Taking the Lead is an education and training project run by Dogs Trust that aims to teach young offenders about dog welfare and responsible dog ownership. The program consists of engaging, interactive workshops covering topics like dog law, care, and safety. It benefits both the young people and dogs by helping offenders develop empathy and responsibility, while also improving the lives of dogs in their communities. The project has expanded across the UK since its 2011 pilot, and seeks to overcome barriers to learning through clear objectives, building rapport, and addressing challenging attitudes.

1. Taking the Lead with Young
Offenders:
An Education and Training Project

2. What is ‘Taking the Lead’?
• A natural extension of
the education work
we’ve been doing for
last 10 years in schools
and Pupil Referral Units

3. Why Are Young Offenders A Key
Audience?
• Dogs Trust key messages are
essential for this audience
• Living in or returning to target
communities
• Essential in tackling anti-social
behaviour involving dogs

4. How Does The Programme Benefit
Dogs
• Dogs living in affected
communities stand a greater
chance of leading a healthy
and happy life
• Instils a sense of responsibility,
respect and empathy for all
living beings

5. What Are The Aims Of The Programme?
• Re-engagement and
increased self-worth
• Improved Functional Skills
(Maths, English and
Communication)

6. What Does The Programme Consist Of?
• Engaging and interactive
‘Dog-themed’ workshops
• Topics include Dog Law, Dog
Care and Welfare and Safety
Around Dogs
• They also involve dog/youth
interaction where relevant

7. Why Does The Programme Work?
• The young people we work
with can relate to many of the
issues we cover
• Through their own lives they
can empathise with the dog’s
experiences and this
encourages them to build a
relationship based on
sympathy and understanding

8. How Has The Programme Progressed
So Far?
• Piloted in early 2011 in
various parts of London
• We now work with over 20
Young Offenders teams
across the UK, as well as
Young Offenders’ institutions
• By 2014 we will have over 22
Youth Trainers across the
UK

9. Choosing Appropriate Resources
Short, fun, interactive tasks:
• Sorting cards
• Presentations
• Worksheets
• Quizzes
• Video clips
• Practical, ‘hands-on’ activities
• Quick activities that provide a sense
of achievement
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10. Barriers To Learning
• Building a rapport
• Clear aims and objectives
• Group dynamics
• Regular breaks
• Behaviour management
• Approaching challenging attitudes
• When these barriers are broken down
it gives a huge sense of achievement

11. Thank You and Good Luck!
Contact the Education Team at Dogs Trust
educ@dogstrust.org.uk