Instructions for Staff

To get the most out of this session, integrate the colouring pages (from previous activity) with active discussion:

1. Introduction: Before handing out the colouring sheets, hold a brief circle-time discussion using the prompts below. This sets a thoughtful tone for the activity.
2. Guided Creative Time: As children colour, circulate the room and ask individual kids about the choices they are making. For example, ‘Why did you choose those warm colours for the dog?’
3. Annotation Phase: Once the colouring is nearly complete, instruct children to add text to their pages. This transforms the artwork into an educational poster.

Expanded Discussion Prompts and Learning Points

What do dogs need to feel loved?

• Discuss the difference between physical needs (food/water) and emotional needs (feeling safe and part of a family).
• Key Point: Love is shown through time and attention, not just treats.

How can people show dogs kindness?

• Focus on body language and ‘Gentle Handling.’ Discuss why we should never disturb a sleeping dog or shout near them.
• Key Point: Respecting a dog's space is a primary form of kindness.

What responsibilities come with owning a dog?

• Explain that a dog relies entirely on its owner for its quality of life.
• Key Point: Responsibility includes the ‘not-so-fun’ parts, like cleaning up after them and ensuring they get exercise even when it is raining.

Ideas: Adding the ‘Voice’ of the Dog

Encourage children to use speech bubbles or labels to show they understand the dog’s perspective. This helps develop emotional intelligence.

• The ‘Happy’ Bubble: Ask children to draw a speech bubble coming from the dog that says, ‘I feel happy when you brush my fur gently’ or ‘I feel safe when I have a quiet place to sleep.’
• The ‘Care’ Label: Children can draw arrows to different parts of the picture. For example, an arrow to the dog's lead could be labelled, ‘My owner helps me stay fit with daily walks.’
• The ‘Promise’ List: On the back of the page, children can write three ‘Promises to Pets’—such as ‘I promise to always use a quiet voice’ or ‘I promise to play every day.’

Suggested Categories for Recognition

Instead of judging based on artistic talent, recognise children who demonstrate the best understanding of the theme:

• Most Thoughtful Annotation: For the child who wrote the most empathetic speech bubbles.
• Best Representation of Kindness: For using colours or added details that create a sense of calm and safety.
• Future Responsible Owner: For the child who contributed the most insightful points during the group discussion.

Extending the Impact

The ‘Care’ Display Organise the finished pages into a ‘Guide to Dog Care’ display in a communal area. This educates other groups on how to interact safely and kindly with dogs they might meet in the community.

Home Connection Encourage children to take their finished work home to show their parents. This is particularly effective for families who already have dogs, as it allows the child to ‘teach’ the family the kindness points they learned in your setting.

Flash Cards

Building a strong bond with your dog is about much more than just having fun; it is a partnership built on mutual respect, patience, and understanding. When you take the time to learn what your dog enjoys and what makes them feel safe, you show them that they can rely on you. By being patient when they are learning and observant of their feelings, you create a deep, lasting friendship.

Ultimately, your dog wants to spend time with you because you are their source of comfort, guidance, and affection, and your consistent, gentle care makes you their favourite person in the world. Here is a summary of the ways to grow your special bond:

• Be loving: Show your dog kindness to make them feel like a valued family member.

• Relax together: Chill out quietly to build trust and feel close.

• Be active: Play and walk together to keep you both fit and happy.

• Play sensibly: Stick to gentle games so everyone stays safe and happy.

• Train together: Learn new skills as a team to grow trust and respect.
  
  

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 Doggie Bonds flash cards in one PDF file, click HERE to download.