Kids learn how to stay safe around dogs

 new educational show initiated by Auckland Council has helped ensure thousands of young Auckland children know how to stay safe around dogs.  

Safety with Sammy and Patch is a 30-minute musical show developed by Kids 4 Drama for Auckland Council, which has been performed live to more than 30,000 Year 1, 2 and 3 children in the North Shore, Rodney and Waitakere regions over the past few months.

Auckland Council Northern Licensing and Compliance Manager Rosemary Hagg says Aucklanders' safety is one of council's top priorities and Safety with Sammy and Patch is a proactive step towards increasing awareness and improving safety.

"The show teaches young children some important dog safety messages, using a high-energy, interactive format featuring a tailor-made storyline and engaging and educational theme songs."

Ms Hagg says feedback on Safety with Sammy and Patch, which has been performed for almost 32,000 children and more than 1000 teachers and support staff in the north and west of Auckland, has been overwhelmingly positive.

The key dog safety messages of the show include:

• If it's not your own, leave it alone
• If you get approached by a stray dog don't run or scream - stand like a statue
• If a dog knocks you to the ground, curl up like a rock.

During the show children are also educated about how to safely 'meet' a dog and are given general dog safety tips, including being advised to leave an eating or sleeping dog alone and to avoid running or screaming around dogs.