When it comes to building up a child’s confidence with reading, your first thought might not be to let them read to a dog.

A dog can’t offer them feedback, or correct their mistakes... but that is exactly what makes reading to a therapet such a calming and inviting experience for young children.

Canine Concern Scotland Trust are running Read to a Therapet sessions with OnFife, and one is currently available at Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries (DCLG) with Logan the dog.

The aim of events, such as this one, is to encourage young readers who lack confidence to come along and have the opportunity to read to a friendly, four-legged friend. These experiences should build up their confidence in reading aloud and make reading more enjoyable.

Logan, who is around eight years old, is currently helping children with their reading. He’s a friendly boy who was rescued from Romania. His owner, Sheila Cochrane, isn’t sure what breed he is.

She commented: “Your guess is as good as mine really. Whatever was roaming the streets.”

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Sheila has had Logan for seven years now and he also did some reading sessions at DLGC last year.

June Hutton, the therapet area representative with Canine Concern Scotland Trust, said: “He loves it! He likes the attention, he likes being fussed.”

When a young person comes to read Logan a story, they’re taken to a quiet area in the library to allow them some privacy and to reduce any distractions for the pet. They’re given the chance to read him a story, tell him a tale, or even just spend some time talking to him if that is what will benefit them the most.

During my trip to see Logan in action, two siblings came to see him, and it was clear from the moment they sat down with him that Logan loved the attention they gave him, and that the kids enjoyed the chance to be around him while a story was read aloud by their mum.

June added: “In schools, and in the libraries, if they’re reading to an adult, they assume the adult’s judging what they’re doing, especially if it’s the teacher. I mean obviously that’s what the teacher’s there for, but the dog’s non-judgmental, they just interact with the dog, and it makes all the difference.”

June told the story of one girl who had a big print book, and when she read to a dog: “She was determined to stay with that dog, and she read the whole book. She wouldn’t move on and so she just sat beside Dave and the dog because she wanted the interaction with the dog.”

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Sharron Brown, from OnFife, added: “It builds children’s reading confidence, it gives them confidence to be better readers.”

The therapet sessions also give children a chance to become more used to being around dogs, and to learn how they should behave and interact with them.

Julia Dyke, project support (young people and families) at OnFife, said that the reading to therapet sessions have had some success stories, and one girl who was a premature twin really benefited from the sessions.

“The wee girl twin specifically was really, really shy, and they came along to one of the therapet sessions we had at Duloch, and they ended up getting a dog and everything. It brought this wee girl right out her shell.

“But I think having a dog and giving her that responsibility helped with a whole host of things, it all stemmed from one of these sessions.”

However, therapets don’t just help children, they can also be really beneficial to adults.

Sharron added: “They’re popular with families, children, and adults as well.”

Stroking animals releases endorphins and this has a calming effect and reduces stress levels, and Julia joked that when Logan comes in: “It’s therapy for the staff!”

The remaining sessions with Logan take place on Monday, March 4, and Monday, March 18. To book a slot with Logan, you can call the DCLG on 01383 602365 or pop in and book your slot in-person.