Rehabilitation is twofold.

Through a partnership with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections, many dog rescues and service dog training organizations throughout the State of Ohio employ prison training programs. Within the walls of the State’s institutions, dogs live 24/7 with an inmate “handler” and learn valuable household skills, such as housebreaking, crate training, and basic obedience commands. These dogs are also well-socialized with humans and other dogs, and are desensitized to grooming and basic vetting at the time of their graduation. Some programs teach advanced skills, to enable the dogs to perform tasks or provide emotional support for their owners. Dogs adopted from these programs tend to be better prepared for home life and have more successful adoptions.

In addition to the service these programs offer to the dog rescues and communities they serve, the men who participate in these programs benefit greatly. Interested candidates must apply, pass a screening process, and participate in a traditional interview process as they would with any job. Once in the program, they learn the importance of hard work and stability, as well as responsible dog ownership. This also affords the handlers an opportunity to gain real-life work experience that can be utilized in a future career. Upon successful completion of the program, handlers are Certified Journeyman Animal Trainers through the Ohio Department of Labor. Many of the programs’ handlers have gone on to work in the dog grooming and training industry post-release.

Established in 2019, the Ohio Prison Dog Coalition provides a connection among all of the active prison dog programs in Ohio. As the Coalition evolves, rescue partners can share best practices and lessons learned with one another, rely on each other for vital resources and assistance, and ensure all stakeholders are committed to delivering best-in-class training programs.

To hear more about how these programs have impacted the handlers, their families, and adopters, click here.

If you are an active program interested in joining the Coalition, are interested in volunteering your time to one of the programs listed, or would like more information, please send us a message.

If you are interested in learning more about the rescues involved or would like to adopt a dog from one of Ohio’s prison dog training programs, please check out our Rescue Partners.