Responsible Dog Ownership
Time:
45-55 minutes
Resources Needed:
Sticky Notes
Responsible Dog Owner’s Tip Sheet
2 Cones (or similar item)
2 (or more) Plush Dogs (preferably different breeds)
Required Materials: Food Dish, Dog Food, Leash, Bed, Brush, Collar, ID Tag
Random Items for Relay (i.e. textbook, board eraser, etc.)
Responsible Dog Ownership Bookmarks
Lesson:
- Invite a Canine Ambassador to visit your group to teach this lesson. They have excellent resources available to them.
OR
- Pass out sticky notes to the students. Have them work in partners or groups to discuss ways to be a responsible pet owner. Encourage them to write each idea on a sticky note and stick them to the board or another central location.
- Once all groups are finished, review the ideas with students and discuss as a class.
- Pass out the “Responsible Dog Owner’s Tip Sheet.” Read through the tips and discuss why each is important.
- Find a place, preferably outside, that you could set up a small relay race.
- Separate the students into two or more teams, depending on the size of the group. You want the teams to be even if possible, with 4-6 kids per team.
- Place the two cones (or similar item) for each team to one end of your space – this will be the starting and finishing point of your relay race. Then place the plush dog toys (preferably different breeds) at the opposite end to the starting point – this is the halfway point for the students’ relay.
- Place all the required materials listed for the dogs, as well as random items, in the middle of your space. This is where you will be standing.
- Have students take turns running to retrieve an item and return to their group. All students should have a turn until the items are gone. The first group that finishes wins. The winning team (or all students) can receive a “Responsible Dog Ownership” bookmark. (See “Resources” for more information).
- Check that teams are choosing the correct item for the word and offer assistance where necessary.
- When finished, discuss which items were correct and why.
- If there is time, have students complete the “Bailey Goes Home” activity. If there is not time, you can send this item home.
Download a printable version of this lesson plan HERE.