Home

Founded in 2007, BARK is a volunteer program that encourages children to increase their reading skills and self-confidence by reading aloud to certified therapy dogs. Students find it intimidating to read in front of classmates, but love to read to the non-judgmental, calming dogs. BARK now has 95 teams listening to kids in more than 50 schools and libraries in California.

Bark Dogs at Work

A study at UC Davis (Feb 2010) showed that kids in reading dog programs increase their

reading skills by 12% to 20% over kids not in a reading dog program.

Because our volunteers are certified as therapy dog teams, they can also visit hospitals, nursing, homes and other locations.

Abby

Educators we have worked with report 82% of BARK students increased their reading skills, self-confidence, and/or class participation.

Sterling

Students read to dogs 15-20 minutes once per week for eight weeks. They are given a bookmark with photos and information about the dog they are reading with.

At the end of the eight week session, each student is given a brand new book to take home and the dog paw stamps and signs the book. They are also given a small stuffed dog and their bookmark.

Yoda

If you have a well-behaved dog and

one hour per week OR if you have time on weekends/evenings, come join us! (click on testing requirements to see how)

There is no minimum time requirement.

All supplies are provided by BARK.

BARK dogs also attend open houses,

back-to-school nights, Dr. Seuss week, pet fairs, book festivals, and other special events.

How many kids does it take to pet a BARK dog? LOTS!!

Groucho

Message from a Mom:

My son reads with Misty at Madison School in Redondo Beach. I can not tell you how great this program has been for him. He loves Misty so much and so looks forward to his time with her that he doesn't even mind missing other events to be with her. His confidence in reading has grown and I can't thank you enough for that. I didn't fully realize what this program actually entailed but I'm glad I didn't resist. I'm glad that Madison school employs BARK as a learning tool for those in need of a little extra reading practice.

I also want to thank you for the gift of the adorable pictures (in which one is already framed and in his room!) and the book!! My son will forever treasure these memories. Thank you sooooo much! Melissa

BARK gave away 2,500 books!

35 BARK dogs walked with their handlers in the

Daisy Avenue Christmas Parade in Long Beach and gave 2,500 books to kids along the parade route. See our facebook page for pictures!

Comment about the parade:

Since I was walking on the sidewalk, I was able to overhear people with their comments. The kids LOVED the books. They were so thrilled to get a book. Kids everywhere were cradling their books or lifting them up high like an honored prize. My favorites were the kids that couldn't wait to read the books and were either sitting down to read the books or were trying to get someone to read to them. I even saw some older boys excited about their chapter books and reading parts to each other. It was truly amazing to see these kids so excited and so blessed to receive a book as a gift.

Chardy, Guide Dogs of America Puppy Raiser

Does reading to the dogs really help?

I have to tell you that Alfie’s visits have made a huge difference in the behavior in one of my students. He is difficult on the best of days on many levels. On Fridays, after he reads to Alfie, I see a huge ear to ear grin and his behavior improves dramatically. He feels special and it’s been doing wonders for his confidence. His reading is improving also! I love BARK!

Lynn Hirth, teacher

We're now on TWITTER! Click here

We're on Facebook. Click Here.

(You do not need to be part of Facebook to view our page)

UPCOMING VISITS

Go to CALENDAR to see where

you can read to the BARK dogs.

Our newest BARK dogs at work