A new generation of dog-safety education

October 19, 2026

Media Release, Regina Humane Society

Key points from this story:

• Updated program for dog-safety education
• Free resource for Kindergarten to Grade 4
• Available in English and French
• Holistic approach to dog interactions
• Listed on provincial curriculum website
• Classroom demonstration on October 21

Animal exposure records from Regina Environmental Public Health (EPH), and the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), indicate that more than 800 animal exposures were reported from January to September 2026. Of these exposures, over 50% involved dogs and majority were from the Emergency Department.

Recognizing the large impact and severe risks associated with bites including rabies, a fatal disease passed through the saliva of an infected animal, the Regina Humane Society (RHS), in partnership with the SHA, updated and modernized Be Dog Smart, a free, ready-to-use Kindergarten to Grade 4 education program, designed to help children develop the knowledge and confidence they need to make safe choices around dogs.

The digitally friendly, Be Dog Smart program is designed specifically for today's classrooms. It gives educators a six-lesson unit designed to be flexible, low-prep, and adaptable for their students' needs. The educational resource is free of charge and provided in both English and French.

Be Dog Smart takes a unique holistic approach to dog-bite prevention by helping children understand dogs as living beings with feelings, needs and instincts. They learn to recognize canine body language, respect a dog's space, and how to respond safely in real-world situations.

The renewed program also has reached a significant milestone as Be Dog Smart is now listed as a recommended resource on the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education's provincial curriculum website for kindergarten to Grade 4 Health Education.

"Dog-bite prevention is about much more than teaching children a list of rules. When children understand why dogs behave the way they do, how dogs communicate and when a dog may need space, they are better equipped to make safe and compassionate choices," said Rebecca Fink, Manager of Education and Outreach with the RHS. "Be Dog Smart has been helping us deliver that message for many years. This updated version allows us to bring that important education into today's classrooms in a way that is practical, engaging and relevant for teachers and students.

The media are invited to attend as the RHS and SHA mark the next chapter of Be Dog Smart with a special classroom demonstration at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, October 21, at the RHS Animal Community Centre, 4900 Parliament Avenue. The event will showcase how the updated resources can be used by teachers to help children develop safe and respectful relationships with dogs.

RHS and SHA representatives will be available to the media for comments following the demonstration. The complete Be Dog Smart resources are freely available at: www.reginahumanesociety.ca/dog-bite-prevention/.