Kids Around Dogs Programme in Annan, Carlisle and Dumfries
Some children feel unsure around dogs. Others feel anxious, overwhelmed, or deeply frightened whether after a difficult experience or simply because they don’t yet understand how dogs communicate.
Helping children feel safe, confident, and calm around dogs
The Kids Around Dogs programme helps children feel safer and more confident by learning to understand dog body language and behaviour in a calm, structured, and supportive way.
As children begin to recognise what dogs are communicating, fear is gradually replaced with knowledge, confidence, and calm decision-making.
If this sounds like your child, you’re very welcome to book a free initial call to talk through whether the Kids Around Dogs programme feels like the right fit for your family.
Who the KAD Programme is designed for:
This programme is suitable for children aged approximately 4 to 16 who feel nervous, anxious, or frightened around dogs, and for families who want to build safer, more confident interactions between children and dogs.
It can be particularly helpful in situations such as:
- A child learning to coexist safely with a dog in their own household
- Preparing a child for the arrival of a new puppy or dog
- Supporting a child who feels worried visiting friends or family with dogs
- Rebuilding confidence after a frightening or overwhelming experience with a dog
- Helping a child understand how to behave safely around unfamiliar dogs
- Giving children practical tools to feel calmer in dog-present environments
The programme is always adapted to suit each child’s age, confidence level, and individual needs.
If you’re recognising your child in any of these situations, you’re very welcome to book a free initial call so we can talk through whether this programme feels right for your family.
Many children feel unsure around dogs at some stage, and with the right support, confidence can grow steadily and safely.
* The Kids Around Dogs protocol is also available for adults who would benefit from building confidence and understanding around dogs.
Please get in touch if you’d like to discuss whether this might be suitable for you.
How the KAD Programme works:
Before starting, we’ll have an initial call to talk through the protocol and make sure it feels like the right fit for your child and your family.
You’ll complete a short pre-protocol questionnaire, and parents are asked to watch a brief video before the first session so everyone feels prepared and supported from the start.
The programme begins with seven weekly online sessions, each lasting around 20–30 minutes.
These sessions are conversational, age-appropriate, and interactive.
We talk about dog body language, how dogs and children might feel in different situations, and how those emotions can be connected. Alongside the discussions, we use simple, fun activities to help children explore these ideas in a safe and manageable way.
Parents or guardians must be present throughout the online sessions. Your involvement is essential, as you’ll be supporting your child with gentle tasks between sessions and helping reinforce what they’re learning.
Between sessions, children are given simple home activities that build on what we’ve discussed. Early activities focus on observing dogs from a comfortable distance, while later activities gently introduce body language awareness. Everything is adapted to your child’s age and confidence level.
I’ll check in during the week to see how things are going and to offer support if needed.
In-person sessions
Alongside the online learning, the programme includes three in-person sessions with me and my dog, Eddie.
The first session focuses on observation and distance. Eddie will be in and out of the van while you and your child remain positioned at whatever distance feels comfortable. Together, we revisit what your child has learned online, observing Eddie’s body language and talking about how we think he might be feeling.
In the final two sessions, we gently reduce the distance between your child and Eddie, always working at your child’s pace. If everyone feels ready, we may try a short walk together. I always hold the lead, but a special lead with an additional handle allows your child to choose to hold it and “walk” him if they would like to. This is never expected or required – every step forward, no matter how small, is celebrated.
At the end of the programme, children receive a certificate of achievement to recognise everything they’ve worked through and accomplished.
There is also the option to continue with additional sessions beyond the initial programme if requested.
Programme Investment
The Kids Around Dogs children’s protocol includes:
- 7 online sessions (20–30 minutes each)
- 3 in-person sessions
- WhatsApp support between sessions
- Certificate of achievement
If you’d like to talk through whether this programme is right for your child, you’re very welcome to book a free initial call.
Payment plans may be available, we can discuss options during your initial call if helpful.
School & Community Group Talks
Alongside the Kids Around Dogs protocol, I also offer school and community group talks designed to help children learn how to stay safe and feel more confident around dogs.
These sessions involve me visiting the school or group in person to talk with children about how dogs communicate, what different body language signals can mean, and how to make safe choices when around dogs. The aim is to give children a clearer understanding of dogs, helping to reduce fear, prevent misunderstandings, and support safer interactions.
Talks last around 45 minutes and are adapted to suit different ages and class groups, ensuring the information is engaging, age-appropriate, and easy to understand.
If you’d like to arrange a school or community group talk, please get in touch to discuss availability and how the session can be tailored to your setting.
Feedback from a Kids Around Dogs school session
Springfield Primary, Gretna
FAQ about Kids Around Dogs in Annan, Carlisle and Dumfries
How old does my child need to be?
The children’s protocol is suitable for ages 4 to 16 years.
Do parents or guardians need to be present?
Do we need to have a dog at home?
How long does the programme last?
How long are the sessions?
Online sessions last 20–30 minutes.
In-person sessions last 30–45 minutes, depending on the pace that is comfortable for your child.
How do we book school or community group talks?
Please contact me via email to discuss availability and details.
What areas do you cover for school and community talks?
Ready to talk things through?
If you’re unsure which level of support is right for you, you’re very welcome to book a free 30-minute initial call.
We can talk through what’s currently happening, explore your goals, and decide together on the most supportive next step, with no pressure to commit.
