Lessons in Jersey are helping pupils understand and respect dogs

Hour-long classes for Year One pupils in Jersey teach safe behaviour around dogs, and the project was launched after the island's dog population rose about 25% over five years.

Hour-long classes for Year One pupils in Jersey teach safe behaviour around dogs and other pets. The sessions are part of a project run by Family Nursing & Home Care. The charity set up the project after Jersey's dog population rose about 25% over the past five years to more than 10,000 dogs. Organisers say the aim is to keep children safe around dogs rather than to make them scared. Key facts: - Hour-long lessons are given to Year One pupils in Jersey. - The project is run by Family Nursing & Home Care. - Jersey's dog population has risen about 25% over five years to over 10,000 dogs. - Lessons emphasise not putting a child's face close to a dog and asking the owner before touching. - Signs of an unhappy dog noted in the sessions include bearing front teeth, a tucked tail, repeated yawning, or nose licking. - Organiser Mandy Le Tensorer said many incidents involve dogs known to the child and that showing photos before and after the session helps illustrate learning. Summary: Organisers report that pupils' understanding of dog behaviour improves noticeably during the hour-long sessions. Undetermined at this time.