PetSense Program
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Every year in Australia, thousands of children are bitten by their own or other people’s household pets. In many cases serious bites and scratches can avoided if we are able to recognise the ‘warning signs’ that a dog or cat is unhappy and therefore unreceptive to the advances of children (or adults!).
The AWL Qld’s PetSense Program was developed to help children better understand their cats and dogs for the purpose of preventing injuries. The program was designed for use by teachers, parents as well as children, to help them 'read' dog and cat body language so they are better able to gauge when and when not to approach, pat and play with an animal.
All resources are available to download free from the list below or a hardcopy PetSense Resource Kit may be ordered from the Education Division by emailing education@awlqld.com.au or phoning (07)55 09 9032.
PetSense Dogs
Parent & Teacher Notes: Approach, Pat and Play Do’s and Don’ts
Picture Chart: Safe and Unsafe Dog Body Language
Poster: Safe and Unsafe Dog Body Language
Activity Sheet 1 (Lower Primary): Friendly or Unfriendly?
Activity Sheet 2 (Middle/Upper Primary): Understanding Dogs Quiz
PetSense Cats
Parent & Teacher Notes: Approach, Pat and Play Do’s and Don’ts