As a former paramedic, Nikki often attended cases where the outcome could have been very different if parents had known basic first aid. Some children could have been safely treated at home. In the most heartbreaking cases, lives could have been saved.
That is why Nikki, together with her sister Rach, created the #1 baby first aid course. Their goal was to give parents and caregivers the confidence, education and empowerment to act when it matters most.
Today, Tiny Hearts continues that mission by empowering families with life-saving skills, clear guidance and practical tools that are simple to learn and easy to use. When the unexpected happens, it is confidence and knowledge that change everything.
When I say “never trust a dog,” people often get mad.
I’m not against dogs, but what I am against is complacency.
I didn’t blindly trust our dog. I put measures in place. I taught my son how to behave safely around animals. And still, in a freak accident, he flew off his scooter and landed on our dog. In that split second, instinct took over and he was bitten. The injury was so severe that he needed plastic surgery.
As a paramedic, I’ve seen devastating dog bite injuries. I’ve been to cases where children have been left with life-long scars and even worse. And then it happened to my own son. That’s why I share this story. Not to create fear, but to raise awareness. To remind parents that a little healthy distrust keeps you cautious. It keeps you supervising, setting boundaries, and staying alert.
➡️ Most bites happen at home, usually from family pets.
➡️ Owners often believe their dog won’t bite, which fuels complacency.
➡️ Even the gentlest, best-trained dog still has animal instincts that can kick in during a split second.
➡️ Educating kids about how to behave around animals is essential.
But please don’t fall into the trap of thinking “my dog would never.” That mindset is dangerous.
That’s why I don’t just tell my kids to be careful, I’ve taught them FIVE clear rules that help keep them safe around dogs …
I’ve shown them how to notice red flags like lip licking, yawning, turning their head away, showing the whites of their eyes, a stiff body or tail, or growling
Even the friendliest dogs can feel scared or overwhelmed by sudden contact.
Approaching a dog too quickly can feel intimidating and trigger fear-based reactions, so I remind them to wait until the dog comes over and then gently offer their hand.
While it feels affectionate to us, many dogs see this kind of closeness as a threat.
Even the most patient dog can react defensively if startled during these times.
I share our story because I don’t want your little one to go through what mine did. Never trusting a dog isn’t about fear, it’s about protecting children and respecting animals. It’s about remembering that even the sweetest dog still has instincts, and teaching kids how to interact in a safe, respectful way.
Our Brother Leo is a rhyming book introducing dog safety to young children featuring an adorable staffy Leo and his twin sisters.
This book helps children understand in simple language through the use of rhymes along with colourful illustrations about how to keep safe around dogs – with a bit of fun along the way.
After all, dogs and children do bring the greatest joy of all, so let’s help little ones learn a few skills so that everyone can stay safe.
Meeting a new dog is exciting, but it can also be scary. This humorous how-to manual shows kids the best ways to interact with unfamiliar dogs, providing helpful tips about all sorts of dog behavior. Children often don’t understand what dogs’ actions mean and can misinterpret a threatening signal for a friendly one and vice versa. Kids and parents will return to Wendy Wahman’s playful illustrations again and again for useful reminders: Slow Down. Stay very still. And remember, don’t lick the dog!
f pets could talk, what would they say? Maybe “Fur is for petting, backs are for scratching, noses are for nuzzling . . . and tails are not for pulling!” Toddlers and pets belong together—as long as toddlers don’t chase, grab, squeeze, yank, and tease. In simple words and delightful illustrations, this book teaches the basics of kindness to animals: careful handling, awareness, safety, and respect. It also includes helpful tips for parents and caregivers.
Do you have an idea for a book but not sure where to start? You can watch Laura’s FREE webinars on Getting Started with writing a children’s book!
Kids love dogs and dogs love kids, but sometimes things can go wrong and someone gets hurt. Written by a dog trainer, this book gives practical guidelines for how children should behave around dogs in a gentle and light-hearted way. Whether you are getting a dog or already have one, this book is a must-have for families, helping to ensure a safe and harmonious home for everyone.
This rhyming instruction book for kids covers important rules such as not going near dogs when they are eating or sleeping, not hurting them by poking, pulling their ears and tail or by sitting/lying on top of them, and what happens if you run away from them squealing. This instills the importance of respecting and being fair to dogs, with clear guidance as to how to do just that.
An “Information for Parents and Caregivers” section is included, which explains the reasons behind the rules, as well as the importance of adequate supervision.
Learn how to read a dog’s body language and what your pet might be trying to tell you through their tail wags, ear position, and more! The book also provides tips for children on how to interact safely with their newest member of the family, to help them quickly become the best of friends.
This article was written with many thanks by Tiny Hearts Education.
The book list has been curated by Birchy’s Books.
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This article has been written by the wonderful women who run Tiny Hearts Education – Nikki and Rach.
Nikki is particularly passionate about this topic and she shares a personal story of her son’s encounter with their family dog.
You can learn more about Tiny Hearts Education via their website and socials below
If you’re interested in sharing your self-publishing story for our Indie Author Diaries blog series, get in touch today!
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