Dogs in prison are changing inmates' lives for the better.
It likely comes as no surprise that the US has the highest recidivism rates in the world. However, dog-training programs (DTPs) implemented in prisons are known to make a difference for the inmates longterm. And in most cases, for the dogs, too.
Teaching a dog is no easy feat without knowledge of training techniques, however inmates are instructed by professional animal trainers to acquire the necessary skills to succeed in this endeavor.
While there are no obedience competitions for dogs in prison programs, there is the opportunity for a second chance, particularly for shelter dogs at risk of being euthanized.
The inmates and dogs in prison programs evolve in ways that simply would not be possible without this opportunity. In these dog-training programs, redemption happens on both ends of the leash.
Not only are the recidivism rates for inmates participating in these programs lower, they are also providing inmates with lifelong skills. Once released, their acquired knowledge offers them the opportunity to build a career and avoid the activities that led them to be imprisoned.
The impact on inmates’ mental health and communication skills is enormous. There is a special bond created between dog and inmate through this process.
By training dogs in prison, inmates feel fulfilled, gain higher confidence, and have more patience and compassion. It is also a way for them to give back to society.
Many of these programs are partnered with local shelters. From being shelter dogs in prison programs, they develop into well-trained companions, eventually finding loving homes and escaping euthanasia.
Prisons and inmate handlers also benefit from these win-win programs as inmates exude more discipline in their day-to-day lives. The resulting lower stress levels for inmates and staff cultivates more positive communication between all parties. Even communication between inmates improves.
There are 290 facilities utilizing dog-training programs in the US.
California’s Paws for Life, Arkansas’s Paws in Prison, and New Mexico’s P.A.W.S (Prisoners and Animals Working toward Success), are all partnered with shelters to assist in lowering euthanasia rates and recidivism rates.
Montana’s Prison Paws functions a bit differently. Instead of providing inmates shelter dogs to work with, their training services are available to dog owners. A dog can be sent to the four-week training program to learn basic commands and manners. This alternate approach still succeeds in uplifting inmates by providing a shared goal between them and their appointed animal trainee.
As a Dallas-based magazine, the program that hits closest to home is Texas’ own Paws in Prison.
Paws in Prison serves Lockhart, Seguin, San Antonio, Austin, and the surrounding Texas communities. It has focused on providing female inmates with the opportunity to work with dogs in prison since 2007 and has even been featured on TV.
It is partnered with local shelters and has helped home over 500 dogs since its start alongside assisting to rehabilitate thousands of women!
Through Paws in Prison, women are able to earn in-house certifications and Texas Department of Criminal Justice on the job training certificates which can potentially benefit them in their search for employment once released.
Beyond setting these women up with an abundance of new career opportunities, Paws in Prison also acknowledges that through “helping to heal another, an individual allows their own healing to begin.”
The positive impact that dogs in prison programs can have on the inmates truly does go much further than quantifiably tangible results. It is not just about professional goals being more accessible, but moreso an improvement in the inmate’s overall well-being.
It is a lifeline thrown. It is a guiding hand, or rather paw, reaching through the shrouded uncertainty of life and pulling the person up to a place where hope, joy, and connection can be found.
If you are interested in adopting a shelter dog that has been trained in one of these programs, head to their website to see the dogs they currently have up for adoption.
Arkansas, Paws in Prison: https://doc.arkansas.gov/correction/paws-in-prison/
California, Paws for Life: https://pawsforlifek9.org/
New Mexico, P.A.W.S.: https://www.cd.nm.gov/divisions/adult-prisons/nmcd-prison-facilities/southern-new-mexico-correctional-facility/prisoners-and-animals-working-for-success-paws/
Texas, Paws in Prison: https://www.pawsinprison.com
If you are located elsewhere in the US or want to look into other programs within the listed states, you can search “dog training prison programs” and “your state” to learn more.
