Perceived effects of dog-training programmes in correctional settings

Abstract

Purpose – Offender-led dog-training programmes (DTPs) are increasingly used throughout US correctional facilities. The rather sparse literature on these programmes is outlined in this manuscript, including the reported benefits of participation. The purpose of this paper is to examine the opinions of programme coordinators and staff from 13 programmes. Design/methodology/approach – The perceived effects were measured using an open-ended questionnaire, with attention paid to those benefits reported in the extant literature. Findings – Respondents noted improvements in several factors including impulsivity, self-efficacy, empathy, social skills, emotional intelligence, and employability. Practical implications – It is argued that DTPs should be implemented in other countries including the UK, and that well-designed, larger scale evaluations are needed. Originality/value – Though potentially limited by sample size and self-selection biases, these findings expand on the existing literature by supporting existing reports as well as expanding the breadth of the DTPs that have been studied.

“You Think You’re Helping Them, But They’re Helping You Too”: Experiences of Scottish Male Young Offenders Participating in a Dog Training Program

“…These themes mapped onto the program’s aims of improving behavior, increasing educational engagement, developing employability skills, and enhancing well-being (see Table 1 ). The perceived benefits are also congruent with those previously identified by participant and staff evaluations of prison based DTPs [ 10 , 13 , 15 , 20 , 22 , 27 , 28 ]. Although there are a variety of program models, AAIs encourage participants to interact positively with animals and people in a non-threatening and supportive environment [ 16 ].…”

“…The clear overlaps in how participants perceive their experiences indicate that, despite considerable variation in DTPs, similar processes are likely to underpin the positive outcomes described [ 16 , 24 ]. These domains can also be related conceptually to factors influencing future desistance from crime [ 9 , 22 , 28 , 51 ] or public health needs in this population [ 39 , 45 , 46 ].…”

“…The opportunity to participate in animal programs can be an incentive for inmates to improve behavior; in combination with improved engagement and skills this has the potential to contribute to a reduction in recidivism [ 21 ]. Perceived benefits are not limited to program participants; for example, other prisoners, staff, and community members are also positive in their overall evaluations of DTPs [ 13 , 17 , 22 ]. In community service programs, the effective rehabilitation and reintroduction of the dogs into the community delivers additional positive outcomes, by both improving their welfare and ameliorating a societal problem in dealing with unwanted animals [ 12 ].…”

An experimental trial of a dog-training program in a juvenile detention center

“…Anecdotal evidence from participants, detention staff, and the juvenile court signal that the program is held in high regard. Delivery of a dog-training program -even with less than optimal results -provides another outlet for detention center residents; one that supplements educational and recreational activities at relatively low cost (Cooke and Farrington 2014). The lack of harmful results coupled with an inexpensive program that provides an opportunity for participants to give back to the community in tangible or intangible ways may be enough evidence for administrators to sponsor animal-assisted activity programs in their facilities.…”

“…In combination, these factors may further damage adolescent development and leave juveniles at-risk for future justice system contact. Dog-training programs may offset some degree of harm or risk by cultivating humananimal bonds and a sense of purpose or identity (see Cooke and Farrington 2014), but the evidence to support such claims is underdeveloped.…”