Question 1

What is Bark Smart?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Who delivers the sessions?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Are the dogs safe to be around children?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

What happens if a child has a fear of dogs?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

What age group are the sessions for?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 6

How many children can participate in a session?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 7

What do children learn in a session?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

Are pre- and post-session quizzes required?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

Are parents involved?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

What policies ensure child safety?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

What happens in an emergency?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

How can schools or parents contact Bark Smart?

Accepted Answer

Email: BarkSmart@dogsdirectuk.co.uk

We are happy to answer any questions or provide further information about the programme.

Question 13

How can my school book a session?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 14

Is there a cost for sessions?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

How is Bark Smart funded?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

What happens if a pupil has allergies to dogs?

Accepted Answer

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.

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