Dog Safety Seminars & Community Education Programmes
SAFETY THROUGH Understanding dog BEHAVIOUR
At Neewood Pups, education sits at the heart of everything we do.
Our workshops, seminars and education programmes focus on the real-life factors influencing dog behaviour (such as stress, environmental factors, and unmet needs), to help people better understand how dogs experience the world around them, what they're communicating through body language, and how small, practical changes can create safer, calmer outcomes for both dogs and humans.
From public seminars for everyday dog owners, to sessions for families, schools, communities, workplaces and dog professionals, these programmes are designed to make behaviour easier to understand, help people feel more confident and safe around dogs, and support better outcomes for dogs and humans living and working together.
Public Workshops
Beyond Training Seminars
HELPING BEHAVIOUR MAKE SENSE
Beyond Training is an educational dog behaviour seminar designed to help you better understand why dogs do what they do, and how understanding behaviour can make everyday life with dogs calmer, safer, and more enjoyable.
Rather than focusing on obedience commands or quick fixes, the seminar explores the underlying drivers behind behaviour—including emotional regulation, stress, trust, communication, breed instincts, unmet needs, and the environments dogs are living in.
Who are these workshops for?
Designed for everyday dog owners, foster carers, rescue organisations, veterinary communities, and anyone wanting a deeper understanding of dog behaviour outside traditional “just train the dog” approaches.
What topics are covered?
• Emotional regulation and stress
• Trust, safety and connection
• Communication and clarity
• Breed instincts and outlets
• Play and nervous system regulation
• Environmental setup and management
• Understanding the “why” behind behaviour
• How small, structured changes can make a big difference in everyday life
How are sessions delivered?
• Public seminars
• Rescue or foster education sessions
• Veterinary client education events
• Community workshops
• Tailored group education sessions
Can dogs attend?
No, our Beyond Training Seminars are a human-only event format.
Beyond Training PUBLIC SEMINAR
Register your Interest
Interested in attending, hosting, collaborating, or bringing Beyond Training to your community? Get in touch to start the conversation.
For Families
Children & Community Safety Seminars
STAYING SAFE AROUND DOGS
Neewood Pups has developed interactive dog safety workshops designed to help children, families and communities better understand dogs and make safer decisions around them in everyday life with an emphasis on navigating real-life situations rather than simply teaching “rules”.
The focus is not fear-based messaging or “dangerous dog” narratives. The goal is to create calmer, safer and more informed interactions through understanding, prevention and early education.
Who are these workshops for?
Designed for everyday dog owners wanting to better understand behaviour, parents wanting to help their children stay safe around dogs, or any family or community wanting to learn more about safe human-dog interactions.
What topics are covered?
• How dogs communicate through body language
• How to recognise early warning signs
• How situations can change quickly around dogs
• How to safely respond around unfamiliar or familiar dogs
• When dogs need space
• How to interact with dogs more safely and respectfully
How are sessions delivered?
The workshops are designed to feel practical, engaging and discussion-based rather than formal or lecture-style.
Depending on the group and age range, sessions may include:
• Scenario-based learning
• Group discussion
• Visual learning activities
• Real-life examples
• “Safe or not safe” activities
• Movement-based learning
Can dogs attend?
No, our Staying Safe Around Dogs Seminars are a human-only event format.
CHILDREN & COMMUNITY SAFETY SEMINAR
Register your Interest
Interested in attending, hosting, collaborating, or bringing these sessions to your school, group or community? Get in touch to start the conversation.
For Schools
Dog Safety Education Programme
HELPING CHILDREN UNDERSTAND DOGS FROM THE START
Neewood Pups has developed a structured school-based dog safety education programme designed to help children better understand dogs, recognise body language and warning signs, and make safer decisions around dogs in everyday life.
The programme was created in response to the growing number of dog-related incidents involving children, as well as the lack of practical education around dog behaviour, safety, communication and interaction.
Rather than focusing on “good” or “bad” dogs, the programme helps children understand that dogs communicate through their bodies, have needs and feelings, and can become overwhelmed or uncomfortable when those signals are missed.
The programme is currently being rolled out within New Zealand schools, with classroom feedback continuing to support ongoing refinement and growth.
Who is this programme for?
Currently designed for primary school-aged children, with age-appropriate learning across:
• Ages 5–7
• Ages 8–12
Future programme expansion may include early childhood and secondary school pathways.
Programme structure
The programme is split into two age groups:
Tier 1 (Ages 5–7) — Safety Foundations
Focused on foundational dog safety skills and understanding, including:
• Dogs communicate through body language
• Greeting dogs safely
• Understanding when dogs need space
• Staying safe around unfamiliar dogs
• Safe choices around food, toys and items near dogs
Tier 2 (Ages 8–12) — Understanding Behaviour
Focused on deeper understanding of behaviour, emotions and responsibility, including:
• Dog body language and early warning signs
• Breed traits and behavioural differences
• Understanding stress and escalation
• Responsibility vs control around dogs
• Practical real-life safety and decision-making
How is the programme delivered?
• Teacher-led classroom programme
• Four short lessons per tier
• Fully scripted and designed for easy classroom delivery
• Includes slide decks, teacher guides, flashcards, worksheets, take-home family materials and certificates
• Designed to fit naturally within classroom learning environments
The goal is not fear-based messaging or obedience training. It’s helping children better understand dogs so they can recognise warning signs earlier, respond more safely around dogs, and build calmer, more respectful interactions together.
IN THE NEWS
Tauranga dog trainer Renee Mabey teaching children dog safety after attacks
Bay of Plenty Times
DOG SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAMME
Register your Interest
Interested in bringing the programme into your school or learning more about how it works?
For Professionals
Professionals & Workplace Education
REAL-WORLD SAFETY AROUND DOGS
Neewood Pups also provides practical education sessions for professionals and organisations working in environments where dogs may be present.
These workshops focus on improving confidence, situational awareness and safety in real-life settings where staff may encounter dogs within homes or community environments.
Rather than focusing on rigid handling techniques or “perfect” interactions, the sessions are designed to help people better understand dog communication, recognise when situations are changing, and respond more safely and appropriately within real-world environments.
Who are these workshops for?
Designed for frontline workers, support staff, organisations and community professionals wanting practical, realistic education around dog behaviour and safety.
What topics are covered?
• Dog body language and communication
• Recognising escalation signals
• Safer home entry practices
• Greeting and interacting with dogs safely
• Situational awareness around dogs
• Reducing risk within real-world environments
How are sessions delivered?
Workshop Format
• interactive workshop format
• in-person delivery recommended
• combination of theory, discussion, scenario-based learning and practical application
• designed for professionals entering homes or community environments where dogs may be present
• alternative delivery options may be available depending on location and group requirements
APDTNZ Affliliated
Neewood Pups is affiliated with APDTNZ (Association of Pet Dog Trainers New Zealand), reflecting a commitment to ongoing education, welfare, and positive reinforcement-based training and behaviour support.
PROFESSIONALS & WORKPLACE EDUCATION
Register your Interest
Interested in workplace training, professional development or tailored workshops? Get in touch to start the conversation.
DEDICATED TO DOG-HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS
We're an APDTNZ Member!
Neewood Pups is affiliated with APDTNZ (Association of Pet Dog Trainers New Zealand), reflecting a commitment to ongoing education, welfare, and positive reinforcement-based training and behaviour support.
Better understanding creates better outcomes.
When behaviour starts to make more sense, people are often able to recognise changing situations earlier, respond more safely around dogs, and make more informed decisions before stress, frustration or overwhelm continue to build.
That understanding can improve safety, reduce stress, strengthen relationships, and help more dogs successfully remain within homes and communities.
And often, the earlier behaviour is understood, the less likely situations are to reach crisis point — both for dogs and the people living alongside them.
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