Of course not, but they can help a young child learn to read better.   BARK (Beach Animals Reading with Kids), is an all-volunteer group of therapy dogs who listen to elementary-age children read.

BARK was started in September 2007 with three dogs and one elementary school.  They have grown to 68 teams in 35 schools and libraries in LA and Orange Counties and one in Lincoln, CA.   They also do one-time visits at various locations such as pet expos, book festivals and street fairs.  The children can even read to them while they’re waiting for their dogs to be spayed/neutered at the free mobile spay/neuter clinic in Compton, CA.

Take a look at BARK’s video to learn more:

Reading out loud is crucial to learning because the children have to speak every word and not skip over those they don’t know.  However, it is very intimidating for many children to read out loud in the classroom.   It’s the equivalent of us giving a speech to a roomful of adults!

The students feel that the dogs are non-judgmental and so friendly that they want to read out loud to them.  They’re told that they are helping the dogs practice their settling skills so they feel honored to work with them.

Very often, the children live in neighborhoods where they only see large fence-fighting dogs. They start off with the handler sitting in between the child and the dog.  Once the student realizes the dog is not going to jump on or hurt them, they relax. By the second or third visit, they’re old friends and they realize that some dogs can be nice.

A recent study with UC Davis showed that students in reading dogs programs increased their reading skills by 12% to 20% over kids who were not in reading dog programs.  BARK’s teachers/counselor indicated that over 80% of kids in the their program increased in reading skills, self-confidence, and class participation.

Abby the reading dog and her friend

This past year, they started working with deaf children who sign their words to the dogs.  These children are shy about using their speaking voice, but learn the dogs will follow commands if they use a strong voice.  They think they’re having fun when they’re actually practicing speaking.

BARK also puts on fun photo presentations about service/therapy dogs and humane education.

Hopefully, these kids will grow up to be responsible pet owners.

Here’s what some of the participants have to say:

Hugo, a Jack Russell terrier, had been going to a school for only three weeks when his handler was stopped by a teacher.  She said she had already noticed that one of her students, who read to Hugo, had a better attitude in class.  Every time he had a test, he took out Hugo’s card and set it on the corner of his desk because it kept him calm and made him smile.

Vinita, a golden retriever, worked with a fourth-grader who tended to get in trouble and did not participate in class.  After a few weeks, he asked if he could bring Vinita to his classroom for everyone to meet.  At the end of the eight week session with Vinita, the boy was given a brand new book and a stuffed dog.  He ran into his classroom and asked if he could read the book to the entire class.  His teacher said he never would have done that before.

BARK is looking to further expand their classrooms in Northern CA.  If you think your dog might be a good candidate, please contact Josie at barkreadingdogs@aol.com.  Just think of the difference your dog can make in a child’s life!