Children and Dogs - Growing Up Together Programme
Helping Children and Dogs Build Safe, Happy and Lasting Relationships
The relationship between a child and a dog can be one of the most rewarding friendships they'll ever experience. When built on trust, understanding and positive experiences, it can create memories that last a lifetime.
However, children and dogs don't automatically understand one another. As children grow and family life changes, dogs also need support, guidance and management to help them feel safe and confident.
The Growing Up Together Programme is a structured family coaching programme designed to help children and dogs live safely and happily together while giving parents the knowledge, confidence and practical skills needed to prevent problems before they arise.
Using kind, force-free and evidence-based methods, we'll work together to build positive relationships, improve communication and create a safe environment where everyone can thrive.
Why Choose Ravendale?
As a Kids Around Dogs Approved Professional, I provide specialist education to help families understand how children and dogs communicate, interact safely and build positive relationships.
Combined with my canine behaviour qualifications and over 20 years of experience working with children and vulnerable adults, I understand the importance of supporting both the dog and the family not just teaching behaviours.
My goal is to help families enjoy life together safely while reducing the risk of misunderstandings that can lead to stress, fear or conflict.
Is This Programme Right for Your Family?
This programme is ideal for families who are:
✔ Expecting a baby
✔ Bringing home a new puppy
✔ Introducing a rescue dog
✔ Living with babies, toddlers or young children
✔ Supporting older children and teenagers
✔ Wanting to build safe interactions
✔ Concerned about managing excitement
✔ Looking to prevent behaviour problems
✔ Wanting children to better understand dogs
✔ Looking for practical family guidance
What Can We Work On?
Every family is unique, so every programme is personalised to suit your individual circumstances.
Topics may include:
🐾 Preparing your dog for a new baby
🐾 Introducing babies and dogs safely
🐾 Puppies and young children
🐾 Teaching children how dogs communicate
🐾 Understanding canine body language
🐾 Safe interactions between children and dogs
🐾 Family rules and boundaries
🐾 Managing excitement and over-arousal
🐾 Creating safe spaces for dogs
🐾 Appropriate games and activities
🐾 Preventing conflict around food, toys and resting places
🐾 Visitors and children's friends
🐾 Helping children build confidence around dogs
🐾 Supporting dogs through family changes
How the Programme Works
Step 1 – Growing Up Together Assessment
Every programme begins with a comprehensive assessment.
We'll discuss your family, your dog, your concerns and your goals before carrying out a thorough assessment to understand your dog's behaviour, your home environment and how everyone currently interacts.
From there, we'll create a personalised plan that fits your family and supports long-term success.
If you're not yet ready to commit to the programme, the assessment can also be booked as a standalone service.
Step 2 – Personalised Family Coaching
Your programme includes four private coaching sessions tailored specifically to your family's needs.
Sessions combine practical training, behaviour advice, family education and management strategies designed to help both children and dogs feel confident and successful.
Depending on your family's needs, sessions may include practical demonstrations, coaching with parents, or age-appropriate involvement from children where suitable.
Step 3 – Practice at Home
After each session you'll receive practical homework and easy-to-follow guidance to help everyone continue progressing between appointments.
Often it's the small everyday changes that create the biggest long-term improvements.
Step 4 – Continue Learning Together
Your programme also includes exclusive access to our Growing Up Together Resources, helping you continue learning long after each coaching session.
Resources include:
✔ Family guidance sheets
✔ Child-friendly activities
✔ Printable worksheets
✔ Progress trackers
✔ Safety checklists
✔ Training plans
✔ Additional resources as they're released
Our Approach
At Ravendale Training & Behaviour, we believe prevention is always better than solving problems later.
Our coaching focuses on helping children and dogs understand one another while building trust, confidence and positive experiences for the whole family.
We use:
🐾 Force-free training methods
🐾 Evidence-based behaviour advice
🐾 Reward-based learning
🐾 Practical family coaching
🐾 Individual support tailored to every family
We never use punishment, fear or intimidation. Instead, we teach families how to work with their dog in a way that builds confidence, strengthens relationships and promotes lifelong success.
Programme Investment
Growing Up Together Assessment
£75
A comprehensive family assessment where we'll discuss your goals, assess your dog's behaviour and create a personalised plan.
If you continue onto the programme, the assessment is included within the programme price.
Growing Up Together Programme
£475
Your programme includes:
✔ Growing Up Together Assessment
✔ Four Private Family Coaching Sessions
✔ Personalised Family Plan
✔ Homework Between Sessions
✔ Email Support Throughout the Programme
✔ Exclusive Growing Up Together Resources
Additional Family Coaching Sessions
£75
Need a little extra support?
Existing programme clients can book additional coaching sessions whenever they need continued guidance or would like help working towards new family goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this only for families with young children?
No. This programme is suitable for families with babies, toddlers, school-aged children and teenagers.
We don't have any problems can we still join?
Absolutely.
Many families join this programme as a preventative measure to help children and dogs build safe, positive relationships from the very beginning.
My dog has growled or snapped at a child.
If your dog has shown aggressive or concerning behaviour towards a child, we may recommend beginning with one of our Behaviour Programmes before progressing onto the Growing Up Together Programme.
We'll always discuss the safest and most appropriate option during your assessment.
Will my children be involved?
Where appropriate, yes.
Sessions are adapted to suit your children's ages and confidence levels, ensuring everyone learns in a safe, enjoyable and supportive way.
Ready to Help Your Children and Dog Grow Together?
The strongest relationships are built through understanding, patience and positive experiences.
Whether you're preparing for a new arrival, welcoming a puppy or simply wanting your children and dog to enjoy life together safely, we're here to support you every step of the way.
Book your Growing Up Together Assessment today or enrol directly onto the Growing Up Together Programme and start building a lifetime of safe, happy memories together.
