Being a Good Dog Citizen

These activities teach children about 'Good Dog Citizen' which involves taking responsibility.

Looking After Dogs and Our Community

This activity moves beyond personal dog care to focus on civic responsibility. It teaches children that being a 'Good Dog Citizen' involves two parts: keeping the dog happy and healthy, and being a respectful neighbour to everyone else in the community.

Instructions for Staff

Since this activity does not rely on a pre-printed colouring page, it encourages higher levels of student agency and original design.

The Hook: Start with a 'Walk in the Park' mental exercise. Ask children to imagine they are walking through a local park. What makes that walk pleasant? (green grass, clean paths, friendly dogs). What makes it unpleasant? (litter, dog mess, dogs running over picnics).
The Design Brief: Explain that the children are 'Community Designers'. Their job is to create either a Good Dog Citizen Badge (a small, high-impact symbol) or a Public Information Poster (a larger display with a clear message).
The Workshop: Provide blank card to create circles for badges or A4 sheets for posters. Encourage the use of bright, contrasting colours to make the messages 'pop' so they could be read by someone walking past.

Key Topics to Cover in Discussion

Keeping Dogs Healthy and Exercised

Discuss why exercise is a basic right for a dog. It isn't just for fitness; it is for their mental health and sniffing 'the doggy news' in the grass or on the ground.
Key Message: A mentally stimulated, tired dog is a happy, well-behaved dog.

Cleaning Up After Dogs

This can be a sensitive topic, so focus on 'Community Pride'. Explain that dog mess carries bacteria and makes shared spaces like football pitches unusable for others. Use examples of how unpleasant it is to step on dog poo!
Key Message: Being a hero means carrying a poo bag.

Using Leads Where Required

Discuss why some dogs need space. They might be nervous, in training, or elderly. Using a lead in specific areas shows respect for the dog and for people who might be afraid of dogs.
Key Message: Leads keep everyone safe and comfortable.

Respecting Shared Public Spaces

Talk about 'sharing the space'. This includes not letting dogs jump on strangers and making sure paths are clear for cyclists or wheelchairs.
Key Message: The park belongs to everyone.

Activity Options: Design and Message

Option A: The Good Dog Citizen Badge Children design a circular 'medal' or 'badge' that a dog could wear on its collar or an owner could wear on their coat.

Slogan Ideas: 'Pawsitive Neighbour', 'Lead Leader', or 'Expert Scooper'.
Visuals: A golden paw print, a smiling dog, or a tick mark.

Option B: The Public Information Poster Children create a poster intended for a park gate or a community centre noticeboard.

The 'I' Statement: Encourage chidlren to write from the dog’s perspective to make the message more engaging.

'My owner always picks up my poo so you can play here too!'
'I stay on my lead near the playground to keep my friends safe.'
'I get 60 minutes of sniffing and running every single day.'

Suggested Categories for Recognition

Clear communicators: For posters where the message is easy to read from a distance.
The 'Friendly Neighbour' Award: For designs that focus on making the community better for non-dog owners.
Most Persuasive Design: For the badge or poster that most effectively convinces people to be responsible.

Extending the Impact: A Community Gallery

The 'Walk of Fame' Laminate the finished posters and, with permission, display them on the ground's external fences or at the entrance of a local park (get permission)! This gives the children a real-world audience and shows the local community that your group cares about the area.

Group Presentation Select a group of 'Lead Citizens' to present their posters during a group meeting/assembly, explaining one 'Dog Citizen' rule and why it helps their local area and community stay clean and safe.

Flash Cards

To help a dog lead a happy and healthy life, children need to consider the points presented in the flash cards. They are important for children to understand because being a responsible dog owner is about more than just playing; it is about recognising that a dog is a living creature with its own needs. By meeting these needs, children learn empathy and the value of looking after those who rely on them, ensuring that both the dog and the community can live together happily.

Clean up: Always pick up your dog's mess to keep public spaces safe and pleasant for everyone.
Stay hydrated: Keep fresh, clean water available so your dog stays healthy.
Keep control: Use a lead in public to protect your dog from traffic and keep others feeling comfortable.
Have a routine: Feed your dog at set times to help them feel settled and secure.
Provide comfort: Give your dog a quiet, cosy spot to sleep so they can rest well.
Stay observant: Watch for changes in how your dog acts so you can spot if they need help or attention.

Downloads

You can either click on each flash card to download that specific image (click image, save to your electronic device, and share/print). Alternatively, if you want all of the Good Citizenship flash cards in one PDF file, click HERE to download.