Domestic Animal Services are passionate about helping the community understand dogs and their behaviour.
06 March 2026
In brief:
- Domestic Animal Services runs a dog education and awareness program in ACT public schools.
- The program is designed for children under eight years of age.
- It helps young kids learn how dogs communicate and how their own behaviour can affect a dog’s reaction.
Domestic Animal Services (DAS) is best known for animal control across Canberra. But their work goes far beyond that.
DAS staff and volunteers are also passionate about helping the community understand animals – and how to stay safe around them.
One priority is teaching children. Because when kids know how to behave around dogs, everyone benefits – both people and pets.
Starting young: dog safety in early learning
DAS runs a dog education and awareness program in ACT public schools, designed for children aged under eight years.
The program helps kids learn how dogs communicate and how their own behaviour can affect a dog’s reaction.
This simple knowledge can make a big difference, helping children feel more confident and reducing the risk of accidents.
Dog-related incidents often involve children, and many happen in the home. That’s why it’s so important for kids to learn how to interact safely with dogs – whether it’s their own pet or one they meet in the community.
What children learn
Run by DAS staff, the sessions are age-appropriate and easy to understand.
Kids learn:
- how to read a dog’s body language
- how to safely approach and pat a dog
- how to recognise when a dog needs space
- what good care for a dog looks like.
At the end of the session, children can meet a well-socialised dog and practise what they’ve learned in a safe, supervised way.
Teaching safe behaviours early can help prevent problems before they start. It also sets kids up to be responsible dog owners in the future.
More information
Schools looking for more information on the program or to sign up for a session can email CED.DASPrograms@act.gov.au
- Find out more about Domestic Animal Services on the DAS website
- Follow Domestic Animal Services on the CBR Tails Instagram account
- To report a dog attack or injured dog or cat please call 13 22 81. Rangers on duty will attend emergencies outside office hours. If urgent, please contact ACT Policing on 000.
Children learn how to read a dog’s body language during the session.
