Teaching Manners 'Goes To The Dog'

Adrianna Iwasinksi, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Sometimes we wonder if anybody out there is still teaching manners to their kids and it now the practice is literally going to the dogs.

Most people were taught manners and etiquette by parents and grandparents, but one Oklahoman is teaching kids manners by using his canine companion.

Usually dogs are known for their lack of manners, but not Presley. This four legged friend is helping teach Oklahoma kids all about their P's and Q's.

Adrianna: "Who would think that you could learn manners through a dog?"
Mrs. Pratts: "I know! I know! I was just like ‘How is he going to do that? How's he going to do that?'"

"And I would say ‘Presley let me have the toy back. Let me have the toy back' And he wouldn't do it," Travis told the class. "And I had to remember to use my good manners and I would say ‘Please.'"

"And it was fun to see how he approached that with the kids. And they were just mesmerized by the experience," said Mrs. Pratts, a teacher at Richmond Elementary School.

Travis and Presley also teach kids the importance of etiquette.

"I think we look for every opportunity whether it's in books or stories or situations like Travis and Presley where they can come in and they can teach us manners in an approach that can be very beneficial to children," Mrs. Pratts said.

Travis and Presley travel to schools across the state using their unique approach to teaching manners.

They are not only doing it in person, but through a group of DVD's made and produced entirely in Oklahoma. Think of it as Blue's Clues with a sooner twist, using a real dog, real kids and real Oklahoma landmarks.

"Everybody's from Oklahoma, so for us, that's what's been so much fun along with the fact that it's actually making a difference," said Travis Brorsen.

"So start out and say ‘Please.' And take this and put it on that paw and say ‘Leave it,'" Travis said to a student during the lesson.

"I think this will stick with them for a long time," said Mrs. Pratts.

And as long as the kids are learning and having a fun time doing it, Travis and Presley will keep coming to the classroom.

Travis and Presley have their own CD's, DVDs, coloring books and hand puppets that can help you teach your kids and grand kids about manners. They hope to land their own Saturday morning kids show in the future.