Parizad Baria-Unwalla and colleagues (2024) evaluated the effects of a Prison-Based Dog Training Program (PBDTP) on the behavior and welfare of 42 shelter dogs. The dogs were transported to prisons twice a week for 12 weeks, where they received structured training from inmates.
Behavioral tests, including a Temperament Test and Basic Education Test, revealed significant improvements in socialization and obedience skills. Dogs became more playful, friendlier toward humans, and showed better leash walking, calmer separations, and improved command responses such as sit, down, and stay.
Welfare assessments included observation of stress-related behaviors, measurement of salivary cortisol levels, and cognitive bias tests. Results showed stress behaviors were rare, cortisol levels remained unchanged, and no negative effects were observed on affective states. This indicates that the program did not compromise the dogs’ welfare.
Overall, the findings suggest that PBDTPs not only benefit inmates but also provide positive outcomes for shelter dogs, improving their rehoming prospects without causing stress.
Source: Baria-Unwalla, P., Morello, G. M., Queiroz, M., Olsson, I. A. S., & Castro, A. C. V. (2024). What’s in it for the dogs? Assessing the outcomes of a prison-based dog training program from an animal behavior and welfare perspective.
