“First, I walk them through the area where the dogs are kept”, Klepacki told TODAY.com.
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In the Shelter Buddies Reading Program, young volunteers – from ages 5-16 – read to shy and withdrawn shelter dogs, helping them grow comfortable with visitors. As reported by The Dodo, these youngsters sit down in front of the kennel with a book in hand to read to the pooches.
As for legal restrictions on dogs based on their appearance, Ms. Levy said public safety would be better served by reducing risk factors for dog bites, such as supervising children, recognizing canine body language, avoiding an unfamiliar dog in its territory, neutering dogs and raising puppies to be social companions.
The kids also learn how to approach the dogs-sitting sideways, using quiet voices-and how to reward them with a treat if they respond.
By allowing children to come read to dogs at the rescue, the Shelter Buddies Reading Program helps socialize the more timid ones of the bunch.
“I’m like, ‘Get in the auto woman, let’s go see those dogs!'” she says. Of course, it also helps to sharpen their reading skills as well.
What is the link between children, dogs and books?
Children have the opportunity to read like no one is watching and the dogs can learn to make human friends. “If so, the kids reenforce that behavior by tossing them a treat”.
American pit bull terrier COURTESY PHOTO DNA results show that shelter workers are often mistaken when they label a dog as a pit bull, with potentially devastating consequences for the dogs, a new University of Florida study has found.
An educational program at an animal shelter in Missouri is sure to warm your heart.
“It’s encouraging children to develop empathy with animals”, Klepacki told The Dodo.
“They’re seeing fearfulness in these animals, and seeing the positive affect they can have”, said Klepacki.
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“It encourages them to look at things from an animal’s perspective”. If you are thinking about getting a pet for your family, just remember that there are many dogs and other animals that are waiting to be placed in loving forever homes.
