Did you know that reading to dogs helps children learn to read? Animal shelters and schools have partnered up so that rescued dogs can visit with early readers. This helps children practice their reading skills and also provides the dogs with love and socialization.
In fact, with the right training and positive reinforcement, dogs can even learn to read themselves! For example, Fernie the Labrador Retriever has learned to read flash card words for commands like “Sit” or “Lay Down”. Fernie serves as a comfort and motivator for children, showing them that they can learn to read too!
Trainers of service dogs have also discovered that dogs can learn to read signs and markers.
As we learn more about the intelligence of dogs, we are finding ways to develop their ability to communicate with us through reading.
Signs Your Dog Can Read
Dogs are social animals, and reading is a form of communication. While dogs can’t write or speak words, they can show us what they’re thinking through their body language. It’s important for handlers to read a dog’s body language to ensure the dog is comfortable with the child and the situation during reading sessions.
A happy dog will have relaxed eyes, eyelids, and ears. They will have a relaxed stance and may even snuggle up to the reading child. On the other hand, a dog that licks its lips or yawns is showing submissive behavior.
During training sessions, an attentive dog will have a forward stance, alert ears, and a smooth nose and mouth. They may even playfully invite you to engage with them. An obedient dog will follow commands and anticipate positive reinforcement from the trainer.
It’s important to watch for signs of boredom or confusion during training. If a dog starts repeating behaviors or searching for a response that will get them a reward, it can be a sign that they’re not understanding the command. By paying attention to your dog’s responsiveness, you can develop many skills together.
The History of Dogs and Reading
Reading is a social activity that involves using symbols to communicate and share stories and ideas. While spoken language has evolved naturally, reading and writing are inventions. The first alphabet was developed by the Phoenicians in 2000 B.C., and reading ability has evolved over time.
As writing technologies have improved, more people have gained access to reading. Reading extends human oral communication and enhances our intellectual capacities. Throughout history, dogs have been bred to serve human purposes, and some breeds have higher intelligence for communicating and learning.
The Science of Reading Dogs
There are two aspects of reading: basic reading, which involves associating letters with words, and reading comprehension, which involves drawing meaning from words. Dogs can understand spoken language and process words similarly to humans. They have a vocabulary of about 165 words, similar to a toddler.
Dogs have the visual acuity to discriminate colors, shapes, and patterns, and they have the potential to demonstrate early reading skills. Trainers have even taught dogs to recognize and read words like “Exit” or restroom signs. Some believe that reading dogs are the dogs of the future, and we can develop teaching strategies to enhance our human-canine bond.
Training Your Dog to Read
To teach your dog to read, start when they are young, but older dogs can also learn. Make flashcards with one word on each card, starting with words for commands your dog already knows. Use rewards that motivate your dog, such as clickers and treats.
Follow these steps to train your dog to read:
1. Get ready with the flashcard behind your back, and have the clicker or reward visible to your dog.
2. Present the flashcard.
3. Immediately say the command word or associate it with a hand signal.
4. Hold the card and wait for your dog to perform the command.
5. Reward your dog as soon as they do the behavior and move the flashcard out of sight.
Repeat these steps and give your dog lots of enthusiastic praise during practice sessions.
“Reading is a social activity. It is the use of symbols to communicate and share the stories, ideas, events, and feelings of our lives.”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ Reading to dogs can help children learn to read. Animal shelters and schools have partnerships where dogs visit with early readers, providing them with practice and motivation to read.
2️⃣ Dogs can learn to read with the right training and positive reinforcement. Some dogs, like Fernie the Labrador Retriever, have been trained to read flashcard words for commands. This can be a comfort and motivator for children, showing them that they can learn to read too.
3️⃣ It is important to read a dog’s body language to establish their comfort level with a child or situation. Signs of a happy and relaxed dog include relaxed eyes, relaxed ears, a relaxed and open mouth, and a relaxed body posture. Signs of attentiveness and responsiveness in a training situation include alertness, forward stance, and ears up.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. How can reading to dogs help children learn to read?
– Reading to dogs helps children practice their reading skills and offers them motivation and comfort.
2. Can dogs learn to read?
– Yes, with the right training and positive reinforcement, dogs can learn to read flashcard words for commands.
3. How can we communicate with dogs through reading?
– Dogs can learn to read signs and markers, which allows them to communicate with us in a non-verbal way.
4. What are some signs that indicate a dog is comfortable and happy?
– Relaxed eyes and eyelids, relaxed ears, relaxed body posture, and a relaxed and open mouth with a loose tongue.
5. How can we train dogs to read?
– To train a dog to read, you can use flashcards with command words and associate them with rewards. Follow the steps outlined by Dr. Bergin, such as presenting the flashcard, saying the command word, waiting for the dog to perform the behavior, and rewarding them.
