A ‘pawsome’ day as Lees pupils learn how to be a pooch’s perfect friend

Dogs Trust's Anna Baatz helps pupils learn all about understanding and caring for dogs

Pupils at Hey with Zion Primary School had a lesson with a difference recently when they took part in reading workshops to learn how to ‘Be Dog Smart’.

Dogs Trust Education & Community Officer for Greater Manchester, Anna Baatz, and her four-legged friend Mo went along to the school in Lees to teach Year Two children how to stay safe around dogs and to help the pupils understand how dogs have feelings, just like them.

Ms Baatz said: “I worked alongside the school to develop a reading for pleasure workshop focused on helping children learn how to behave safely around dogs, both in the home and out and about in public spaces. It is really important as is helping them understand that they have feelings too.

“In these workshops we read books together to help the children with their reading, writing and comprehension skills whilst learning everything from how to approach dogs they don’t know to helping them understand how dogs might feel in certain situations.”

Melissa Power, Year 2 class teacher at the school, said: “We have never had anything like this in the school before and having Mo here was a bonus for us all. It was also great for those children who are nervous of dogs to be around a dog like Mo who is so calm and friendly. It was fascinating for the children to hear about what it takes to be a good dog owner and I’m sure it will lead to many lively discussions with parents and siblings!”

Dogs Trust offers free workshops at schools, community centres, libraries and any other suitable location for parents and children.