Cell Dogs

[Purple Banana]

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

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.

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:

Purple Banana Reviewed by Purple Banana on 02-04-2008. 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 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 Rating: 5

[denial102]

-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:

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

[dragonrider]

HAHAHAH!

I can has it?

I promise to feed him, and pet him, and love him, and squeeze him, and wash him, and brush him EVERY DAY! Can we keeep him? Can we?

[Weedhound]

i've read up on these programs and from what I understand they are extremely carefully run and the participants VERY carefully chosen with a whole bunch of criteria needed for them to be accepted as an animal caregiver. They are also overseen EXTREMELY well and so far seem to be work for what they are intended for although I can't speak for a real change once the inmate actually left prison.

[devilvenom]

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

[rebgirl420]

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

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.

[denial102]

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.

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

Ironic? yes. True? possibly!


Peace,
Denial

[scagster]

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.

[BlueCat00]

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.

[HerbalConfusion]

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