Christchurch City Libraries Reading to Dogs programme is designed to provide a relaxed, non-threatening atmosphere which encourages children to practice their reading skills and develop a love of reading.
The programme uses dogs who are now the beloved pets of the Christchurch City Council Animal Control team. These furry friends have all been trained and tested for health, safety and temperament.
Library staff and a dog handler will be present at all times to help facilitate the sessions.
Each session is 15 minutes long. Bookings are essential, please call 941 7923.
See our calendar of Reading to Dogs events.
Meet the dogs
Ricky Baker
- Favourite food: sausages
- Favourite game: playing chase with his human
- Favourite book: The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Sid
- Favourite food: cheese
- Favourite game: sleeping
- Favourite book: The Digging-est Dog by Al Perkins, illustrated by Eric Gurney
Mr Darcy
- Favourite food: carrots and cheese
- Favourite game: finding the biggest stick
- Favourite book: Hairy Maclary from Donaldson Dairy by Lynley Dodd
Fergus
- Favourite food: broccoli stalks
- Favourite game: chasing rabbits
- Favourite book: Harlow and Sage (and Indiana) by Brittni Vega
Vera
- Favourite food: sausages and custard
- Favourite game: retrieving sticks whilst swimming
- Favourite book: Spot the Dog by Eric Hill
More about Reading to Dogs
Read the Newsline article: Christchurch kids love reading to dogs
Our dogs:
• Can increase a child’s relaxation while reading
• Listen attentively
• Do not laugh, judge or criticise
• Allow children to proceed at their own pace
• Can be less intimidating than a child’s peers
Reading aloud is critical when children are learning. However, many children have difficulties reading and become self conscious when reading in front of their peers. Libraries and schools around the world have found that by sitting down and reading to a friendly dog, a child’s fear of being judged or laughed at ‘over mistakes’ disappears. Over time, the child’s reading ability and self-confidence improves and they begin to associate reading with a pleasant experience.