Have your child read to the #dog, see the #improvement.

       Bailey Benson, 10, and her dog, Guthrie.   

             ABC News/Health, August 13, 2011: Bailey Benson, 10, reads to her terrier tutor, Guthrie.  Benson, who looks like Toto, listens; Bailey now reads at a high school level.

              Researchers from Tufts University in Boston advise that reading out loud to dogs can boost kids' ability and desire to read.   "Dogs are such good listeners," said Lisa Freeman, at the Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine.  

            Guthrie seems content enough, having patiently listened to about 25 books.  Benson tries to pick "things he likes," like poetry, "Harry Potter," and anything about dogs. She avoids "Lemony Snicket" -- the spooky series makes Guthrie anxious, she said.

          Guthrie has also bolstered Benson's love for animals. About to enter the fifth grade, she's now torn between a career as a vet or as a gynecologist.

            Conclusion: because of their patience, especially after a good long walk, dogs CAN help your child to read.   

“Just give me a comfortable couch, a dog, a good book, and a woman. Then if you can get the dog to go somewhere and read the book, I might have a little fun!”  Groucho Marx