Reading With Dogs
Sharing stories, building confidence and creating positive experiences alongside friendly dogs.
Many people find reading aloud feels more relaxed when a friendly dog is quietly listening nearby. Whether you're a reluctant reader, a home-educated child, someone building confidence reading aloud, or simply someone who enjoys books and dogs, Reading With Dogs provides a calm, welcoming and enjoyable experience. Reading sessions take place with Goose, Winnie, or both dogs, depending on the setting, availability and the needs of the participants. Each dog brings their own unique personality, helping to create a positive and supportive environment where people can enjoy reading at their own pace. There is no pressure to read perfectly or reach a particular reading level. The focus is on creating an enjoyable experience that encourages confidence, communication and a love of reading while spending time alongside friendly, well-managed dogs.
Individual Reading With Dogs
A personalised one-to-one reading experience with Goose or Winnie, designed to help people feel more confident reading aloud in a calm, relaxed and supportive environment.
Duration: Typically 20–45 minutes, depending on the participant's age, confidence and individual needs.
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The session may include:
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Reading aloud to Goose or Winnie without fear of being judged
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Building confidence reading at the participant's own pace
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Sharing stories and books together
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Spending time alongside the dogs in a calm environment
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Learning about dog communication and body language
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Gentle interaction with the dogs, where appropriate
Small Group Reading With Dogs
Suitable for home education groups, community groups and small educational settings.
Duration: Typically 20–45 minutes, depending on the age of the participants, group size and individual needs.
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The session may include:
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Shared reading activities
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Opportunities to practise reading aloud in a supportive group
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Story sessions with Goose and/or Winnie
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Learning about dogs and how they communicate
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Calm interaction with the dogs, where appropriate
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Encouraging confidence, participation and enjoyment through reading together
Reading With Dogs Visits
Suitable for schools, libraries, community groups, care settings and wellbeing events.
Duration: Tailored to the setting and participants, with individual activities typically lasting 20–45 minutes.
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Visits may include:
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Reading circles and story sessions
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Opportunities to practise reading aloud alongside Goose and/or Winnie
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A calm, welcoming environment that helps reduce the pressure often associated with reading aloud
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Discussions about dog behaviour and communication
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Time spent with the dogs in a relaxed and positive setting
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Encouraging confidence, communication and enjoyment through shared reading
Reading With Dogs may be suitable for:
- Home-educated children
- Reluctant readers
- Children building confidence reading aloud
- Libraries and community groups
- Schools and educational settings
- Adults who enjoy reading alongside dogs
- Families looking for a unique and enjoyable experience
How to Book
Click the Book Reading With Dogs button and tell us a little about your enquiry. Please include:
- Which Reading With Dogs experience you are interested in
- Whether the session is for an individual, family, school, library or group
- The age range of participants
- Any questions you may have before booking
Once we receive your enquiry, we will contact you to discuss the most suitable option and arrange a convenient date and time.
Important Information
Wingoo Reading With Dogs sessions are designed to encourage enjoyment, confidence and positive reading experiences. They are not tutoring, literacy intervention, speech and language therapy, educational assessment, healthcare or childcare services.