Safety in School

Deirdre, our South East Education Officer, recently visited Ballyduff NS in Co. Waterford.  Afterwards some of the students emailed with what they had learned during the workshops.  Here are their best bits:

Dogs Trust visited Ballyduff Lower National School.  Fifth and sixth got a visit from Deirdre and her two dogs Cónán and Sadhbh.  She was talking about safety around dogs...  Don't rub the dog while he is sleeping or eating.  Don't go up to a stray because you don't know if he's in a a bad humour or a good humour.  I enjoyed this very much.  Thank you Deirdre & Sadhbh and Cónán.

Kellie, Rang V

Deirdre told us never climb into a dog's bed and don't rub your dog when he or she is eating.  If a dog growls and you don't listen to that they could start to snap and if you don't listen to that the dog could bite so the next time you will not make the same mistake as last time... And at the end Deirdre let us rub a dog but before you rub the dog you put your hand in a fist and leave the dog lick or sniff your hand then you rub the dog where the dog likes to be rubbed.

Sophie

Deirdre also told a very good sign for meeting dogs with their owners, it was W.A.L.T.  The W in W.A.L.T. means walk to the owner.  The A means ask.  The L means let the dog sniff your fist.  The T means touch...  If you see a dog outside the shop you do not go near it and if you see a stray dog don't go rub it.  Don't run from the dog because it will think that you are playing catch and then chase after you.  So if you are in that situation Deirdre said to put your hands into the X-Factor and then do not look at the dog.  You never know if a dog is nice or not and even if it's your own dog you should never be rough... I had a great time with them coming over, it was so fun.

Grace, Age 10, Múinteoir Connie

Deirdre told us when approaching a dog first you have to close your fist and let the dog sniff it but never approach a dog when it's in bed, attached to a pole, on his own or when he is eating.  She told us if you see a stray dog and you are afraid of him, don't run away from him because the dog thinks you are playing catch so just stand still and cross your hands away from the dog so he thinks you're boring... At the end we all got to pick a dog and let them sniff our hand first and then rub them.  I picked Cónán to rub.  I thought Deirdre was really nice to let all 21 people to rub a dog.  Deirdre was really funny to hear and watch and I hope to see her and the two dogs again.

Emma

Deirdre, Sadhbh and Cónán would like to say thanks to all the pupils and staff at Ballyduff NS for such an enjoyable visit.  We're glad you learned so much.  Woof and kisses xxx