combined with your school’s Halloween activities.

 

A.    Engage kids in dialog about safety at Halloween time.

-Trick or Treat with parent What do they already know?

-Stay on sidewalks

-glo-sticks or reflector lights

 

B.    Safety for Pets, too.

-Cat

     Keep indoors on Halloween and the day before, too.

-What does the cat need inside?

     Litter box

     Food and water

-Why should we keep the cat inside?

Outside looks different, strange people in costumes

 

C.    Your dog at home

-Trick or Treaters come to your house

-door is opening, what can happen?

-Should we Trick or Treat with the dog?

-Where should your dog stay at home?

 

D.   If you are out on Halloween

-         Stay on sidewalks

-         Don’t cut through yards (why?)

-         Don’t approach any dog, even one you know. Do you look different to him?

-         You’re bringing home treats. Can your dog have some?