R.E.A.D.^®

“The Reading Education Assistance Dogs^® (R.E.A.D.) program improves children’s reading and communication skills by employing a powerful method: reading to a dog.

R.E.A.D.^® dogs are registered therapy animals who volunteer with their owner as a team, going to schools and libraries as reading companions for children.

R.E.A.D. utilizes registered therapy animals who have been trained and tested for health, safety, appropriate skills and temperament. When these special animals come to hear children read, it’s fun!

Learning to read is often less about intellectual limitation than about overcoming fears. “Fear can destroy intelligence,” says educator William Ayers.

Animals are ideal reading companions because

• help increase relaxation and lower blood pressure
• listen attentively
• do not judge, laugh or criticize
• allow children to proceed at their own pace
• are less intimidating than peers

Quotes from The Intermountain Therapy Dog

READING EDUCATION ASSISTANCE DOGS^® AND R.E.A.D.^® ARE REGISTERED SERVICE MARKS OF INTERMOUNTAIN THERAPY ANIMALS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Canine Good Citizenship

The American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Program started in 1989.

CGC is a certification program that is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. The Canine Good Citizen Program is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs.

All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club.

For more information on Canine Good Citizenship, download a printable document here. (You may need to turn off your pop-up blocker.)

Program Partners