RESCUED PETS ROCK!!!
Paws In Prison
Transforming Lives Two at a Time!
We are very honored to have been asked to create this detailed curriculum and program for the therapeutic benefit for both the inmate and the rescue dog!
Please consider supporting this amazing program!
The Program
The Inmate Trainers
- Inmates have to meet VERY strict criteria to be considered for the program, so competition can be great.
- If they meet the criteria, then they complete an application and write an essay on why they should be chosen.
- Must do an in-person job interview with us (CPP Trainers)
If these inmates violate any rule or have incidents with other inmates, their privilege to be in the program is immediately taken away.
Therefore, inmates have an incentive to maintain good manners and follow the rules.
It is also a big reason other inmates have been reported to follow this lead in the hopes of being picked for the program.
Once we have "hired" the trainers they will have 4 weeks of classes before the dogs move in. We want our dog trainers to really understand dog behavior. A large portion of our curriculum is designed for the trainers- focused on dog body language, understanding "how" dogs learn and good handling/training skills!
We are creating dog trainers - NOT simply inmates training our dogs!
The Dogs
- The dogs in the program are rescues.
- They are dogs that need obedience training.
- These dogs will not have aggressive behaviors or histories of aggression.
- Once they complete the program they will be up for adoption as highly trained dogs!
During this time, the dogs live with their trainers 24/7.
There are two trainers to one dog.
One is the primary trainer and the other the secondary trainer.
We give each dog a mock AKC Canine Good Citizenship test before they leave the prison and head to their new homes. This assures their adopting families they’ve overcome their behavioral issues and should be a great addition to their family.
The Training
We are focused on obedience training.
Dogs will learn in a reward based positive way.
- Sit
- Lay
- Stand
- Stay
- Wait
- Touch
- Place
- Loose Leash
- Recall
- Attention & Focus
- How to greet a stranger
- A few tricks
- and many more manners.
The dogs have enrichment schedules, training schedules, exercise schedules and rest schedules.
They are very socialized with people, sights and sounds!
Our program is designed to be 12 weeks- 24 weeks of intense training!
Prison dog programs have shown to lower recidivism rates.
For one prison in particular the recidivism rate was 11% for those that participated in prison dog programs & 68% for those that didn’t.
These intervention programs benefit more than just the handler and the dog, they help the community. The dogs are learning good manners, gaining confidence, and becoming more adoptable!
The handlers gain patience, learn a new set of skills, and gain a great level of empathy and compassion.
Working and interacting with animals has therapeutic value in a wide variety of settings and prison is no exception.
Many offenders feel isolated and unvalued.
Working with a dog can help promote a healthier mental state and reduce boredom and restlessness, big problems in many correctional facilities. In many cases, the barriers of fear and mistrust between staff and inmates are lowered.
This second chance at life is one thing the inmate and dogs have in common. It creates a very special bond between them. The inmates know they’re helping the animals, and in return feel they’re being given another chance too.
Inmates have stated the prison dog program has changed their lives, and that it helps them feel they can succeed at something.
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Wags & Wiggles