Cell Dogs

The article is from a March 2005 issue of the Journal of Correctional Education, and it goes on (for several more worthy pages) regarding inmate rehabilitation through obidience training with dogs, horses, and a few other animals.

Humanizing Prisons with Animals: A Closer Look at "Cell Dogs" and Horse Programs in Correctional Institutions

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Abstract

If correctional education aims to transform individuals and bring about change, we need to consider the whole person who comes with human needs, emotions and attitudes. In order to expand our approach, alternative programs should be explored. A somewhat unusual but very promising approach to address offenders' human needs is the use of animals in institutions. The majority of these programs have a vocational skills component: Inmates train dogs to become service dogs for the disabled, or they work with horses, either wild mustangs or retired race horses in need of rehabilitation.

Although vocational training is certainly a major consideration, these programs are also highly therapeutic and rehabilitative. Suggested outcomes can benefit many: The inmate, the institution, other agencies, and the community. The purpose of this article is to raise awareness of selected animal-assisted programs in correctional institutions and their reported benefits.

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I think it's great what they're doing to make an already corrupt prison system a little bit of a better place for the inmates, guards, and the dogs. In some prisons, the dogs being brought in are also in need of behavioral rehabilitation, which is a great system as well.

-How do you feel about these types of programs?

-Have you heard of them before?

-Would you want to take part in this program if you were an inmate in a prison who took part in this or a similar program?

-Do you think inmates who have commited violent crimes could benefit from handling the dogs and learning to work with them patiently and non-violently?

-Is it good for the emotional health of the dog?

-Do you think this is a waste of tax money?

Share your thoughts :thumbsup:

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Originally Posted by Purple Banana

-How do you feel about these types of programs?

-Have you heard of them before?

-Would you want to take part in this program if you were an inmate in a prison who took part in this or a similar program?

-Do you think inmates who have commited violent crimes could benefit from handling the dogs and learning to work with them patiently and non-violently?

-Is it good for the emotional health of the dog?

-Do you think this is a waste of tax money?

Share your thoughts :thumbsup:

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I feel very happy about this, knowledge teaches but physical interaction "reaches".

Yeah heard many programs like this, educational rehabilitation works too, I read in a study almost 50% of inmates were either dyslexic or could not read and write properly. A majority of inmates were found to be of average to above average intelligence. It says a lot, to me.


Well, I love animals, so if I was a criminal, i'd love too.

Violent criminals have everything to gain, as most have a difficulty in grasping their emotions and expressing themselves. In contradiction, Sociopaths always love animals (?).


I imagine it could be traumatic for the dog(s). However if the dogs require rehabilitization too I feel there is common ground and something to be positively gained there by everyone.

I can't imagine it being a waste of tax money, teaching inmates how to love animals, they are furry friends and bring out the best in us. Be it love, humanity, guilt, peace, be it physical blood pressure reduction - be it a friend that understands. The last ironically is to me, as much important as it is ignored by society :-)

Peace,
Denial

i saw this shit on on animal planet, it's good to know that hard cold killers can still love a puppy....

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Originally Posted by devilvenom

i saw this shit on on animal planet, it's good to know that hard cold killers can still love a puppy....

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I know! I seen it too! They had these toy guys and then they showed a womens prison that did the same thing.

But part of me kind of wonders if someone with a crime really deserves something so great. Prison is supposed to be a punishment. I mean, i'm sure trhe victims of the persons crime or crimes doesn't want this guy/girl having a good time in prison.

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Originally Posted by rebgirl420

I know! I seen it too! They had these toy guys and then they showed a womens prison that did the same thing.

But part of me kind of wonders if someone with a crime really deserves something so great. Prison is supposed to be a punishment. I mean, i'm sure trhe victims of the persons crime or crimes doesn't want this guy/girl having a good time in prison.

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agreed. However treating criminals like criminals doesn't always help them get better or respect law any more? :-)

Ironic? yes. True? possibly!


Peace,
Denial

Interesting situation. People deserve to have some sort of punishment for the wrongs they do, but what is the purpose if the punishment makes it near impossible to become a successful law abiding citizen again? Deep down, I feel like prisons and jails should focus on making them into better people, because someone in their lives obviously forgot to teach them that.

Very well said Denial! I agree 100%. It's a great program. It helps the inmates recover their humanity and that in turn makes us more humane.

This is awesome my dogs bring so much joy into my life. I just hope no inmates take their anger out on the animals.

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Originally Posted by rebgirl420

But part of me kind of wonders if someone with a crime really deserves something so great. Prison is supposed to be a punishment. I mean, i'm sure trhe victims of the persons crime or crimes doesn't want this guy/girl having a good time in prison.

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What if the inmate was in because of possesion of MJ? Man, I'd love to take care of a dog in prison... I've never been to prison, but I'm sure a couple members of the boards have been there. It relieves stress, and you definitely don't want high levels of stress in prison- higher risks of fights, and even murder of guards or other inmates.

I agree with your point about victims of violent crimes not wanting the inmates to be "having fun," but they've got basketball, TV, rec rooms, and even the internet in a few places; I think having fun in prison despite the fact that they're, well, in prison, is unavoidable with all of the rec programs they have for inmate exercise. I think training the dogs would be fun for the most part, but it also teaches the inmate a sense of responsibility and self control, as well as compassion, that is, if they're able to be rehabilitated.

i think it is a good idea, but certain types of violent criminals, shouldnt be allowed to do so due to safety for the animals, the same goes for people who have personality disorders which cause them to have violent fits of rage. I know that even after spending a 9 hour day dealing with dogs all day, one of the ways i like to relieve stress is goofing off with one of my dogs, moreso now that ive helped make them healthier.

And i think it would be good for the dogs too, but i think instead of having a system where the dogs are in the prisons, the prisoners should go to local pounds and the such and goof off with the pound dogs, they need love too, and many of them dont get the attention they need due to an inefficient system with that.