Restart Dogs are currently working with Adult Estates training prisoners to raise and train puppies as assistance dogs. The analysis found the program led to a reduction in reoffending（再犯） rates in prisoners compared to those who had not participated.
Based in the UK, Restart Dogs is a vocational education programme that trains adult prisoners to become assistance dog trainers. They raise and train dogs to become assistance dogs, teaching them key skills such as door manners, staying where they are asked, walking to heel on a loose lead, and settling next to their handlers while they work and study. But most importantly, they are learning to have faith in their handlers guiding them through their new adventures and environment.
The programme is paid for by the Prisoners Fund, raised by the work that prisoners do in prison. There are a few conditions that prisoners must meet before they can take part in the programme, for example, they must be free of behaviour-related violation（违反） for a specified period before admittance to the programme as well as continuedgood behaviour throughout the programme.
For prisoners, the benefits of training dogs have been well researched and recorded. Working with professionals to train dogs responsibly allows prisoners to improve their social skills, empathy, self-regulation, respect and overall well-being. The analysis reported a 36% difference in reoffending rates in the training group compared to the control group. These outcomes are similar to those found with more traditional programmes such as education, employment and training programmes.
Meanwhile, for people in need of an assistance dog, there can often be a long waiting list due to the length of time it takes to train an assistance dog—it usually takes two to three years. Thanks to the work that Restart Dogs is doing, as well as training the dogs for future success and happiness, prisoners are able to get a second chance in society!
