Research has shown that therapy animals create a safe environment that reduces blood pressure, heart rate and other observable signs of anxiety. Their presence has been shown to reinforce learning, motivate speech, movement and exercise. When working with a dog, children can relax, enjoy the activity, experience some success and learn to like reading.

The mission of Pawsitive Steps is to partner with a registered therapy dog/handler team to improve children's reading abilities and foster a positive attitude toward reading and learning. Children read to a dog in a unique and comfortable environment that presents an opportunity to practice in the company of a non-judgmental listener, and is a relaxing, fun experience that builds self-confidence, encourages social interaction and motivates continued progress.

The program takes place on a small hobby farm near Maple Lake, Minnesota. Whenever possible, the sessions are conducted outdoors, allowing the client to enjoy some passive interaction with the horses, cats and wooded surroundings.

Unlike some classmates, dogs do not ridicule or become impatient with those struggling to read, so the pressure of performance is minimized. Clients are encouraged by the facilitator to take their time, proceed at a comfortable pace, and ask for help if needed.

The facilitator offers support and supervision, bringing the dog into play to correct pronunciation (“Boone didn’t catch that word, can you please say it again for him?”) to verify definitions (“I don’t think Boone has heard that word before, can you please tell him what it means?”) and to check comprehension (“Will you please remind Zenga of what happened before this page? I think he dozed off for a minute.”)

Sessions are scheduled individually, for 45 minute periods, with a fee of $25.00 per session. Books may be selected from the Pawsitive Steps library or brought in by the client. Parents are involved in ensuring the material is appropriate for the child, and are requested to remain on the farm during the session; close enough to observe, but not interfere with the child's work.

Each session includes approximately 25-30 minutes of reading, with the remaining time spent on other fun reading activities such as flashcards, spelling or word games. Some of the activities, such as Word Walks, Scrambled Sentence Safaris or Sightword Searches, may be conducted on the farm's wooded trails.

Sessions are documented to record books read and activities completed; and an incentive program will be introduced to encourage progress and continued interest in reading. Incentives may include personalized stickers, bookmarks, bookplates and books.