“Dog Stars”

A dog safety presentation for primary school children

Introducing the Dog Stars Program, a fun and educational initiative designed to teach primary school children in Adelaide about dog safety while addressing the concerning rise in dog bite incidents. With around 13,000 people visiting hospital emergency departments annually in Australia due to dog bites, and young children being the most vulnerable, proactive measures are essential.

By instilling a sense of responsibility and empathy towards animals, the Dog Stars Program strives to equips young learners with the skills needed to navigate their interactions with dogs safely. Through engaging activities and fun videos, children learn to understand canine behaviour, recognise early signs of stress, and practice respectful approaches to dogs.

Through this initiative, Paws & Reward aim to make a positive impact on the community, fostering a culture of awareness and empathy that will contribute to reducing the alarming statistics of dog bite injuries among young children. Together, let's create a safer and happier environment for our little ones and their furry friends.

Primary School Dog Safety Incursion

The Dog Stars Program is designed especially for primary school students in Adelaide and works perfectly as a school incursion that fits within a single class period. The interactive session runs for 30–40 minutes, making it easy for teachers to incorporate into their school day.

Through an engaging presentation and memorable music video, students learn practical dog safety skills that help them recognise safe and unsafe situations around dogs. The program also helps children understand how their behaviour can affect animals and the people around them, while encouraging empathy, respect for animals, and responsible decision-making when interacting with dogs in their homes and communities.

The Dog Stars program supports learning outcomes within the Australian Curriculum, particularly in Health and Physical Education and the Personal & Social Capability. The session reinforces important concepts related to personal safety, relationships, and respectful behaviour.

For schools following the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP), Dog Stars also connects with the transdisciplinary themes “Who We Are” and “Sharing the Planet,” supporting learning about wellbeing, relationships, and caring for other living things.

The result is a fun, memorable dog safety education experience that gives students practical skills they can use every day.

Dog and child looking out over lake

How does it work?

The program is flexible so we can come into a single class or even do the presentation for your entire student body.

If you are interested in having us visit your primary school, kindly reach out to find out more and schedule a suitable time for your session.