Tasmanian Prison Puppies
Three Labrador puppies in training have been sentenced to serve 16 month in Ron Barwick Minimum Security Prison in
Assistance Dogs Australia were proud to introduce the newest members of the Pups in Prison program, Tassie, the black beauty named by the students at the Risdon Vale Primary School, Tarkine, the handsome yellow male of the group named by the staff at the Correctional Centre and Freyci, a pretty little yellow puppy, named through a competition held on the ABC Hobart Morning Breakfast Program with Andy Muirhead. All three have been named after geographical places in
Seven inmates, correctional staff and community volunteer dog trainers are now responsible for the seven day a week training of the ten week old puppies, teaching them basic obedience commands which they will one day use to give freedom and independence to people with physical disabilities. These tasks include opening and closing doors, picking up dropped items and even paying the cashier at the shops.
The aim of the program is to reduce re-offending behaviour, giving the men valuable work skills such as good communications skills and teaching them to work as a team member, while also increasing their self confidence and self esteem.
