Gone To Dogs

Reading Has Gone to the Dogs One of the most valuable skills is learning how to read. Every day there is a plethora of information to be gained by reading. However, reading can often be difficult to learn, especially for children. Today, “68% of America’s fourth graders do not read at a proficient level” (Children’s Literacy Foundation). Not being able to read efficiently could affect the child later in life. Children that have reading difficulties also have other problems such as “[becoming] anxious, and struggle more” (Marieanna C. leRoux, Leslie Swartz, Estelle Swart 656). Recently, there have been programs such as R.E.A.D and Tail Waggin’ Tutors to propose a unique solution to children who struggle with reading. In these programs,

Children that read to these therapy dogs not only improve their reading ability, but also improve their self-confidence and well-being. R.E.A.D and Tail Waggin’ Tutors offer a solution in which therapy dogs help children to read. Both programs recognize that some children struggle with reading but offer a program. The therapy dogs, which are trained to be very gentle and patient are used as support systems for children when reading. In theory, the children read to the therapy dogs just as they would read to their peers in school. The therapy dog act as a listener, one who is non-judgmental and does not criticize the child for the child’s mistakes while reading. The proposed effect is to have the child gain confidence and reading fluency by reading to the therapy dog. The Intermountain Therapy Animals of Utah created the R.E.A.D program, which now has programs throughout the world. The purpose of the program is to “improve the children’s reading and communication skills by employing a powerful method: reading to an animal” (Intermountain Therapy Animals). Research findings have shown that through R.E.A.D, students that participated “for 13 months gained at

Since the program involve dogs some children may have allergies, or could be bitten by the dog. Children can also have cultural beliefs that do not allow them to pet the animals. By letting therapy dogs into the schools for the reading program some children who have allergies can potentially be affected. Although, “only 6% of people seen by allergists in North America have an allergic reaction as a result to animal dander” (Friesen 262). The children who have allergies and would benefit from the program may not be able to participate because of their allergies. Another concern is the dogs’ temperament and if the animal could become aggressive. Children may not have prior knowledge of animals and may not be able to tell when a dog is becoming aggressive. However, the handlers of the therapy dogs carefully watch the dog’s behavior during the reading session. Some children may also not be able to participate in the program because of their culture. The child may have a cultural background that does not permit the petting of animals because animals are seen as “unclean or as a general nuisance” (Jalongo, Mary R., Terri Asorino, and Nancy Bomboy