Pawsitive directions canine program
at Nova Institution Federal Prison for Women
Pawsitive Directions introduces women offenders to the basics of dog training, grooming, and animal behaviour. Participants are given an opportunity to make a tangible contribution to society; after studying theory in Phase 1, each woman promoted to Phase 2 has the opportunity to rescue a dog from a shelter or vet clinic. The dog is trained and returned to the community as a well-trained family pet, or, if dog and handler have the aptitude for Phase 3, the dog may be trained as an assistance dog for a disabled person.
The non-punitive training methods of Operant Conditioning are used in the program. Handlers gain valuable skills while learning alternatives to punishment. The dogs are taught good canine citizenship while the handlers learn responsibility, self-discipline, and how to set boundaries.