Bark Smart Delivers Powerful Dog Safety Session at Inspire Youth Zone Chorley

Bark Smart was proud to deliver an engaging and impactful dog safety education session at Inspire Youth Zone in Chorley, helping young people learn how to stay safe and confident around dogs.

The session focused on practical, real-life guidance designed to reduce dog-related incidents through proactive education. Children took part in an interactive workshop covering:

• How to safely approach a dog

• Understanding clear boundaries

• Recognising dog body language

• Knowing when to give a dog space

• How to remain calm and confident around dogs

Using visual aids, props, demonstrations and structured discussion, the session ensured that key safety messages were memorable and easy to understand.

Special Attendance from the Mayor and Mayoress

The Mayor & Albert

We were honoured to welcome Mr Morwood, Mayor of Chorley, and Mrs Morwood, Mayoress of Chorley, to the session. Their attendance highlighted the importance of early dog safety education within the community and demonstrated strong civic support for preventative education initiatives.

Their presence reinforced the shared goal of promoting responsible behaviour, safeguarding young people, and building safer relationships between children and dogs across Chorley and the wider Lancashire area.

Featured in the Lancashire Post

We were delighted that the session was featured in the Lancashire Post, helping to raise awareness about the importance of preventative dog safety education.

Media coverage like this allows us to extend the conversation beyond the session itself and reach more families, schools and organisations who may benefit from the Bark Smart programme.

Claire Kirk, Viva with the Mayor & Mayoress

Why Sessions Like This Matter

Dog-related incidents involving children remain a serious concern across the UK. Bark Smart was created to deliver structured, age-appropriate education that empowers children with knowledge, confidence and practical skills.

Every session includes:

• Professionally delivered education

• Clear safeguarding protocols

• Temperament-assessed, child-appropriate dogs

• A calm, structured opportunity to meet a Bark Smart dog

By working with youth centres, schools and community organisations like Inspire Youth Zone, we are taking proactive steps to prevent incidents before they happen.

Ann DeRizzio & Albert with one of our pupils

Together, we can build safer, smarter generations around dogs.