Puppies Behind Bars

Solutions to inmate redirection and contributions after release have always been a concern of communities all over America. It is an extremely serious issue that many towns currently face. How can we help prepare our current inmates for purposeful and successful lives outside of prison? I discovered a foundation that's doing just that while also helping to provide people with the companions or coworkers they need.

Puppies Behind Bars trains inmates to raise puppies to become service dogs for the disabled and explosive detection canines for law enforcement. Some are also given to returning soldiers from Iraq or Afghanistan through the Dog Tags program. The puppies arrive in prison when they are eight weeks old and live there until they are anywhere from twelve to twenty months of age. Those being trained to be explosive detection canines tend to leave when they turn one year old; those in training to become service dogs for the disabled, stay until they are almost two years old.

The dogs are first assigned to an inmate who will be their primary caregiver and trainer; some of these inmates have even committed murder. They are trusted with the dog's life. For many, it is the first time they have succeeded in a career like position. The dog and trainer develop a bond that could never be created by another prison program. Many of the inmates involved in this program say that they dogs have helped train them as well. They have become more compassionate, caring and responsible. Puppies Behind Bars is a program that actually rehabilitates prisoners.

I think this may be one of the greatest solutions to inmate rehabilitation ever. Not only does it provide the inmates with a job, it also gives them a sense of compassion, responsibility and worth. However, it doesn't only improve the inmates lives. the dogs are properly trained and are either sent to work detecting explosives for the police force or are given to a veteran in need. The cost of training these dogs in this environment is significantly less than it would be to have them trained in other facilities.

I'm sure some would argue that dogs trained by prisoners would not be as reliable as dogs trained by professional trainers. However, I disagree. I believe that the relationship the dogs develop with their inmate-trainers is just as strong, if not more intense than the traditional trainer and his dogs. Also, the trainers and animals are constantly supervised by trained professionals.

So how can I help this organization? They have several opportunities available to volunteers such as puppy socializers, Paws and Reflect volunteers and advocates of the organization's work. Puppy socializers are needed to aid in the socialization of the puppies. You are required to take a puppy on at least two socialization trips per month, or for one weekend each month. Examples of socialization include: going into stores and restaurants, walking on different streets, and attending events like softball or soccer games. The dogs need the self-confidence to handle varied environments and stress levels. In order to develop this confidence, they must be exposed to as many positive experiences as possible. Paws and Reflect volunteers take puppies to visit home bound elderly citizens in New York City to provide additional socialization for the puppies and extra love and company for seniors who rarely leave their apartments. For those who are unable to do either of these, there are always chances to advocate the work of PBB. Providing more information to people interested in the program is a great way to help the success of PBB.

For more information,visit http://www.puppiesbehindbars.com/index.asp.