There exists a dog obedience training program that exists in a few prisons across the country that has met with great success for the dogs as well as the inmates. Inmates are given dogs that may have initially been put to sleep due to no fault of their own. They were either abused, abandoned, or neglected to a point where they do not even know how to behave like a normal dog, or they have negative behavior issues.
This program serves a double duty purpose. Dogs that may have been unadoptable due to behavioral issues, are now being successfully placed in good homes and the program is resulting in positive signs in the inmates behavior also. Prison authorities report that the inmates overall attitude, self-esteem, and disposition improved and some became less of a management problem. To participate in the program the inmates have to stay out of trouble. The inmate’s focus is on their dogs.
Prisoners are given the responsibility of training the dogs basic commands such as sit, shake, and lie down. The dogs live with the inmates 24/7 and days are spent bonding and training.
One of the most painful parts of the program is also the sweetest. Graduation – when the dog must leave the prisoner because they are adopted.
One inmate described how caring for dogs affected her life. She said that behind bars is an extremely lonely life where hugs and physical contact are not allowed. So you are amongst many people but never have the human touch and you are alone in a crowd. The dogs provide the love and all the hugs you want and fill that gaping hole of loneliness for her.
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