A bit later today Brio, aka Kleo von der Konigsgarde, and I will visit an elementary school as part of our monthly participation in the reading program there.

It is an amazing thing to see a youngster, initially shy, maybe intimidated by reading in front of people, get more involved and animated as he or she reads to the dog. Kids with reading issues seem to gain confidence as they read. I mention to the reader at the beginning that it is important to engage their audience, the dog.

They read and pet the dog. And occasionally they explain some thing to the dog. I sit near the dog but don't interfere in the reading exercise.

At the end of their little session, about 15 minutes, I teach the reader how to safely offer the dog a little treat.

So, what's the point of this little post? If you can, find a local group that offers opportunities to get your dog into the community as an ambassador. Senior citizen facilities, libraries, schools, nursing homes. It really makes you feel gud and heps ya too, and the dog knows it is doing a good job, at least Brio seems to.

I would love to get my GSD involved in something like that Mike, good for you! I am working towards getting him certified as a therapy dog, and something like this might help him along that path. Right now he's a 12 month old puppy that is too full of energy to calmly lay near some kids, but we are working on it!

What a wonderful and worthy thing to do, Mike! I have heard of these programs and wanted very much to get involved, but it will have to wait until I have a more suitable dog.

I really believe people like you and dogs like Brio can change the course of a child's life in a positive way with these kinds of activities.

That is sooo cool. I want to do that with Eddie when we retire him!!!!!! Maybe we could do it now even. He would be great as he loves kids.

Creatures and Kids does that here in Oklahoma. Our OKC metro library has a big reading to dogs program.


Creatures and Kids

Yeah Becky,

Here we work through Sunshine Friends.

We do libraries, schools, senior residences, health facilities, etc. The dogs have to achieve the AKC CGC, as well as a testing process undertaken by SFI.

Been doing this with various dogs for six or so years. Interesting and eye opening.

 Quote: Mike Arnold

Yeah Becky,

Here we work through Sunshine Friends.

We do libraries, schools, senior residences, health facilities, etc. The dogs have to achieve the AKC CGC, as well as a testing process undertaken by SFI.

Been doing this with various dogs for six or so years. Interesting and eye opening.

bumping this good thread!

Mike, it is interesting and an eye opener.

I had a CGC,TD on my last GSD and my current small dog. My present GSD is a great dog, but this type of work just wouldn't be his thing, the Poodle pup is a maybe.

It's great that you do this with your dogs!

Such a good thread for folks who may be looking for a way to let their dog become an ambassador!

 Quote: Mike Arnold

A bit later today Brio, aka Kleo von der Konigsgarde, and I will visit an elementary school as part of our monthly participation in the reading program there.

It is an amazing thing to see a youngster, initially shy, maybe intimidated by reading in front of people, get more involved and animated as he or she reads to the dog. Kids with reading issues seem to gain confidence as they read. I mention to the reader at the beginning that it is important to engage their audience, the dog.

They read and pet the dog. And occasionally they explain some thing to the dog. I sit near the dog but don't interfere in the reading exercise.

At the end of their little session, about 15 minutes, I teach the reader how to safely offer the dog a little treat.

So, what's the point of this little post? If you can, find a local group that offers opportunities to get your dog into the community as an ambassador. Senior citizen facilities, libraries, schools, nursing homes. It really makes you feel gud and heps ya too, and the dog knows it is doing a good job, at least Brio seems to.