Paws & Pages Team

The Paws & Pages team is dedicated to building confident readers through the unconditional love of therapy dogs. Our team of educators, trainers, and volunteers share tips, stories, and resources to support literacy and the human-animal bond.

🐾

Paws & Pages Team

The Paws & Pages team is dedicated to building confident readers through the unconditional love of therapy dogs. Our team of educators, trainers, and volunteers share tips, stories, and resources to support literacy and the human-animal bond.

Articles by Paws & Pages Team

75 articles published

A calm therapy dog helping a nervous child relax before reading

Calming Techniques for Nervous Readers

Reading anxiety is real and debilitating. Discover the specific techniques our therapy dogs and handlers use to help nervous readers relax, focus, and eventually thrive.

16 min read
Multiple therapy dogs with handlers at a community reading event

Managing Multiple Therapy Dogs at Events

Large events bring unique challenges when multiple therapy dogs work together. Here's how Paws & Pages coordinates our eighteen dogs for library events, school visits, and community gatherings.

16 min read
A healthy therapy dog eating from a bowl with fresh ingredients nearby

Nutrition for Working Therapy Dogs

The demands of therapy work require specialized nutrition. Learn how we keep our eighteen reading dogs healthy, energized, and performing at their best through carefully planned diets.

16 min read
A child looking proud while reading to an attentive therapy dog

Building Confidence in Reluctant Readers

Reluctant readers aren't lazy or disinterested—they're protecting themselves from experiences that feel painful and risky. Here's how therapy dogs help break the cycle of avoidance and build genuine reading confidence.

11 min read
A parent and child talking with a therapy dog handler in a library setting

Parent FAQs About Therapy Dog Programs

Is it safe? Will it help? What if my child is scared of dogs? We answer the questions parents ask most often about therapy dog reading programs—honestly and completely.

12 min read
A handler attentively watching their therapy dog during a reading session

Recognizing Stress Signals in Your Therapy Dog

Your therapy dog can't tell you when they've had enough, but they're communicating constantly. Here's how to read the signals that protect both your dog and the children they serve.

11 min read
A child using a tablet while sitting next to a therapy dog in a library

Integrating Technology in Reading Sessions

E-readers, audiobooks, reading apps—technology has transformed how children engage with text. Here's how therapy dog programs can thoughtfully incorporate digital tools without losing what makes our work special.

10 min read
A volunteer handler with their therapy dog greeting children at a library

Volunteering as a Therapy Dog Handler

Thinking about volunteering with your dog? Here's what therapy dog handling really involves—the rewards, the challenges, and the life-changing moments that make it all worthwhile.

10 min read
A handler and therapy dog team receiving certification with smiling evaluators

The Journey to Becoming a Certified Therapy Dog Team

The path from 'my dog would be great at this' to certified therapy team takes dedication, training, and honest assessment. Here's what the journey really looks like—and whether it's right for you.

12 min read
A therapy dog and child reading together in a sunny library during summer

Summer Reading Programs with Therapy Dogs

When school ends, the 'summer slide' begins. Here's how therapy dog reading programs can keep young readers engaged—and actually excited—during the long break.

11 min read