How does the presence of the handler not interfere in the child-dog relationship, or inhibit the child reader?
It’s been documented in many therapeutic settings that when an animal is present in therapy, people tend to forget about the other humans and their inhibitions disappear. It’s why they often are considered powerful bridges for people who are suffering the after-effects of emotional or sexual abuse. They don’t trust anyone and won’t talk, but when an animal is introduced, they find it trustworthy and suddenly will open up (therapist still present) and talk about lots of things the therapist needs to hear but which they were previously unwilling to share. Something similar happens in the reading setting. Of course, the handler is ALSO a supportive, positive, uncritical listener. The handler fulfills a crucial role in the process, in encouragement, helping the reader “help the dog understand” — which the kids are eager to do — it takes pressure off them and helps their abilities flow. They also work with comprehension, using the dictionary, etc.
