Rescue dog training programme
Our rescue dog training programme at HMP & YOI Polmont has been running successfully since 2011, and continues to expand to benefit the students and dogs participating.
“The dogs—they change the way you think and the way you act. They trust you, it’s that mutual bond. You think you’re helping them but they’re helping you too.” Student, Paws for Progress.
In this pioneering service, young men are taught how to train and rehabilitate rescue dogs for re-homing. Working under the guidance of the Paws for Progress Training Instructor and Course Instructor, participants learn to work as a team and use positive reinforcement methods, such as clicker training, to help the dogs.
The service is carefully designed so that it is beneficial for the dogs who are involved, helping them to find new homes as well as providing valuable dog care education for the young people, influencing their attitude toward dog ownership in the future.
Our key aims for the young men taking part are:
- Improve behaviour.
- Develop employability skills.
- Increase engagement in education.
- Enhance well-being.
Our key aims for the dogs taking part are:
- Improve their behaviour.
- Improve their welfare.
- Increase their chances of being successfully rehomed.
“Even apart from the qualifications and certificates we get at Paws for Progress, we get something more than that. It’s the sense of accomplishment, when you’ve taught something, even just one thing. Whether you’ve taught your dog or you’ve helped another student, you feel like you achieved a real goal. And when my dog achieves something, well then I’m really happy, because I know that dog is one step closer to getting a home.” Student, Paws for Progress.
“Working with Paws for Progress was a privilege and I’m very grateful for the opportunity. I would highly recommend Paws for Progress to anyone who has a passion for helping animals and would like that second chance to change for the better.” Student, Paws for Progress.
“Some specific new and interesting work is going on (at HM YOI Polmont) and I particularly cite the ‘Paws for Progress’ initiative (where young offenders work with dogs from a dog charity) which is inspirational in its effect.” Hugh Monro CBE, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons for Scotland. Report on HMYOI Polmont, January 2013.
“Paws for Progress delivers a resourceful and creative approach to education, allowing the students to experience the many benefits of learning, improve their mental well-being and increase their prospects of employment when they return to their communities.” Sue Brookes, Governor of HM YOI Polmont, 2013.