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The Empirical Evidence Supporting Dog Training Programs for Incarcerated People

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Prison Dog Programs

Abstract

Carceral dog training programs continue to demonstrate their value for participants, other incarcerated people , facility staff, and the dogs and their recipients. The programs are based on the therapeutic effects of human-animal interactions . An empirical body of research findings regarding the positive impacts that result from participating in carceral dog training programs continues to grow. After reviewing why incarcerated people need programming and the history of dog training programs, the literature, which is increasingly comprised of studies that use sophisticated research methodologies, is presented. Given the criminogenic nature of the carceral environment, implementing reliable and effective treatment programs is crucial. Participation’s implications for desistance are also explored. The chapter ends with a consideration of the research we still need to conduct.

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Furst, G. (2019). The Empirical Evidence Supporting Dog Training Programs for Incarcerated People. In: Jalongo, M. (eds) Prison Dog Programs. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-25618-0_2

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