Play a game of Simon Says inspired by dog tricks, recommends the website Kids Soup. Let students take turns being the owner and asking students to perform tricks such as sit, speak, roll over or lie down. Ask students to think of movements that dogs cannot perform, such as hopping on one leg. Encourage students who own dogs to share some of the tricks they have taught their pets.
Encourage your preschool students to use their imaginations by pretending to be dogs. Show students videos of dogs running, playing and barking. Ask your students who own dogs to describe the way their dogs interact with them. Encourage students to bark like a dog or walk and run like a dog on their hands and knees.
Set up a dog kennel in your classroom to teach students about the responsibilities involved in caring for pets. Provide students with boxes for crates, blankets, food and water dishes, dog toys and leashes, as well as stuffed dog toys. Give students an empty container with a scoop for dog food and an empty pitcher, and invite students to fill each bowl with food or water for the dogs. Encourage students to take their dogs for walks or play games. When play time is over, show students how to place their dogs in a crate to take a nap.
Help students learn how to care for a pet dog through dramatic play. Bring in dog stuffed animals in a variety of shapes, sizes and breeds. Provide students with wash cloths, brushes, tooth brushes and bows. Invite students to use the wash cloths to "bathe" their dogs, and then use the brushes and bows to groom their dogs' fur. Teach students the importance of good pet health by showing them how to brush their toy dogs' teeth.