FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 10/03/2017 Contact: Liz Ford, Animal Services Supervisor, 319-356-5295 Contact: Capt. Kathy Eschen, Iowa Medical Classification Center, 319-626-4417
Prison dog training program grooms dogs for adoption
Local prison inmates are
teaching and training shelter dogs to prepare them for adoption.
Iowa City Animal Services and
the Iowa Medical Classification Center have teamed up to offer a program that
matches shelter dogs with inmates who temporarily live and work with the
animals to improve manners and teach basic obedience skills.
This is the first program of
its kind in Johnson County, and began in January 2017 with one dog, and has
since helped 18. Every animal that has completed the program has been adopted.
Four dogs are currently being
trained and cared for at the Iowa Medical Classification Center.
“Watching these guys work with the
dogs is amazing,” Iowa City Animal Servicers Supervisor Liz Ford said. “Their handling
and dog training skills are so good. They love it, and the dogs love it.”
Watch our video and hear from inmates who are helping train shelter dogs.
The program uses reward based training methods and lesson plans that are customized for each dog. Weekly check-ins allow Animal Services staff and volunteers to monitor each animal’s progress and changing needs, while also sharing training advice and setting new goals.
The training benefits both the dogs and the inmates. As inmates teach the dogs better behavior, they are also improving themselves.
“This program is really about two different groups being incarcerated and both being pro-social upon release,” Iowa Medical Classification Center Warden James McKinney said. “This is truly a win-win for both the men and the dogs.”
Ninety-five percent of the Iowa Medical Classification Center inmates are released back into society.
“The atmosphere of the whole facility has been uplifted by the gift that the dogs bring, unconditional love.” McKinney said. “It is hard to have a bad day when a dog with a wagging tail is excited to see you.”
