How to help a dog, especially if it is shy and not very sociable, to find a family to adopt it? An American association has answered this question by launching an unusual and interesting program: children between the ages of 6 and 14 spend time in an abandoned dog shelter and read stories aloud to them.
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves him
How to help a dog, especially if shy and unsociable, to find a family that adopts it? An American association has answered this question by launching an unusual and interesting program: gods children ages 6 to 14 spend time in an abandoned dog shelter and read stories aloud to them.
The program, which has the dual objective of make dogs more confident and friendly and educating children to empathy, is called Shelter Buddies Reading, and was inaugurated last December in one of the shelters managed by Humane Society of Missouri.
"We want to help the most shy and fearful dogs without forcing them into physical interaction and see the positive effect it has on them." - has explained Jo Klepacki, program director - "We launched the program last Christmas, but now we offer it once a month."
Aspiring little readers are welcome to register online and, over the course of a 10-hour training period, learn how to understand the body language of dogs, to recognize any signs of anxiety or stress. Then they sit in front of a dog's quarters and start reading a book aloud, as if they were facing another person, perhaps a younger brother or sister, to engage and entertain.
The aim is to help less sociable dogs and, therefore, with less chance of being adopted, to change their attitude, thanks to the establishment of a positive relationship with the little reader: a dog who is not afraid to approach strangers and who is not remains huddled and distrustful in a corner is in fact more likely to find a family to take him with them.
"If everything works as it should, the dog, even if shy and fearful, will approach and show interest." - has continued Klepacki - "If this happens, children can reinforce this behavior by giving them a small reward."
Once a child has completed the training program, they can return to the facility at any time with their parents to sit and read to the dogs.
"This program encourages children to develop empathy towards animals." - he stressed Klepacki - “It is a peaceful, serene exercise. Children experience both the fear of animals and the positive influence they can have on them. This encourages them to look at things from the point of view of animals. It is an exercise that helps them to relate better to both the animals and the people in their lives. "
Not to mention that children have the opportunity to improve their reading and comprehension skills as well.
According to its creators, the program is bearing fruit and has already facilitated the adoption of some animals. The hope now is that it will soon be extended to other shelters managed by the Humane Society, including cats.
And you, what do you think?
Lisa Vagnozzi
Photo Credits
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