Pawsitive directions (Cont'd)
The handlers are encouraged to become law-abiding citizens. As a participant works through the Phases of Pawsitive Directions, she gains numerous benefits as she:
- contributes to society by rescuing and training an unwanted dog
- experiences a completely accepting, non-judgmental relationship with her rescue dog
- becomes exposed to another disenfranchised group by training an assistance dog
- becomes skilled in operant conditioning, a non-punitive, reward-based system of training
- practices self-discipline and setting boundaries
- learns to end relationships in a healthy manner
- learns to respect the efforts and successes of others in the program