Project 1 – R.E.A.D.
Since the R.E.A.D. (Reading Education Assistance Dog) Program started at the library, the librarian has overheard numerous children express interest in getting a dog – specifically a puppy. Daisy, the program dog, is an older dog, laid back, calm, well-groomed and extensively trained. The librarian is worried that the kids don’t understand the time, money and commitment that goes into owning a dog. In response to this issue, she sets up the following program.
Four hours on a Saturday.
Cover the basics language relating to dogs (see Getting Started).
Have the kids write down the type of dog they would like and then complete the Dog Breed questionnaires (see Choosing). When they have a few options, ask them to research the breeds further and note the characteristics of each breed (energetic, aggressive, sheds, drools). Ask them to make notes of how this will fit into their
lifestyle.
Ask the kids to complete the cost calculator (see Cost).
Next is a visit from the local veterinary. He will discuss the care of dogs such as feeding, grooming, nutrition and
health issues. Have the vet bring a dog or two into the library to demonstrate things such as brushing teeth and
trimming nails. Have him discuss the costs associated with owning a dog.
See Dog Care and Nutrition to have kids look up additional information.
Break for lunch – I suggest hot dogs and puppy chow (the dessert).
Have the R.E.A.D volunteer come in to discuss the training that Daisy went through and have her talk about the differences of Daisy when she was a young dog versus a middle aged dog.
Have a local dog trainer bring in a dog/dogs he is currently working with. Show the kids some techniques and let them work with them on their own. Show them that getting them to sit and heel isn’t as easy as it looks!
Let the kids browse the Training resources.
Finish the day by bringing everyone together to discuss what they’ve learned, the responsibilities and hard work of dog ownership. Be sure to include the parents so they can see what the kids have learned. Ask each child if they have made any new decisions about owning a dog.
Four hours on a Saturday.
Cover the basics language relating to dogs (see Getting Started).
Have the kids write down the type of dog they would like and then complete the Dog Breed questionnaires (see Choosing). When they have a few options, ask them to research the breeds further and note the characteristics of each breed (energetic, aggressive, sheds, drools). Ask them to make notes of how this will fit into their
lifestyle.
Ask the kids to complete the cost calculator (see Cost).
Next is a visit from the local veterinary. He will discuss the care of dogs such as feeding, grooming, nutrition and
health issues. Have the vet bring a dog or two into the library to demonstrate things such as brushing teeth and
trimming nails. Have him discuss the costs associated with owning a dog.
See Dog Care and Nutrition to have kids look up additional information.
Break for lunch – I suggest hot dogs and puppy chow (the dessert).
Have the R.E.A.D volunteer come in to discuss the training that Daisy went through and have her talk about the differences of Daisy when she was a young dog versus a middle aged dog.
Have a local dog trainer bring in a dog/dogs he is currently working with. Show the kids some techniques and let them work with them on their own. Show them that getting them to sit and heel isn’t as easy as it looks!
Let the kids browse the Training resources.
Finish the day by bringing everyone together to discuss what they’ve learned, the responsibilities and hard work of dog ownership. Be sure to include the parents so they can see what the kids have learned. Ask each child if they have made any new decisions about owning a dog.