Sigtuna kommun has been ranked as number eight of 290 in Agria's ranking of Sweden's best dog municipalities, according to Agria. The municipality uses social service dogs in its operations, including reading dogs at schools and libraries. One example is the standard poodle Zelda, who works as a reading dog at Centralskolan in Märsta every Friday.
Maria Blomqvist is Zelda's owner and a special education teacher at Centralskolan. Zelda is a certified school dog and has undergone training and tests. Another reading dog is Janice, an English springer spaniel and certified care and school dog, used at Björkhagens library for joyful reading training, according to Mitti.
She really loves her job. When she puts on the scarf in the morning, she wags her tail and wants to go.
Malin Gabrielsson is Janice's owner and handler. Reading dogs or school dogs began appearing in Sweden in the 2010s, according to major media reports. Research shows that a dog's presence can have a calming effect and increase children's motivation and self-confidence in reading.
At Alléskolan in Åtvidaberg, the school dog Akela has become an important part of teaching, according to major media reports. Emma Arstadius is a teacher and Akela's owner. Akela helps fourth-grade students maintain focus and learn in a different way through games.
We have trained her to look down and follow along in the book. She really looks interested when she listens.
The use of reading dogs has grown in Swedish schools and libraries, with handlers noting that children often feel more relaxed reading aloud to a non-judgmental animal. Teachers report that students who struggle with reading can build confidence through regular sessions with a calm, trained dog. In Sigtuna, the initiative is part of a broader effort to integrate social service dogs into municipal services, reflecting the community's high ranking in dog-friendliness.
The ranking by Agria considers factors such as access to veterinary care, dog-friendly areas, and municipal support for dog-related activities. Sigtuna's placement in the top ten highlights its commitment to creating a supportive environment for both dogs and their owners. The success of programs like those at Centralskolan and Björkhagens bibliotek demonstrates how dogs can contribute to educational and social goals.
When Zelda sits next to them, the students read more fluently. She releases their feel-good hormone, which competes with the stress hormone. And after reading, the students get to do a trick with Zelda if they want. They especially like high-five.
As more municipalities explore similar initiatives, the evidence of benefits continues to grow, with researchers emphasizing the importance of proper training and certification for the dogs involved.
It must be a dog that suits the job and that thinks it's fun. And the students must themselves want to meet Zelda. The most important thing is that both the students and the dog feel good.
I think she likes this. She likes to work, use her head, and likes both children and the elderly.
I hope for more assignments here at the library.
She becomes an extra resource in the classroom.