Introduction to the Canine Leadership Program
At the Fort Bend County Juvenile Detention Center, a unique program is helping young people learn new skills while also giving shelter dogs a second chance. The Canine Leadership Program, run by the county’s juvenile probation department, has been in operation since 2011. The program allows kids aged 10-17 who have been charged with criminal offenses to work with dogs from the county’s animal shelter, teaching them basic commands, dog behaviors, and how to read their body language.
How the Program Works
The program’s curriculum is designed to help the kids develop soft skills such as compassion, empathy, and responsibility. About 15 juveniles are involved in the formal 10-week curriculum, but the program’s leaders also bring the dogs inside the detention facility to work with kids who aren’t eligible for the class. In total, around 75 kids currently work with the dogs, either through the class or more informal training. The program’s leaders say it allows the kids to learn new skills while also helping the shelter dogs become more adoptable.
Benefits for the Kids
The program has a significant impact on the kids involved. Many of them are scared of dogs at first, but as they learn how to communicate with them, they become more confident. The program helps the kids develop problem-solving skills, learn how to work together, and understand the importance of responsibility. As one 17-year-old girl in the program said, "It means being able to take some dogs from a bad situation and help them build from it – like, teach them new skills and try and get them to be healthy and just to find a better home."
Benefits for the Dogs
The program is also beneficial for the dogs. The kids help train the dogs, making them more adoptable, and provide them with the care and attention they need. The dogs are housed in a kennel on the edge of the detention facility, and the kids are responsible for feeding, walking, and training them. As a result, the dogs become more socialized and better behaved, increasing their chances of being adopted.
The Impact of the Program
The program has a positive impact on both the kids and the dogs. It helps the kids develop new skills, builds their confidence, and teaches them about responsibility. For the dogs, it provides them with the care and attention they need, making them more adoptable. The program also helps to reduce stress and anxiety in the kids, as interacting with dogs has been shown to lower cortisol levels and boost oxytocin.
Getting Involved
The program costs around $105,000 per year to run, including personnel costs and operating supplies. Fort Bend Partnership for Youth, a nonprofit that supports the county’s juvenile probation department, covers the costs of supplies that aren’t funded by the county. Community members can get involved by volunteering as mentors with the probation department or giving a donation to the nonprofit for the canine program.
Conclusion
The Canine Leadership Program is a unique and innovative program that benefits both the kids and the dogs involved. By teaching the kids new skills, building their confidence, and providing the dogs with the care and attention they need, the program is making a positive impact on the community. As the program continues to grow and develop, it is likely to have a lasting impact on the lives of the kids and dogs involved, and serve as a model for other programs to follow.
