Our New Best Friend!: A children’s guide to welcoming a new dog - signed

A new dog is joining the family — let’s learn how to be their best friend!

Mummy and Daddy have exciting news: a dog is on its way! But before the fun begins, there are some important things to learn.

Our New Best Friend!, by Southend Dog Training, is a colourful, rhyming picture book that helps children understand how to welcome a new dog with kindness, patience and respect.

Through cheerful illustrations and simple rhymes, children discover how to:

• Say hello calmly and let their dog choose to approach.
• Use gentle hands without hugging, squeezing or pulling.
• Leave dogs alone when they’re eating, sleeping or resting.
• Give their dog space when they walk away or feel worried.
• Enjoy playtime with a grown-up’s help.

Written for children aged 3–8, this story is ideal for families welcoming a puppy or an adult dog, and for children learning to live alongside the dog they already have.

Includes dog safety activities, a Junior Dog Safety Certificate and guidance for grown-ups.

Because a happy friendship starts with helping your dog feel safe.