Flat Bush Kindergarten had a very special visit from the Auckland City Council Dog Safety Team as part of our learning about dog safety. Recently, we’ve been having important conversations with tamariki about how to stay safe around dogs, especially in response to the large number of free-roaming dogs in our Ōtara neighbourhood. 

As many of our families walk to kindergarten, it’s essential our children feel confident and prepared. Ōtara currently has one of  the highest rate of dog attacks in Auckland, which makes this learning especially relevant for our community.

During the visit, the Dog Safety Team reinforced what we had been learning to stay safe around dogs, including how to safely approach a dog, what to do if an unknown dog comes close (stand still like a “tree”), and how to read a dog’s body language. The tamariki were engaged and had the chance practice what we have been learning on the lovely Aries, a gentle Labrador x Sharpei Mix. The children who have dogs at home all were very excited to tell the ladies all about their own dogs too. 

Ngā mihi nui to the Auckland City Council for supporting our community with this important mahi.