Reading with Paws: How Finland’s Lukukoira and Australia’s Reading Dogs Are Transforming Literacy and Wellbeing

Across continents, a shared truth is emerging: children read better when they feel safe, supported, and free from judgment. In Finland, the lukukoira (reading dog) program has been quietly revolutionizing literacy since 2011. In Australia, similar programs are now flourishing in schools and libraries, offering children the chance to read aloud to calm, friendly dogs who simply listen.

The Finnish Model: Lukukoira

The concept is simple yet profound: children—especially those who feel anxious or struggle with reading—read aloud to trained dogs in libraries and schools. The dogs don’t correct or critique. They just listen.

Benefits observed in Finland include:

• Increased reading fluency and confidence
• Reduced performance anxiety
• Improved emotional regulation
• A more joyful relationship with books

With over 50 reading dogs now working across Finnish institutions, lukukoira has become a national symbol of emotionally intelligent literacy support.

The Australian Approach: Reading Dogs in Schools and Libraries

Inspired by similar principles, Australia has embraced reading dog programs through initiatives like:

Story Dogs Australia

• Operates in over 300 schools nationwide
• Volunteer handlers and dogs support Year 2 students weekly
• Sessions are non-judgmental, child-led, and emotionally safe
• For more information: storydogs.org.au

Yarra Plenty Regional Library (VIC)

• Offers weekend and weekday reading dog sessions
• Based on R.E.A.D. and Story Dogs models
• Helps children build literacy and confidence in relaxed settings
• For more information: yprl.vic.gov.au

Other Regional Programs

• Reading Dawgz (ACT)
• SHARE (QLD)
• Local councils and libraries across NSW, WA, and SA

These programs share the same core values: emotional safety, relational learning, and literacy without pressure.

Why It Works: Emotional Safety Meets Literacy

Whether in Helsinki or Hobart, the presence of a calm, non-judgmental animal creates a unique learning environment. Children who might freeze in front of peers or teachers often thrive when reading to a dog.

Key outcomes include:

• Increased willingness to read aloud
• Greater engagement with books
• Strengthened self-esteem and emotional resilience
• Improved communication and expressive language

Reading dog programs—whether called lukukoira or Story Dogs—reminds us that literacy is not just about decoding words. It’s about feeling safe enough to try, to stumble, and to grow. By embedding emotional safety into reading practice, schools and libraries across Australia are helping children build not just skills, but confidence and joy.

Reference:
Lukukoira