LESSON 5: Grades K-3
GOOD OR BAD? PROPER TREATMENT OF DOGS

Show-Me Standards: Academic Goals: 1.5, 1.10, 1.3, 3.1, 1.6, 4.3, 4.5, 4.6
Knowledge Goals: Communication Arts: 1, 6; Mathematics: 1; Science: 3; Health/Physical Education: 3, 4, 5

Objective: To review how to treat dogs properly.

Materials:

• "Happy Face/Sad Face" sheet
• "Animal Pals" handout
• "We Love Our Dog" handout (to be discussed in class and taken home to parents)
• Crayons, markers or colored pencils

Method: : Let's review all that we have learned about our best friends, dogs and how we can properly take care of them.

Teachers: Copy a "Happy Face/Sad Face" sheet for each student. Cut apart and distribute a set to each student. Read each of the following sentences aloud. After each sentence, ask students to hold up the happy face for good (proper) treatment of dogs, or the sad face for mistreatment of dogs. Discuss the correct information (provided below.)

1. I play with my dog in the backyard and am always careful to make certain the gate is closed properly so my dog won't get out. 
2. I know that getting shots hurts, so I don't let the veterinarian give any to my dog. 
3. I'm going to surprise my cousin for his birthday. I'll give him a puppy. 
4. My dog digs in the yard. It's all muddy and messy. 
5. My dog likes to chew on houseplants. She loves the way they taste. 
6. I never brush my dog because she doesn't like it. 
7. I give my dog good food and fresh water every day. 
8. I give my dog chew toys and balls to play with. 
9. My dog has a collar and I.D. tag with my name, address and telephone number.
10. I pet my dog every day. 
11. I am going to have my dog spayed or neutered to prevent unwanted litters. 
12. I help to clean the yard by "scooping the poop." 
13. I always have my dog on a leash when outside of my house or yard. 

Correct information for the above statements:

1. Spending quality time with your dog is important for bonding and to fight boredom. Play in a safe, fenced area to be certain your dog won't be hit by a car, fight with other animals, get lost or be injured in other ways.
2. Vaccinations are an essential part of pet care to prevent diseases.
3. Getting a pet should never be a surprise. It is important to plan for a pet. They require a lot of care, some cost and is a major responsibility. They are not a toy.
4. Dogs like to dig. It is important to understand why they are digging and to try to eliminate the unwanted behavior by spending more time with them and preventing boredom.
5. Certain houseplants are poisonous to dogs. Keep them out of their reach.
6. Dogs should be brushed regularly to promote a healthy, shiny coat. Brushing helps to remove dirt and dust and keep your dog healthy.
7. Dogs need a well-balanced diet and lots of fresh, clean water to stay healthy.
8. Dogs love to play (especially with you!) and should have plenty of safe toys. Be careful that they are not able to swallow small toys or pieces.
9. Dogs should always have a properly-fitted collar with current identification tags. Microchipping is a good idea, but even so, a collar is necessary.
10. Pets need daily love, attention and stimulation, just like we do.
11. Spaying and neutering dogs and cats is important to prevent unwanted, homeless animals and may help to prevent certain diseases.
12. Dogs need to have clean areas to play. A messy yard breeds parasites and disease. Helping your parents by cleaning up after your dog will show them what a responsible pet owner you are! If your pet has an "accident" in your neighbor's yard or while you are walking him, do the right thing-pick up the poop. Your neighbors will appreciate your responsible behavior as well.
13. A leash can save your dog's life. Learn how to walk your dog properly on a leash for your safety and your dog's safety.

To supplement this lesson, distribute the "Animal Pals" and "We Love Our Dog" handouts.

Call to Action: : Play a game of "Simon Says" using dog behaviors. Have children stretch like a dog, bark, play ball, wag their tails, sleep, etc. May the best dog win! Collect pet items for your local animal shelter or rescue group. Ask the children to decorate several boxes for the collections. Organizations usually have a wish list of items they need. Call your local shelter for ideas. Some are as easy as towels, tennis balls, ping-pong balls (for cats) and treats. You may also choose to collect coins. Get the whole school involved! Give your project a catchy name like "Coins for Canines and Kitties." Take a field trip to tour the shelter and deliver the items. Meet the animals, the appreciative recipients of your efforts and gifts! Children are sure to feel they've made a difference in the lives of homeless and abandoned animals. And they have!

Reading: Visit our section entitled Recommended Children's Literature for a comprehensive listing of animal-related books.

Websites: Visit our section entitled Recommended Web Links for animal-related web sites.