How does one learn to safely interact with dogs, pet them correctly, and behave when a dog approaches? These important questions were the focus of a special morning at ISR. Eleven students from grades 2 to 6 had the unique opportunity to participate in VOX’s “Hund, Katze, Maus” (Dog, Cat, Mouse) format, gaining valuable experience in dog interaction.

Five dogs and their three dedicated owners visited ISR to teach the children proper dog handling through practical exercises. The students learned how to approach a dog cautiously by observing its body language and asking the owner’s permission. They practiced petting dogs correctly, first allowing the dogs to sniff their hands. A key aspect of the training was learning appropriate behavior when a dog approaches. Children were taught to remain calm, not run away, and keep the dog in sight to assess its reaction.

The children visibly enjoyed the learning experience, exploring their natural curiosity in a safe environment. This hands-on approach helped them build confidence in interacting with dogs while respecting the animals’ needs and boundaries.

We extend our gratitude to the entire Fressnapf team and “Helfer auf vier Pfoten” (Helpers on Four Paws) for this special and educational day at ISR. Such experiences are invaluable for developing responsible and empathetic relationships with animals.

Our special thanks go to our enthusiastic participating students: Yves, Lori, Muya, Jasmin, Lena, Elias, Awdepp, Carl, Ludwig, Felicia, and Lizzy. Their enthusiasm and openness made this day a great success!

The video can be found here: https://www.vox.de/cms/sendungen/hundkatzemaus/hundkatzemaus-videos.html