A longtime safety program in Regina is teaching children about dogs and what they’re trying to communicate before an unsafe interaction potentially takes place. The Be Dog Safe program is offered through the Regina Humane Society for students in kindergarten to grade 4. Rebecca Fink is the manager of education and outreach at the Regina Humane Society. She says the main goal is for children to better understand why dogs behave in certain ways. “Helping them understand a safer interaction, so they’re better working with animals in their family, in the community,” said Fink. There have been have been 469 dog exposures, such as scratches and bites, reported in Regina in 2026. 84 of those involved children 12 or younger. According to Be Dog Smart, a dog bite is the final message, not the first, with dogs communicating discomfort before a bite. Turning away, lip licking, lowering the body, becoming stiff, growling or showing teeth can all communicate that a dog needs space. With the help of the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA,) the Be Dog Smart program was recently overhauled, making it modern and accessible for classrooms. George Koutsoulis, a senior public health inspector for the SHA, recently took part in a Be Dog Safe class presentation at the Regina Humane Society. “I thought [students] were receptive to the program, understood and could repeat the message. Hopefully they take this message home and practice it with family,” said Koutsoulis. The updated program includes six 30-minute lessons, multiple worksheet options, digital materials, direct Saskatchewan curriculum connections and a completion certificate. English and French versions are available. Fink said older children and adults can also use the material to better understand animals and their behavior to stay safe.
