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Here’s the why behind the wag:
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No Fear of Mistakes
Reading aloud to peers or adults can make even confident kids pause in fear of being judged. But with a dog listening—peacefully, patiently—mistakes melt away. Kids often say they feel “more comfortable” and “less embarrassed.”
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Better Reading Outcomes
A compelling pilot study found that children reading to dogs gained more in comprehension, speed, and accuracy compared to those reading to people. Another found reading aloud to dogs improved literacy even more than reading to adults.
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Reading Becomes Fun Again
Kids tend to feel better with a tail wagging beside them. Children describe RTD (Reading to Dogs) as “fun,” saying things like, “When I’m sad, it makes me happy,” and “I usually don’t like reading—until I read to the dog.” These upbeat moods drive more engagement and enthusiasm for reading.
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Builds Consistent Reading Habits
Programs like K-9 Reading Buddies help establish regular reading routines. Kids read as part of a structured, stress-free, and enjoyable environment—the consistency helps literacy skills stick.
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Support for Special Needs Students
For children with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), reading programs that include dogs not only sparked better attendance (100% in fact) but also enhanced reading motivation and fostered positive attitudes toward reading at home.
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Creating Community and Compassion
Reading to rescue dogs not only empowers young readers—it nurtures empathy. These dog-assisted learning sessions create cozy, compassionate spaces where children and dogs alike feel seen and encouraged.
Believe it or not, this is a two-way street! In the Shelter Buddies program, kids reading to shelter dogs helped those pups become more relaxed and approachable—greatly improving their chances for adoption.
If your library hosts one of these programs—National Dog Day is the perfect occasion to add it to your calendar, and witness how both child and canine hearts—and reading skills—can grow together!
And if you’d like to read a great book about a very good boy, check out Taki the Brave Little Warrior by Alana Connelly! Available in e-book and hardcover on Whitelakepress.com.
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