Kids Around Dogs – Education, Confidence & Community Support

I am a Kids Around Dogs (KAD) Approved Professional, offering education-led support to help children, adults and dogs live safely and confidently together.

Kids Around Dogs is a nationally recognised organisation dedicated to reducing dog-related incidents through education, awareness and prevention. Their work focuses on helping people understand dog behaviour and body language, supporting safer interactions and building confidence around dogs from an early age.

My work follows this ethos closely — focusing on education first, supporting people to understand dogs better, reduce fear and uncertainty, and create safer, more positive relationships between children, adults and dogs.

Who These Sessions Are For

Kids Around Dogs support is suitable for:

Expecting parents preparing their dog for the arrival of a baby
Families with babies and young children learning to live safely with a dog
Children of all ages, including neurodivergent children
Adults who feel nervous or fearful around dogs
Schools, libraries, Scout & Brownie groups and community organisations
Families who want to build confidence, understanding and safe routines around dogs

Sessions are educational, supportive and non-judgemental, always delivered at a pace appropriate for the individual or group.

A teenager sits in a field with his cheeky German shepherd

Small, structured workshops for children and adults, delivered separately but following the same education-first approach.

These workshops support:

children learning how to interact safely with family pets
neurodivergent children, with sessions adapted to individual needs
adults who feel nervous or fearful around dogs

Workshops use games, discussion and practical activities to build understanding and confidence.

Group sizes are kept small (4–6 participants). Where appropriate, the final session may include carefully managed interaction with a calm, suitable dog.

All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Toddler walking his Labrador with supervision and help from a parent

Personalised family-based education sessions to support safe, confident living with dogs at home.

Suitable for:

expecting parents preparing their dog for the arrival of a baby
families with babies and young children
households where children or adults feel unsure or anxious around dogs

Sessions focus on understanding dog behaviour, creating safe routines, supporting calm interactions and building confidence for the whole family.

A dachshund jumps through a hoop, learning tricks in a class

Fun, structured school holiday sessions for children attending with their family dog.

These sessions combine:

simple training games
confidence-building activities
fun outdoor games and enrichment

Sessions are fully supervised, and all dogs are assessed for suitability to ensure a positive experience for both children and dogs.

All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.

Sessions planned for the easter holidays, may half term and the summer holidays - WEDNESDAYS 3.30 - 4.30pm

A teenager interacts with a puppy in a class setting

I deliver dog safety and awareness education sessions for schools, libraries, Scout and Brownie groups, youth clubs and other community organisations.

These sessions are designed to help children and adults:

understand basic dog body language
recognise when a dog is comfortable or uncomfortable
learn how to behave safely around dogs
build confidence and reduce fear
prevent common, avoidable incidents

Sessions are age-appropriate, engaging and informative, and can be adapted to suit the setting and audience.

Where appropriate, sessions may include a carefully selected dog, with welfare and safety as a priority.

Child & Adult Workshops

Family 1:1 Education Sessions

School Holiday Sessions – Children & Family Dogs

Education Sessions for Schools & Community Groups

Next Steps & Booking Information

Kids Around Dogs services are designed to be supportive, educational and tailored to the needs of individuals, families and organisations.

If you’re a parent, school, community group or organisation looking for support around dog safety, confidence or understanding, I’m happy to discuss your needs and recommend the most appropriate option.

Please get in touch to enquire, ask questions or register your interest.

Further details, dates and booking options will be added as services and sessions are launched.

Contact Me

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is the Kids Around Dogs programme suitable for?

The Kids Around Dogs (KAD) workshops are suitable for children aged 5–11 years. Sessions are designed to be age-appropriate, engaging and easy to understand, helping children learn how to interact safely and confidently with dogs in everyday situations.

Who are the Kids Around Dogs workshops suitable for?

These workshops are ideal for:

Children who live with a family dog
Families who are preparing to get a dog
Children who are nervous or unsure around dogs

The focus is on safety, understanding canine body language and respectful interaction, rather than training dogs.

Do children need to have a dog at home to attend?

No. Children do not need to own a dog to attend Kids Around Dogs workshops. These sessions focus on learning how to read dogs and behave safely around them, which is valuable for any child who encounters dogs in public, with friends or extended family.

However, children’s holiday sessions do require a family dog. Holiday sessions are designed for children who have a friendly dog at home that is comfortable around people and other dogs. The child must be able to handle their dog independently, or attend with an adult who fully participates alongside them.

What will children learn during the sessions?

Children will learn:

How dogs communicate using body language
When it is safe — and not safe — to approach a dog
How to interact calmly and respectfully
How to recognise signs of stress, fear and excitement
What to do around unfamiliar dogs

All learning is delivered in a positive, practical and confidence-building way.

Are the sessions suitable for children who are nervous around dogs?

Yes. Many children attend specifically because they feel nervous or unsure around dogs. Sessions are calm and supportive, with no pressure to interact. Children are encouraged to observe, ask questions and build confidence at their own pace.

Do parents need to stay during children’s sessions?

Yes. All children attend with an accompanying adult.

Class sizes are kept small — no more than 6 children, each with an adult — to ensure safety, support and a positive learning experience.

What adult courses do you offer and who are they suitable for?

Adult courses are suitable for ages 12 to 100 and are ideal for anyone who would like to:

Learn basic canine body language
Understand how to interact safely with dogs
Feel more confident around dogs

Adult sessions are limited to 10 participants, and under-18s must be accompanied by an adult.

What are the children’s holiday sessions and who can attend?

Children’s holiday sessions are suitable for children aged 5–16 who:

Have a friendly family dog
Whose dog is good with people and other dogs
Can control their dog themselves, or attend with an adult who fully participate

These sessions combine education, safety and fun, while maintaining clear boundaries and supervision.

Do you offer sessions for schools or community groups?

Yes. School sessions are currently aimed at primary schools, with nursery sessions available on request.

Scouts, Guides and other community groups are also welcome to book tailored Kids Around Dogs sessions.

Are sessions suitable for neurodivergent children?

Yes. Kids Around Dogs sessions are designed to be calm, structured and predictable, which many neurodivergent children find supportive. sessions can be adapted to support different communication styles, sensory needs and learning preferences wherever possible.

Do you support children with additional needs or disabilities?

Yes. We aim to make sessions as inclusive and accessible as possible. Please contact us before booking so we can discuss individual needs and ensure the session is suitable and supportive for your child.

We have access to a BSL Level 2 practitioner, which can be incorporated into sessions where required. Please let us know in advance if BSL support is needed so we can plan accordingly.

Should I contact you before booking if my child has additional needs?

Yes. We always encourage parents or carers to get in touch before booking if a child has additional needs, disabilities or anxieties. This helps us ensure the session is appropriate and provides the best possible experience.

Are all sessions suitable for every child?

While we aim to be inclusive, some sessions may not be suitable for every child depending on individual needs and the session format. We’re always happy to discuss options and recommend the most appropriate session.

Where are Kids Around Dogs sessions based and who do they support?

Workshops and holiday sessions are based in Wollaston, Stourbridge, on the edge of the West Midlands and close to the Worcestershire and South Staffordshire borders, Kids Around Dogs sessions support local families, schools and community groups with practical, age-appropriate dog safety education.

All sessions are delivered in small, supportive groups by a qualified, force-free trainer.

Do you offer 1:1 support for families who need a more tailored approach?

Yes. 1:1 Kids Around Dogs sessions are available for families who would benefit from a more personalised approach. This may include families with a child who has additional needs, those who are welcoming a dog into the family, families with an existing dog and a new baby on the way, or those fostering or welcoming a child into their home.

1:1 sessions allow us to work at a pace that suits your family, focusing on safety, understanding and practical strategies that fit your home environment. Please get in touch to discuss your situation and the most suitable option for your family.