Be a Tree - Dog Bite Prevention
Dog bites to children are considered to be a serious public health problem by public health agencies and veterinary medical associations worldwide. Statistics show that most bites are by the family dog or other dog known to the child. “Experts agree that public education has an important role to play in reducing dog bite risk to children, and the Be a Tree program is one of the ways Doggone Safe is contributing”, said Teresa Lewin, Vice President and cofounder of Doggone Safe.
The program is delivered by Doggone Safe presenters, veterinary technicians, dog trainers, dog behaviorists, public health nurses, emergency medical services personnel, animal control officers, police officers, teachers and humane educators. Presenters use a teacher kit which contains large format photographs showing dog body language signs, games and activities. Program sponsors can purchase supplementary branded learning materials such as coloring books, paint sheets, a story book, a poster, stickers, bookmarks and fridge magnets. Over 500,000 children worldwide have experienced the Be a Tree presentation since 2004. Through the International Dog Bite Prevention Challenge, Doggone Safe aims to increase this by at least ten percent.
“I love ‘be a tree’ (and ‘be a rock’). It's the best of its kind. This information has to get out there”, said Jean Donaldson – Internationally recognized dog behaviour expert, award-winning author and director of the Academy for Dog Trainers.
“I believe your program [Be a Tree] is the best dog bite prevention program available”, said Sherri Utter – Retired Elementary School Teacher, Animatch Volunteer – Quebec.
About Doggone Safe
Doggone Safe is a non-profit corporation registered in Canada and Ontario, with offices in Canada and the US. Doggone
Safe’s mandate includes dog bite prevention education and dog bite victim support. Educational seminar programs
offered by Doggone Safe are Be a Tree™ (for school-aged children), Be Doggone Smart at Home™ (for parents), Be
Doggone Smart with Your New Baby™ (for expectant parents) and Be Doggone Smart at Work™ (for workers who come into
contact with dogs on the job).
About Whatta Pup!
Whatta Pup! is a Toronto-based company that provides force-free, humane training for people and their dogs through
behaviour modification, private lessons, group classes, seminars and workshops. We focus on setting our clients and
their dogs up for success by teaching rather than using fear and punishment. Caryn Charlie Liles is Toronto's Regional
Director for the International Positive Dog Training Association (IPDTA), a member of various associations including
Doggone Safe as a Licensed Presenter, teaching children, parents, and educators about dog bite prevention.
For more information about dog bite prevention and our programs, please contact:
Caryn Charlie Liles
Whatta Pup!
647.893.5580
c.liles@whattapup.ca
www.whattapup.ca
How can you help?
Download our poster to circulate to family, friends, colleagues, teachers, etc...
Schools
The Be a Tree program is a fun and interactive program that teaches kids how to read dog body
language and act safely around dogs. Sign up so that your students can be part of this
exciting program.
Parents
If you have a child in school, inform the primary teacher and the principal, as well as the
PTA about our program and ask them to get in touch with us.
Sponsors
Sponsor this event and be an integral part of ensuring the safety of children and dogs everywhere.
Many sponsorship options are available – call or e-mail for details.
Donor
Donate what you can to this initiative and be recognized on our site for your generous
contribution to this amazing program.
