The Pen Pals Inmate Trainers

There are many aspects of the Pen Pals program that have helped me grow while here at JRCC.  I've learned how to work as a team and how to teach new handlers how to train dogs.

The program also brings a new responsibility to our lives here as we have to take care of our dogs, making sure they get trained properly as well as taking them outside no matter what the weather may be.

The style of training we use is called clicker training, which focuses on positive reinforcement.  This teaches the dogs that when they do what we want them to do good things happen.  This same principle can be used in everyday life from teaching your children, to getting your employees to work harder for you.

Pen Pals is one of the best programs I have ever experienced, mostly because I know I am helping a dog that - if not for Pen Pals would likely euthanized - but now will go and be part of a family who will love and enjoy him/her for years to come.

-Mark M.

The Pen Pals program has a long-reaching, positive impact on so many lives, both human and canine, with prison walls and beyond.

The incarcerated men and women of this program quickly forge an incredible bond wiht and respect for the four-legged friends. I believe this is because they can relate to the dogs' circumstances, and in many ways, share the same plight.

Whatever circumstances bring a dog to Pen Pals, quite ofter (their problems) can be covercome with a little ingenuity, a lot of patience, and care.  Thoses are qualities that the SOS Pen Pals members learn are necessary  in order to produce well-trained desire to see their dog be successful.

Personally, I view these dogs as a refelection of myself, living vicariously through their success.  It is an overwhelming sense of accomplishment to help an animal overcome behavioural barriers and walk out of those gates to become a product member of society.

Being involved in this program helps incarcerated men and women develop essential life skills.  It causes them to evaluate their own behavioral disorders and teaches them alternative solutions to overcomve them.  It shows them that desired results are easily obtained by positive interations. It gives them that experience of working together with others toward a common goal.  And last but not least, it gives them an opportunity to contribute something good to society.

-Mike D.