Dickens’ and I are a monthly volunteer R.E.A.D. (Reading Education Assistance Dog) team at our local Indianapolis library. Recently another team joined us to assist at this particular library growling whenever he saw Dickens. At the library our job is to advocate for our dogs while each child reads a book out loud to the dog for a 10 minute period of time. Should the child have trouble with a word, we then can help them sound out the word, but we are not meant to be a reading tutor. Reading out loud to our dogs gives a child more confidence, builds their self esteem and improves their reading skills.
Dickens’ has been a therapy dog working with children since he was a year old and at eleven he is still very calm and tolerant. Dickens’ and I have worked with children and even babies in libraries, domestic abuse centers, at family literacy nights, schools and in the aftermath of traumatic events. He has been stepped on and over, had his ears, long hair and tail pulled and has had toys and books dropped on him. Yes, he is very tolerant!
Dickens’ is normally non reactive around other dogs. He does not growl or bark at other dogs unless he wants to go over and visit them if he doesn’t know them. While working this has happened twice, in a training class and once during a school reading program. At the latter he barked at a new dog, but once I redirected him to look at me and told him ‘that is enough’, he stopped. He can be vocal at times and talk back occasionally, but that is almost always directed at me!! Silly dog.
I have a growing concern about new therapy reading dogs that growl at other teams when they are working with children. It is imperative that we realize that not all dogs are suited for a reading program. Children especially should not be exposed to a growling dog, even when it is temporary and the dog is not growling at them it may scare the child, enough to ruin the whole experience for them. If you are wanting to participate in a reading program at your school or library make sure your dog is well socialized around other dogs and active children. Reading therapy dogs and children are best served when the child or family return again to read to YOUR dog. Who doesn’t love a well mannered dog?
Great article!
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