Bark Smart FAQ's

Bark Smart is an educational initiative designed to teach children how to safely interact with dogs. Our 90-minute interactive sessions help children understand dog body language, respect personal space, and learn safe ways to engage with dogs.

All sessions are delivered by fully trained Bark Smart tutors and dog handlers. Tutors hold relevant safeguarding and first aid certifications, and all handlers are trained in dog welfare. Dogs are carefully selected and only participate for short periods (typically 30–45 minutes) to ensure their wellbeing.

Yes. All dogs used in Bark Smart sessions are temperament-tested and handled by experienced professionals. Dogs are never left alone with children, and a staff member from the hosting organisation (school, youth club, etc.) is always present.

Our tutors are trained to work sensitively with all children. Participation is voluntary, and children are encouraged to engage only at their own comfort level. Sessions include discussion and demonstration to help children learn safely without pressure.

Bark Smart is suitable for children aged 4–11 years. Sessions are adapted to be age-appropriate and engaging for each year group.

Each session can accommodate up to 60 children in a 90-minute period, ensuring a safe and interactive environment.

• How to safely interact with dogs • Respect for personal space and boundaries • Understanding dog body language • Recognising unusual or risky behaviour and reporting it • Putting lessons into practice during a supervised meet-and-greet with a Bark Smart dog

Yes. Schools are provided with pre- and post-session quizzes to monitor learning outcomes. Tutors collect the quizzes immediately after the session, and results are used to measure programme impact.

Yes. A parent handout is provided, and parents are encouraged to give feedback via an online form. This helps reinforce the lessons at home and ensures engagement beyond the session.

All Bark Smart sessions follow robust safeguarding and child protection policies. Key policies include: • Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy • Health & Safety Policy • Dog Welfare Policy • Photograph & Filming Procedures • Equal Opportunities & Inclusion Police All policies are available on request and are shared with schools prior to sessions.

All tutors are trained in first aid and follow a clear emergency procedure. Schools are required to provide access to first aid facilities and staff during sessions. Any incidents are documented and reported according to our Safeguarding Policy.

Email: BarkSmart@dogsdirectuk.co.uk (BarkSmart@dogsdirectuk.co.uk
) We are happy to answer any questions or provide further information about the programme.

Schools can contact our admin team directly via email or phone. Once booked, a full session pack is provided including: • Risk assessment • Terms & Conditions • Policies (Safeguarding, Dog Welfare, Health & Safety) • Quizzes and feedback links

Costs vary depending on sponsorship arrangements and the number of sessions booked. Bark Smart also offers opportunities for sponsored sessions to make the programme accessible to all schools.

Bark Smart is a CIC (Community Interest Company) supported through sponsorship, partnerships, and grants. This allows us to deliver sessions to schools while maintaining high standards of training and safety.

Depending on the severity of the allergy, parents may provide antihistamines for their child in advance. For children with more serious reactions, they can be safely removed from the meet-and-greet portion of the session while still participating in other activities. Safety and comfort are always our top priority.