What you need for social skills training with children

A children’s social skills session with dogs needs more than tables and snacks. You need safe handling equipment, a clearly marked practice area, drinking water for the dogs, and simple supplies for registration and instructions. Plan refreshments around the number of children and adults, and check dietary requirements before shopping. This list also covers the items that are often forgotten until setup, such as waste bag holders, clipboards, extension cords and information boards.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 30
Tableclothsqty 6

Sports equipment

Dog leashesqty 8
Collarsqty 8
Dog harnessesqty 4
Training dummiesqty 6
Dog hoopsqty 4
Conesqty 20
Marker discsqty 20
Dog Matsqty 8
Water tubsqty 8
Feed bowlsqty 8
Dog waste bag holdersqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 40
Platesqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 40

Kitchen

Coffee maker
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 3
Pitcherqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 2
Knivesqty 4
Serving plattersqty 6

Equipment

Coolersqty 3
Extension cordsqty 3
Megaphone
Clipboardsqty 6
Pensqty 30

Decorations

Information boardsqty 6
Name stickersqty 40
Certificate foldersqty 30

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Broomqty 2
Litter pickerqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Hand brush and dustpanqty 2
First aid kit

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Mineral water - 24 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Orange juice - 6 liters
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Lemonade - 4 liters
- Stroopwafels - 3 packs
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Salted crackers - 4 packs
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cream cheese - 2 tubs
- Whole grain bread - 4 loaves
- Cheese slices - 2 kilos
- Turkey breast - 1 kilo
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Dog treats - 3 bags
- Dog kibble - 2 kilos
- Dog waste bags - 10 rolls
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 3 bottles
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Napkins - 4 packs
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls

Tips

Prepare one complete dog-handling setup for each participating dog: a leash, collar, harness, water tub, feed bowl and mat. Keep spare equipment available if children will work in rotating groups.
Mark the practice course before participants arrive using cones, marker discs and hoops. A clearly defined area helps children understand where to stand and prevents dogs from being crowded.
Bring enough clipboards and pens for the registration desk, permission checks and group instructions. Print the participant list and training program before the session rather than relying on a phone.
Set out dog waste bag holders and check the grounds before the first child arrives. This is easy to overlook when the focus is on the training equipment.
For refreshments, provide reusable cups, plates and cutlery, plus a coffee maker, kettles, thermos flasks and a cooler if drinks need to stay cold. Buy quantities based on the final registration list and dietary requirements.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for children’s social skills training with dogs?: Plan one leash, collar, harness, mat, water tub and feed bowl per dog. For the activity area, bring training dummies, hoops, cones and marker discs, plus dog waste bag holders and safety information.
How many cups and plates should I buy for the training session?: Use the final registration list and count every child, handler and adult helper. Provide at least one cup and one plate per person, with 10% extra if washing during the session is not possible.
When should I check the dog supplies and practice course?: Check all equipment at least one day before the session, then inspect the venue and course again 60 minutes before arrival. This leaves time to replace damaged gear and adjust the layout safely.
What should I bring for registration and safety instructions?: Bring printed participant lists and training programs, one clipboard and pen for each registration or group lead, and information boards for key instructions. Have these ready at least 30 minutes before participants arrive.

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