Paws for thought: Clarence Correctional Centre inmates hone puppy training skills
Little dogs are heading to the big house, as well-behaved inmates from a northern NSW correctional centre are given the opportunity to train golden retriever puppies to become assistance dogs.
NSW
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Little dogs are heading to the big house, as well-behaved inmates from a northern NSW correctional centre are given the opportunity to train golden retriever puppies to become assistance dogs.
Private operator of Clarence Correctional Centre Serco has teamed up with Assistance Dogs Australia (ADA) for the new program, allowing inmates to teach puppies due to the nationwide shortage of assistance dog volunteers.
The program aims to reduce reoffending rates and support ADA to train dogs for people with PTSD, physical disability and autism.
The inmates will undergo a vigorous interview process to be considered for full-time employment as puppy carers, with help from professional ADA dog trainers.
Serco Asia Pacific general manager Scott Jacques said the program started in December with four eight-week-old puppies and would expand.
“It incentivises positive behaviour in the prison because inmates want to be included, which then has a positive impact on the whole mental health of the prison,” he said.
he puppies take two years to train and will go on a monthly rotating roster of being in the prison and in the community.
Assistance Dogs Australia CEO Tim Taylor said they were facing a nationwide shortage of volunteers.
“Programs like these ensure we can continue to train assistance dogs and place these dogs with Australians with a disability,” he said.
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