A dog trainer has shared a surprisingly simple activity that could significantly benefit a dog’s mental health: reading aloud to them. This practice, which may seem unusual at first, can help dogs relax, reduce anxiety, and even encourage better behavior.
In a video posted by UK charity Dogs Trust, volunteers were seen reading books to dogs at a shelter. The dogs were shown to become so soothed by the experience that they “drift off to sleep.” The charity emphasized that some dogs enjoy the calming effect of a human voice, while others find comfort in the presence of someone nearby.
In honor of International Read to Me Day on March 19th, Terry Cuyler, a dog trainer at Pawsitive Results, explained the benefits of reading to your dog. Speaking with experts at YuMove, Terry highlighted that reading aloud is an “easy but strong method” to make your pet feel secure and relaxed.
Terry recommends choosing “simplistic books” for this activity, as dogs can understand between 15 to 89 words on average. Children’s books are ideal due to their straightforward language and rhythmic, soothing tones. He suggested focusing on books with clear, distinct words—no more than 3 to 4 syllables each—so that the language sounds easy for the dog to process.
“When you read aloud, your voice signals to the dog to relax,” Terry explained. “Dogs are very sensitive to our tone, and speaking calmly helps them feel peaceful.”
This practice not only helps to ease anxiety but also strengthens the bond between dogs and their owners, promoting mental well-being for both.
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