PETS PREVENT PRISONERS REOFFENDING - Joan Dalton, Oregon, USA
The therapeutic power of dog interaction has been highlighted by the results of Project Pooch (Positive Opportunities, Obvious Change, With Hounds), showing that 100% of teenage offenders following a dog therapy programme did not return to the correctional system. Demonstrating many behaviour problems such as being out of control, dislike for authority and poor social manners, problem youths are paired with problem dogs so that they can learn acceptable behaviour from each other. Results provide promising outcomes for the ability of dogs to teach troubled youth responsibility, patience, compassion and a positive work ethic. |