A Family Paws® Dog Aware® Program at the La Jolla Riford Library Teaches Kids 5–10 How to Read Dog Body Language and Stay Safe Around Pets Kindred Dog, a San Diego-based dog training and family education practice, announced today that founder Susie Petrucci, Ed.S., Certified Dog Trainer, Behavior Consultant, and Licensed Family Paws Parent Educator, will lead a Doggie Detective™ workshop for children and families on Saturday, December 13, at 10 a.m. at the La Jolla Riford Library. Part of the national Dog Aware® educational initiative by Family Paws®, Doggie Detective™ is a kid-friendly program designed to help children learn how to safely and confidently understand and interact with dogs, including their own pets at home. “Kids often adore dogs, but they don’t always know how dogs communicate,” said Susie Petrucci, founder of Kindred Dog. “We want children to feel empowered, confident, and safe when they’re around dogs. When kids learn to read body language and respond appropriately, it strengthens family relationships and prevents potentially unsafe situations.” About the Workshop During Doggie Detective™, children will learn to: - Decode dog body language - Recognize when a dog feels safe, stressed, uncertain, or excited - Know when a dog wants to interact, and when they don’t - Understand polite, safe greeting behaviors - Build confidence around familiar and unfamiliar dogs - Prevent common safety mistakes at home and in public The workshop includes interactive learning, examples of dog behaviors, and practical tools for families to use every day. This program is ideal for families with dogs, families considering getting a dog, and any child who loves animals and wants to learn how dogs “talk.” About Kindred Dog Kindred Dog provides family-focused, Fear Free™, and science-based dog training services throughout San Diego. Founded by educator and certified trainer Susie Petrucci, Kindred Dog specializes in training programs for families with babies and children, behavior modification, puppy foundations, and trauma-informed support for sensitive dogs. Learn more at https://www.kindreddog.com/
