Just eight weeks of training gives dogs the essential skills they need.
And, it’s good for incarcerated persons too.
Dogs get essential training.
Our dog training program at the Washington State Penitentiary (WSP) provides essential training and skill-building opportunities for shelter dogs and a unique opportunity for the handlers entrusted to train them. Dogs who go through the program are taught skills to help them pass the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test and find their forever homes.
Dogs selected for the WSP Dog Training Program then attend an intensive 8-week training session and receive around-the-clock instructions from their handlers in a dormitory-style setting. Handlers teach the dogs that good performance gets rewards, such as food or playtime, and bad behaviors are ignored.
Big changes happen in just eight weeks.
To be a candidate for the WSP Dog Training Program, dogs at the Blue Mountain Humane Society (BMHS) exhibit behaviors that make them harder to adopt, such as jumping, barking, pulling on a leash, shyness, or general lack of manners.
Handlers work on commands such as sit, down, come, walking on a leash, and other skills to help the dog pass the CGC test. Once the eight-week training program has ended, the dogs that have been deemed ready can be tested for their CGC certification.
Both people and dogs benefit.
After spending 24 hours a day with their dogs, the handlers have unique insights into their dog’s personalities and behaviors. This information is shared with BMHS, which uses it to find the best homes for each dog.
Because of the partnership between BMHS and WSP, dogs are given a second chance. Dogs who would have been previously overlooked because of behavior issues are now given the training they need prior to being adopted out. We are privileged to be able to help these dogs, and we hope you would feel privileged to rescue one!
Call us for more information at (509) 525-2452.