Why reading to dogs makes sense

Several reading programs involve children reading to dogs – and other animals. Usually organized by volunteers, children go to dog-friendly libraries as part of their primary school reading program, where children can choose a dog and choose a book (USA Today, October 25, 2015). Why does this work?

It works because reading to adults can often be intimidating for children. Dogs just sit and listen. Sometimes it’s better not to interrupt readers, but to let them tell the story as they see it and perceive it, even if it is not quite the correct words. Children become calmer – so do the dogs. And during segments in their stories, children become animated and more expressive – matching their tone to the character more often than if they were reading alone or to an adult.

The main objective of the reading program is to provide a relaxed dog-friendly atmosphere which enables children to practice reading aloud – and to reduce their self-consciousness (especially when reading in front of a classroom). Dog are not judgemental.

Anecdotal results show that children’s reading rates and literacy levels improve. However, more studies are required. This could also work for other animals, such as cats, and any other animal that will sit calmly next to a child – and where the child is not frightened of the animal.

The photograph is from librarydogs.com

MARTINA NICOLLS is an international aid and development consultant, and the author of:- The Shortness of Life: A Mongolian Lament (2015), Liberia’s Deadest Ends (2012), Bardot’s Comet (2011), Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010) and The Sudan Curse (2009).

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