I Speak Doggie
Fun, practical dog safety education for preschool-aged children
Dogs are a big part of many children’s lives — but young children don’t always understand what dogs are trying to communicate or how to interact with them safely.
I Speak Doggie is a fun, interactive dog safety presentation designed specifically for preschool-aged children. Through simple activities, discussion and music, children learn how to recognise what dogs are telling us and what they can do to help keep themselves safe around the dogs they know and love.
Unlike many traditional bite-prevention programs that focus primarily on what to do if an unfamiliar or aggressive dog approaches, I Speak Doggie focuses on everyday interactions between children and dogs.
This is particularly important because young children are among those most at risk of dog bites, and many bites occur with dogs the child already knows.
Dog Safety Incursion for Childcare and Kindy
I Speak Doggie is a 30-minute dog safety incursion for kindergartens, childcare centres, preschools and early learning centres in Adelaide.
Designed specifically for young children, the program introduces important concepts around dog body language, safe interactions and respecting a dog's space in a way that is simple, positive and developmentally appropriate.
Children learn practical skills including:
How dogs communicate with us through their bodies
How to recognise when a dog might need some space
How to interact with dogs safely
What to do when a dog approaches them
Why we should leave dogs alone at certain times
How to show kindness and respect towards animals
The program also supports learning outcomes within the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), making it easy to incorporate meaningful safety, wellbeing and animal education into your early learning program.
Learning That Stays With Them
Dog safety education is most valuable when children can remember what they've learned when they actually need it.
That's why I Speak Doggie combines simple safety messages with interactive learning and music. The aim isn't simply for children to enjoy the session — it's for those messages to stay with them afterwards.
And we're hearing from families that they do.
“My daughter loved your session. She was so excited for us to scan the QR code on her certificate so we could hear the song and have more understanding about your presentation.”
— Carmel, parent
One parent shared how her son took what he had learned home and taught his older sister. When dogs later ran towards the children at a dog park, both children remembered what to do and confidently used the skills from the session.
“Noah taught his big sister what he learned, and they’ve both applied it with success... both Noah and Charlie confidently stood still with their arms folded — so this session has been incredible for my kids!”
— Clare, parent
(And, as Clare added, the whole family now knows the words to the I Speak Doggie song!)
The I Speak Doggie Song
Music is an important part of the program.
The I Speak Doggie song reinforces the key safety messages children learn during the session in a format that's easy to remember — and catchy enough that children often continue singing it afterwards.
Each child receives an I Speak Doggie certificate to take home, complete with a QR code families can scan to listen to the song again.
This gives parents and caregivers an opportunity to continue the conversation at home and reinforce what their child has learned.
How does it work?
The program is designed to fit easily into a busy kindergarten or childcare day.
Session length: 30 minutes
Group size: Up to 30 children
Suitable for: Preschool and kindergarten-aged children
Location: We come to your kindergarten, childcare centre or early learning service
The presentation is interactive and designed to keep young children involved throughout the session.
We can visit a single class or, for larger services, discuss options for running multiple sessions.
Bring I Speak Doggie to Your Centre
Helping children understand dogs from an early age can give them practical skills for navigating the many interactions they'll have with dogs throughout childhood.
I Speak Doggie makes those lessons positive, memorable and fun.
If you'd like to bring I Speak Doggie to your kindergarten, childcare centre or early learning service, get in touch with Paws & Reward to discuss your centre and upcoming availability.