Two of our WARA members have been involved in developing education programmes for young children in local schools.  Thanks very much to Eric Ayers and Chris Sousa, these programmes have been placed here on your members section of the WARA Website to assist any other rangers who wish to develop their own school visit programs.

Ranger Eric Ayers  >

City of Wanneroo

<  Ranger Chris Sousa

Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes

The contents of this manual have been designed to assist Rangers in conducting a professional

presentation to primary school children, in both government and non-government schools.

 

Presentation Guidelines

Keep control of the session - before you begin ask the teacher to continue their normal class management.

Ensure you keep the children interested by asking questions that will involve them in your presentation

Children will be interested in what you have to say, however be prepared for some children not to be paying attention all the time.

Don't let this disturb your session. Remind the children that you need everyone's attention before you can continue.

Concentrate on the key messages concerning dog bite prevention and dog ownership.

Remember you are tailoring the presentation to children, so make it fun and rewarding for the children and yourself.

Be aware of the time factor, avoid unnecessary detail.

 

By following these guidelines Rangers will be able to deliver a professional and informative

For further information regarding the Kids K9 Aware Program, contact Eric Ayers at City of Wanneroo Ranger Services.

 

When you arrive at the school (5 minutes)

Introduce yourself and ask the children if they have seen a Ranger before and if they know what they do. (Explain a Rangers role).

Ask who has a dog at home. (This will give an indication of how many children have had contact with a dog).

Ask if anyone has been bitten by a dog. ( If so, there may be a need to be more sensitive during the session to avoid upsetting any children).

Show an example of a leash, collar, registration and owner detail tags.

 

Dog bite prevention tips (Questions and answers 10-15 Minutes)

Ask the children if they know what they should do to avoid being bitten by a dog?

"Dogs are great pets, but sometimes they can even bite the people they like".

Lead into prevention tips

Never approach an unfamiliar dog

Make sure an adult is with you when a dog is around.

Stay away from a dog when he is eating, sleeping or caring for puppies.

Never stare a dog in the eyes, he might see this as a threat.

Never tease a dog, play rough, take a toy/bone or make him angry.

Never pat a strange dog.

If an adult says it is ok to pat a dog, let him see you and smell the back of your hand first.

After he has smelt you, pat him where he can see your hand. Never pat a dog on the top of his head first as this might scare him.

          Cover your head and neck with your arms and remain still. Never try to outrun a dog.

Report any stray dog or one that has bitten you to your parents or teacher so they can

          contact the Ranger.

Questions from children regarding above (5 Minutes)

Associated equipment and uniform (10 Minutes)

 

Show examples and outline uses of

Uniform and badges, overalls, safety vest, leashes, catching pole, net, stretcher and

          other relevant equipment.

If time permitting show students through vehicle.

 

Closure

Thank the children for listening and hope they have gained some information on how to behave around dogs.

Thank the teacher for the opportunity to address the class.

Leave colouring-in pages, fact sheets and a class participation certificate with the teacher.

 

 

 

Kids - K9 Aware

Rangers Dog Bite Prevention School Education Programme

The Town of Vincent Ranger Services are pleased to acknowledge the participation of students from.......... Primary School, in the Kids - K9 Aware dog bite prevention programme.

Feedback Form

 

The...................... Ranger Services would appreciate your comments on the presentation given today. Please complete the questions below and return to the presenter or fax to 9273 6099.

Teachers Name _______________________ Date_______________________

Name of School ______________________ Presenter __________________

          Did the teachers and students

find the program informative? Yes No

          Was the presenter helpful

and knowledgeable? Yes No

          Do you feel the children understood

the importance of personal safety

when around dogs? Yes No

          Do you feel the children understood

WHAT DOES A RANGER DO ?

Rangers are authorised officers empowered to enforce and administer the provisions under specific state government legislation and various local laws.

such as;

Local Government Act (1995)

Dog Act (1976)

Litter Act (1979)

Control of Vehicles(Off Road Areas) Act (1978)

Bush Fires Act (1954)

Parking Facilities Local Law

Local Laws relating to;

Streets & footpaths, Parks & reserves, Dogs, Street traders, Street entertainers & the display of items.

Rangers are customer service and public relations officers who provide service and information to ratepayers, residents, visitors and colleagues.

Some of their duties include;

Animal control and management

                              (including the capture and re-location of wildlife).

Conduct investigations and take action on various complaints such as;

Dog attacks, dog barking noise, stray or dangerous animals, fire hazards, abandoned vehicles, littering/rubbish dumping, parking, graffiti, suspicious activity, illegal signs and goods and community safety.

Preparing statements and attending court proceedings.

Liaising with the Police and emergency services, other local governments, veterinarian clinics, animal protection societies and community groups.

The issuing of caution or infringement notices for various offences.

FALSE!  

Only certain breeds of dogs will attack people.

Any breed, age, sex or size of dog may bite. Some breeds of dogs may be more likely to bite than others if not socialised, trained or controlled properly.  What the owner does with the dog after it is born is most important in preventing aggression rather than the dog's breeding.    

Myth 2 

FALSE!

Only cross breed dogs bite.

Pedigree dogs will bite for the same reasons as cross breeds.

Myth 3 

FALSE!

A dog that attacks other animals is always a danger to people.  

Not all dogs which attack other animals are dangerous to people.  

Myth 4

FALSE! 

Dogs will only become aggressive if provoked.  

Dog attacks can be provoked accidentally and is not always the fault of the victim.  

Myth 5 

FALSE! 

Dogs that are fed fresh meat will bite people.

A dog's diet will not make it attack people.  

Myth 6 

FALSE!

It is normal behaviour for a dog to growl or snap occasionally at you or other people.  

These are early warning signs of aggression and must be taken seriously.  Seek professional advice immediately.  

Information courtesy of AMREX Dog Training - in conjunction with the RSPCA and the Australian Veterinary Association

Recognising Early Signs Of Aggression

Does your dog tense up, raise its hackles, growl, stare, bare its teeth or snap when:

Ø     eating or when food is around?

Ø     touched on the ears, paws, tail or belly?

Ø     someone tries to move the dog from a comfortable spot?

Ø     it is told off?

Ø     someone pulls on its collar?

Ø     if the dog is grabbed or someone tries to pick it up?

Ø     it is approached by children, adults or other dogs?  

When out walking, does your dog lunge out at people or other dogs?

Does your dog rush out barking and growling at passers-by?  

If the answer is "yes" to any of these situations, then your dog may be aggressive.

These are early warning signs.  It is highly recommended that you seek professional advice as soon as possible, as the dog's behaviour is likely

to get worse.  Don't wait for an incident to occur, the sooner you seek help, the more easily the problem can solved.

Does your dog get nervous, cower away or try to run away from people or other dogs?

If the answer is "yes", your dog could be dangerous if it feels threatened or cornered and may attack out of fear.

If you are concerned about your dog's behaviour, consult your veterinarian. They may be able to help you or refer you to an animal behaviourist.

Information courtesy of AMREX Dog Training - in conjunction with the RSPCA and the Australian Veterinary Association.

FACT SHEET

Preventing Dog Attacks

Recognising Danger Zones

         There are certain times and places where a dog is more likely to be aggressive.  By being

         aware of these danger zones, you may avoid being bitten.  If you are the dog owner, you

         may be able to prevent your dog from biting someone.

Danger Zones Include:

Ø     On the dog owner's property.  The dog may react aggressively to people it considers as intruders.

Ø     Close by the owner's property.  The dog may not recognise the boundary

fence or the footpath as being the limit of its territory.

Ø     In a car or on the back of a utility truck.  The dog may consider the vehicle

to be part of its territory and try to bite anyone who goes near the vehicle.

If you leave your dog sitting in a car, don't leave the window down far enough

for the dog to lunge out and bite someone.

Ø     A local park or street where the dog regularly walks and urinates to mark the area as its territory.

Ø     When being walked on a leash, some dogs may be protective of their owners

 and become aggressive towards people or other dogs passing by.

Ø     When the dog is near its owner or the owner's children.  If someone touches

the owner, the dog may think that the person is a threat and bite.

Ø     When the dog is grabbed or pulled by the collar.

Ø     When the dog is nervous, or feels cornered and can't run away.

Ø     When the dog has a bone, a toy, or is near its food or bed.

If you have a dog that is aggressive, seek professional advice before an incident occurs.

Information courtesy of AMREX Dog Training - in conjunction with the RSPCA and the Australian Veterinary Association.

SUPERVISING CHILDREN WITH DOGS

Dogs and small children should never be left together unsupervised.  No matter how good natured the dog is, a dangerous situation could develop if the dog is hurt, frightened,  cornered or feels threatened.

Children must not kiss and hug dogs. Many bites on children's faces result from the child trying to hug a dog.

       Children must be taught to handle animals gently and carefully.

Adults supervising children with dogs should be aware of potentially dangerous situations.

Ø     When food is around.

Ø     When the dog is nervous or excited.

Ø     When the dog is unwell or in pain.

Ø     When the dog has a litter of pups.

Ø     When two dogs are playing or fighting together.

Ø     When visiting children are with the dog.

Ø     When children play in or near the dog's bed.

If you are at all uncertain about how your dog will react when around children, for safety reasons it may need to be trained to where a muzzle.

Remember to praise and reward dogs for good behaviour.  Obedience training will help you to control your dog.

PENALTIES

Dog attacks are viewed as very serious matters.  On conviction there are penalties of up to $10,000 for a dog attack as well as 12 months imprisonment or both for inciting a dog attack.

Information courtesy of AMREX Dog Training - in conjunction with the RSPCA and the Australian Veterinary Association.

DOG BITE PREVENTION TIPS

    Never approach an unfamiliar dog

    Make sure an adult is with you when a dog is around.

    Stay away from a dog when he is eating, sleeping or caring for puppies.

    Never stare a dog in the eyes, he might see this as a threat.

    Never tease a dog, play rough, take a toy/bone or make him angry.

    Never pat a strange dog.

If an adult says it is ok to pat a dog, let him see you and smell the back of your hand. After he has smelt you, pat him where he can see your hand. Never pat a dog on the top of his head first as this might scare him.

Use firm commands with a dog you think might hurt you, like "Go home", "sit", "No".       

If you think a dog is going to bite you, try to climb somewhere high - like up a tree or on a car.  If you have nowhere to climb, lie face down curled up in a ball on the ground.  Cover your head and neck with your arms and remain still.  Never try to outrun a dog.

Report any stray dog or one that has bitten you to your parents or teacher so they can contact the Ranger.