Location Search ZipCode:

Share |

Translation Information >

Open Your Own DogSmith Franchise

Sign Up For Free Monthly Newsletter

Free Dog Training Classes

Open Dog Training Group Classes

The FEATS® Prison-Pups Program

Force-free Education And Training Solutions

Inspired by the original prison pet partnership introduced to the Washington State prison for women by Sister Pauline Quinn in 1981, The Force-free Education And Training Solutions (FEATS) program teaches prison inmates to train and care for dogs as a way to provide inmates with valuable technical and interpersonal skills while increasing the adoptability of shelter dogs that may otherwise have been euthanized.

Using "force-free' training methods, each dog is assigned to a team of three inmates, a trainer, an assistant trainer and a care giver. The inmates, with their assigned dogs, attend weekly training sessions with a certified FEATS instructor and are responsible for continuing the dog's training throughout the week. For 8 weeks the dogs live full time with the inmates and become crate trained, house-trained, receive necessary socialization with people and other dogs and learn basic obedience including 'sit,' 'stay,' 'come,' and to walk loosely on a leash.

After graduating from the program the dogs are adopted by a family from the local community. The behaviors learned by the dogs are a great benefit for the adopting family and every dog will be spayed/neutered, current with their vaccinations and micro-chipped.

Inmate participation in the FEATS program is considered a privilege and only model inmates are accepted. This has proven to be a great incentive in prison communities for inmates to work hard to become eligible and stay in the program. Through these programs inmates have the opportunity to learn skills and responsibilities that benefit their life. Since the dogs live with the inmates they have plenty of time to work with and care for the dog.

In addition to the practical skills developed through the FEATS program, interacting with animals has been shown to have therapeutic value in a wide variety of settings including hospitals and schools and can help reduce feelings of isolation. Connecting with a dog has been shown to help promote a healthy mental state, ease boredom and restlessness and give purpose to everyday routine. Inmates have also reported feeling positive about giving back to their community by helping stray dogs become more adoptable and find a good home. In a more general sense, facilities benefit from FEATS dog training programs and many have reported a decrease in overall behavioral problems and improved public relations.

Current FEATS Dogs

Jack Young adult neutered male Jack Russell Terrier He gains more confidence every day, but still has a few fear issues and will need a home understanding of his needs that can provide him with enough exercise to keep him happy.	Chevy Approx 1 yr old M(N) pointer mix Very sweet and laid back	Jade Approx 2 yr old F(S) Husky mix Shy but very sweet and smart	Lucky Approx 2 yr old F(S) Beagle Loves to run and play ball

Molly Approx 7 month old F(S) Florida Brown Dog Very playful	Peaches Approx 2 yr old F(S) Boxer mix Very sweet and playful	Sally Approx 2 yr old F(S) heeler mix Very smart	Sky Approx 2 yr old F(S) Heeler/aussie mix Very smart, loves to learn new things