How can local studies and environmental education in primary school be made more practical and relevant to everyday life – especially on the topic of dogs? A new online professional development course on March 24th at 6:30 pm, led by Anna Steinmüller, K9 and Sports ambassador, gives teachers of the 3rd and 4th grades the opportunity to find out exactly that.

The curriculum currently treats the topic of dogs primarily theoretically: children learn about their anatomy and behavioral rules, but receive little insight into social and current issues surrounding dogs. Yet many children (over 20% of households keep dogs) are already interested in more complex aspects that go beyond traditional teaching materials.

The professional development course provides teachers with background knowledge on dog breeds, statistics on dog ownership in society, facts about working dogs and their training, as well as their uses, for example, in dog sports. Current and sometimes controversial topics such as breeding, the use of working dog breeds, training, exercise, and responsibility in handling dogs are also discussed. The aim is to enable teachers to conduct nuanced discussions with their students and promote their critical thinking skills.

Furthermore, practical projects are presented, such as the use of school dogs or visits from external dogs in the classroom. Teachers receive contacts and legal information to directly integrate experiences with working dogs into their lessons, whether through field trips or visits from dog handlers.

The training course is initially aimed at Bavarian teachers; further dates will be planned if there is sufficient interest. Interested dog sports clubs or individuals working in education can contact us as potential partners for school projects at the following address: k9andsports-schulhund@gmx.de

Teachers, dog sports enthusiasts, and all interested parties are invited to forward the information about participation to colleagues or acquaintances who have had little prior exposure to the topic. Bavarian teachers can register via the FIBs platform.