A dog training program pairs dogs with inmates, helping both prepare for their homecoming.
Professionals like dog behaviorists are the most qualified to teach our furry friends good behavior techniques. But they aren’t the only people allowed to train dogs. This is why this story is a unique one, at it focuses on dogs being trained by unlikely volunteers. As you’ll see later on, inmates training adopted dogs has a profound impact on both the lives of canines and humans. This story is one of hope and finding joy on the other side of tragedy.
Pawsitive Partners, a non-profit organization providing agility training services for canines, will be visiting Kentucky prisons to introduce their program and help inmates learn about dog training. The non-profit organization adopts dogs from shelters, leads them through the program, and pairs them up with inmates who will train them in basic commands.
According to Tracey Hagan, Pawsitive Partners’ coordinator, the impact of the dog training program is undeniable. She shared that the first time she went in a unit, it was all chaos—people were all over the place and being loud. Now, whenever she goes in, she notices the calmer environment. It’s because of the dogs, she added.
“Dogs are Like Kids with Autism”
Tracey is also a dog trainer for almost 20 years, which is a career she hadn’t thought of until she had her son. She got into it when she was looking for a dog trainer for her son who has autism. She was quite the observer while watching the dog trainer work. And then something clicked. She realized that dogs and kids with autism have similarities. That’s when she finally decided to make dog training her full-time career.
Tracey got her chance when a friend asked for help with the program of Pawsitive Partners. Since then, Tracey has been committed to helping rescues find fur-ever homes, which is basically the final goal of the dog training program. But by letting these dogs be trained by inmates, the organization also manages to help prisoners prepare for their life outside the cell.
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Importance of Training Dogs in Basic Commands
Training your pup in basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” could help them remain well-behaved into adulthood. More importantly, knowing these commands will keep dogs away from dangers. For instance, with the “come” command, you can prevent your pup from running into vehicles or other dangerous items.
Additionally, training dogs can be some sort of bonding between the pet and the owner. It also provides a sense of accomplishment for dogs, which is important in building their confidence and overall personality. Perhaps the most helpful benefit of training dogs in basic commands is correcting unwanted behaviors. For example, people with pets who jump on people will find the basic commands “down” and “sit” useful when teaching their pups how to greet people in a calm manner.
It’s also worth noting that adult dogs can still learn new tricks. Yup, contrary to popular belief, a dog is never too old to train. But of course, you need to consider other factors like overall health condition. So whether you’re thinking of adopting an adult dog or your current furry companion needs a refresher, training them in basic commands could improve their behavior and strengthen bonds at the same time.
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From The Club
I admire what Pawsitive Partners are doing for rescue dogs and the Kentucky inmates. While this program is new to me, I see how it can change the lives of canines and humans for the better. I love how the adopted dogs made the prison units much calmer. Our furry companions really have that power to reduce stress and help with emotional and social skills. At the same time, it’s heartwarming to see inmates doing their best in making a difference to the lives of those adopted dogs. This is a story I’d love to follow!
