By Jane Sandwood, Freelance Writer

It has long been said that dogs are man’s best friend, but did you know they could be a child’s, too?

In recent years, dogs have increasingly been used to aid learning and development in children with considerable success. It is estimated that 10 million children face difficulties when it comes to learning to read, and dogs can make wonderful assistant tutors, as there’s no fear of judgment, being interrupted or being told they’ve made a mistake. It’s so important that children gain a good quality education and that teachers and parents help children succeed with reading no matter what their age or social status.

Call in a reading dog

A reading dog in the classroom brings excitement and something for kids to look forward to. The joy of having a dog on site makes many children forget about their reading fears, boosts their confidence and makes them keen to show off their reading skills to their new four-legged friend. Soon, they forget that they ever had any worries about reading and instead they seek comfort in cozying up on a pillow next to a reading dog and enjoy the escapism of sharing a good story out loud.

The benefits of dogs in the classroom

A child who is feeling anxious, frustrated or upset can benefit from taking time out to pet Fido. Petting a dog can release stress and calm the body down, which is just what a child struggling to get to grips with a task in the classroom requires in order to prepare them to try again. It can be lonely feeling like the only member of the class not succeeding, but talking to and spending time with a pooch can alleviate that worry and provide companionship when it all gets too much.

How a pet dog can help

The benefits of owning a dog are endless and a child’s learning and development can be increased by sharing their home with a pooch, too. Having a pet encourages children to show empathy and to have a responsibility when playing a role in grooming, exercising and feeding times. Studies have found that growing up with a pet provides children with higher self-esteem, cognitive development, and social skills, all of which are vital factors in successfully learning to read, especially in front of others. Parents can further enhance their child’s reading skills by persuading them to read at home to the pet dog.

Dogs are wonderful creatures to have in the classroom and at home. Teachers and parents should encourage their involvement in a child’s learning and development wherever possible to boost a child’s understanding and performance.