In an effort to promote safe and positive interactions between children and dogs, a passionate trainer and qualified primary school teacher has embarked on a mission to educate young minds.

Through engaging activities and informative sessions, Lindsay Hampshire, of Landing On Your Paws in Barrow, empowers children to become responsible and compassionate dog owners and enthusiasts.

She recently visited the children at Pennington Nursery, Ulverston, to teach them how to safely interact with dogs.

To create a hands-on experience, Lindsay brought along her son's large cuddly dog.

Through an engaging story, the trainer emphasised the importance of understanding a dog's emotions, teaching the children how to identify signs of happiness and distress.

They also got to practice their stroking techniques.

Lindsay said: “The children and the staff were lovely. We talked about their dogs and took some things for them to look at and touch, they wanted to smell the dog food - like children do.

“We talked about how if they want to meet a dog on the street, how they might enjoy tickles under the chin or a few strokes on the back.”

The children learned the significance of seeking permission from both the owner and the dog before attempting to pet or engage with them. By looking at images of dogs exhibiting various emotions, the children learned about reading canine body language.

The children were all given certificates for taking part and given a leaflet to take home to their parents.

For those with dogs and young children at home, Lindsay emphasises the importance of establishing rules and never leaving a child and a dog unsupervised.

She advocates for utilising tools like baby gates, crates, and harnesses to create a safe environment for both child and dog.

She encourages engaging children in fun activities from hiding treats for dogs to find to involving older children in training exercises.

Additionally, she recommends using storybooks that teach children about dog behaviour and communication, citing titles such as ‘Jack and Billy Puppy Tales’ by Steven Goodall and ‘Doggy Language’ by Lili Chin.

Lindsay said: “Sometimes children just go up to dogs and they’re just there and in their face.

“That can end up with really serious consequences for the child and the dog is going to feel like they can’t get away.

“It can be terrible for the child, parent, dog and the owner.

“It really is important that we start to get the word out for people to be more aware of what our dogs are telling us.”

For more information or to get in contact with Lindsay, visit www.landingonyourpaws.co.uk, visit her Facebook page at Lindsay Hampshire - Landing On Your Paws, or call 07708928747.