03/02/2012Posted : February 03, 2012
Scheme offers hope to rescue dogs and young offenders

A postgraduate student from the University of Stirling has collaborated with Dogs Trust and the Scottish Prison Service to create "Paws for Progress", the first prison-based dog training programme in the UK.

Based at HM Young Offender Institute (HMYOI) Polmont, and aptly named Paws for Progress, the pioneering programme involves young offenders training rescue dogs from the nearby Dogs Trust West Calder rehoming centre.

The aim is to help offenders address their behaviour and develop employment skills in preparation for release. The scheme could also increase the chances of the dogs involved being rehomed.

The project was instigated by Rebecca Leonardi, as part of her psychology PhD at the University of Stirling, and was inspired by the success of a similar programme in America (Project POOCH).

Under the scheme, every prisoner is paired with a dog and made responsible for its development and accountable for its behaviour. They are taught never to use punishment, and are encouraged to use positive reinforcement techniques, like rewarding good behaviour. The dogs involved have all been carefully selected by Dogs Trust experts.

It is hoped that by completing the programme, prisoners will enhance their employability, develop social skills and gain the confidence to be positive about their future prospects. Students can achieve an SQA which, for many, is their first qualification.

Ms Leonardi said: "The young men involved in the programme are going through difficult and challenging periods in their lives. They are aware of how their attitude and behaviour impact upon their allocated dog's progress and work very hard to ensure their dog is given the best chance of a happier future. When they see how the dogs change as a result of their hard work, it is very rewarding and they realise that they are capable of changing too."

It will be some time before the impact at HMYOI Polmont can be fully evaluated so, with the help of the prison and Dogs Trust staff, Ms Leonardi will evaluate the effectiveness of the programme over the next three years.

Kate Donegan, governor at HMYOI Polmont said that, as a result of their involvement in the programme so far, the young men at Polmont have enhanced their employability and literacy skills. She said: "I look forward to reading Ms Leonardi's findings in the future and seeing how this research can be utilised to improve the efficiencies of the prison estate."

Susan Tonner, manager of Dogs Trust West Calder, said: "We're very excited to be part of this groundbreaking project. The dogs taking part benefit from extra training and socialisation which, in many cases, increases their appeal to potential owners."

• For more information on this project, visit the University of Stirling's Paws for Progress project page.