Program Details
Founded in 2011, Alaqua’s Unconditional Love Program pairs adoptable canines with inmates for the purposes of training. The inmates learn empathy, patience and respect while teaching the dogs basic skills, thereby increasing the dogs’ chances of finding forever homes. After graduating from the program, canines are either adopted as family pets or move on for acceptance into a reco
gnized therapy program. Ten canines participate in the program at each facility with new dogs rotating every 10-12 weeks as dogs complete the program and graduate. All of the dogs are evaluated by the Alaqua staff to ensure they are good candidates for the program and once approved they enter the ten week training program. During the first two weeks, the inmates and canines utilize basic orientation skills. The remainder of the program is dedicated to training exercises with the dogs learning to sit, stand, heel and leash walk ultimately leading to program completion. The practice of Jin Shin Jyutsu is introduced early into the program and practiced by inmates throughout the course of the program. Jin Shin Jyutsu is an ancient art that harmonizes the balance of body, mind and spirit through hands-on practice. This practice enhances the bond and results in the ability for both the inmate and canine to grow, change and ultimately experience healing and harmony. The Unconditional Love Program trainer works closely with the onsite staff training coordinators to monitor and track progress of canines and ensure integrity of the program. The Unconditional Love Program ensures that the dogs that are trained have basic skills and sets standards for more involved training. The program also provides inmates a training skill while building a sense of accomplishment, empathy and patience. Similar programs report 97% of inmate handlers and sitters demonstrated greater empathy and decreased depression during incarceration; 87% demonstrated improved communication skills; and institutional staffs report a decrease in disciplinary issues and improved institutional adjustment by inmates involved in canine training programs. The program demonstrates the true picture of second chances, both to the canine and to the inmate. The incorporation of a canine training program into an institution enhances the landscape and environment of the prison, as it takes the involvement of not only the inmate population, but the full support of the correctional staff and administration. Inmates are selected for the program based on a history of institutional adjustment and willingness to participate in the program components. Inmates with histories of repeated violence, crimes against animals or sexual related offenses are not allowed to participate. Canines are trained and cared for by a designated handler and sitters who assist with the day-to-day care of the canine.
