The Puppies Behind Bars program places dogs who are slated for special training as guide dogs into prisons, where inmates train dogs from the age of eight weeks to 18 months. The dogs learn basic obedience skills and socializing; and the inmates learn patience and what it means to be responsible for another being.Puppies Behind Bars: A new leash on life
On May 15, 2009, actress Glenn Close went on the Oprah Winfrey show to discuss Puppies Behind Bars.Daily Woof: Glen Close on Oprah to Discuss Puppies Behind Bars (May 13, 2009)
Early Training for Pups
Puppies Behind Bars is a program that uses inmates to train puppies for potential use as guide dogs or to help with law enforcement. The puppies live in the cells with the inmates for 16 months, except when they are furloughed a few weekends every month so they will learn what they can't be exposed to in prison—things such as the noises made by doorbells and coffee grinders and riding in cars and walking down crowded sidewalks.Puppies Behind Bars: A new leash on life
The puppies are not housebroken when they arrive and obey no commands, all of which must be taught by the inmates. Puppies who graduate get additional training as guide dogs, as explosive detectors with law enforcement, or as companions for blind children, war veterans who experience post-traumatic stress disorder, or other people who need companions.Puppies Behind Bars: A new leash on life
References
Fast Facts
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Started in Florida by veterinarian Thomas LanePuppies Behind Bars: A new leash on life
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Formally started in July 1997
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November 1997 at New York's maximum-security Bedford Hills Correctional Facility for womenPuppies Behind Bars: A new leash on life
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Puppies live in a crate in their raiser's prison cell for 16 monthsPuppies Behind Bars: A new leash on life
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Tested to determine their suitability for training as service dogs for the disabled or explosive detection canines for law enforcementPuppies Behind Bars: A new leash on life
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Puppies that don't make the training are donated to to families with blind children or other people who need companionsPuppies Behind Bars: A new leash on life
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Puppies Behind Bars pays all the costs of the training, including supplies and training for the puppy raisers and teachersPuppies Behind Bars: A new leash on life
