Service dog training program coming to Thomson Prison

Those incarcerated at Federal Correctional Institution Thomson will soon embark on a new adventure to train service dogs for veterans. Pawsitive Paws Dog Training is a brand new program for Thomson, according to a spokesperson for the prison, where those incarcerated will have the opportunity to become dog trainers and train future veteran service dogs. As part of the project, Thomson is partnering with the VIP Service Dog Foundation , which has been training and placing service dogs in homes since 2011.

Donna Akers, owner of VIP, said dogs in the program initially were trained to help people with psychiatric struggles, autism and mobility challenges. In the last year, she said, a focus has shifted to training dogs to be companions and helpers for veterans. Under the guidance of professional trainers and volunteers, incarcerated individuals will train puppies in basic obedience, public behavior and advanced skills for 12-18 months, according to the union representing Thomson prison workers.



Prison officials hope the program will provide assistance to those in need, while offering incarcerated men an opportunity to learn new skills, improve self-esteem and earn certifications. People are also reading..

. "We are thrilled to bring this program to Thomson Federal Prison," said Jon Zumkehr, president of AFGE Local 4070. "The benefits are manifold — veterans and differently abled individuals gain crucial support, the incarcerated learn valuable life skills, and the prison environment becomes more positive and calm.

" Akers said to qualify for a service dog, veterans must be out of the military, in good standing, have no felonies and be able to attend training classes with their dog. The dogs will be trained to do basic services like open doors, pick up dropped items, carry bags and assist people in wheelchairs, she said. The idea for partnering with Thomson came about when Akers was talking with a fellow dog breeder about the difficulties of having people train dogs, but not wanting to give them back when they were ready for their new home.

Akers' friend works at Thomson and presented the idea of a training program to the prison board, who approved the idea. The program will start with three, 8-week old puppies as the incarcerated individuals become trained and develop the skills needed to train the dogs, according to a Thomson spokesperson. "This program allows incarcerated individuals to learn new skills, have a sense of normalcy, improve self-esteem, and earn certifications that will help with future employment," an emailed statement read.

"They will learn to teach basic obedience, advanced obedience, and specialized training." Those at Thomson who would like to participate in the program will need to apply, then undergo an interview process prior to being selected as a trainer. While the puppies are being trained, the will live with their assigned handlers until they are ready to graduate to training conducted by the VIP Service Dog Foundation before being placed as a service dog or a skilled companion.

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