Making Lives More Whole

    In a word association game of “ dog” and “criminal,” you might have visions of Rin Tin Tin leaping

into the air and howling over an armed assailant or a pack of bloodhounds on the trail of an escaped

convict or perhaps a posse of pit bulls surrounding a Latin King Pin. For a Gen. X, latchkey kid, a trench

coated Scruff McGruff practically ordering, “Help me take a bite out of crime!” might resonate. For

Disneyphiles, Lady being thrown in the slammer only to discover her Tramp is a playboy might come to

life. None of these have positive connotations. At the Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in

Springfield Missouri the two terms are tethered together in a positive way. Their partnership involving

dedication, discipline, and patience leads to lives changed for the better, both inside and outside Fed

Med’s walls.

    The dog training program, composed of a dozen trainers and ten dogs, falls under the auspices of the

education department. Fed Med partners with the company C.A.R.E.S. ( Canine Assistance and

Rehabilitation Education Services). The company, led by Sarah Holbert, is based out of Emporia, Kansas.

C.A.R.E.S. coordinates with multiple correctional facilities across the region to train service and comfort

dogs. Puppies come to Fed Med usually around 8 weeks old. At that point, they are all stubs, not yet

grown into their legs, tails, and noses. Over the four to five months they're here, they morph into

adolescents with huge growth spurts, both in body and behavior. Golden retrievers and poodles grow

out their distinctive coats. Labs lengthen out. By their departure, dogs are expected to show consistent

mastery of heeling, sitting, lying, waiting, coming on command. They're also trained to avoid licking,

pawing, and jumping on people.

    Once they leave, the dogs go on to other sites where they're skill assessed and subsequently trained for 

specific jobs. Brian Prier, a former trainer who was in the program for 20 months, explained that dogs 

from Fed Med have gone on to work as therapy dogs, assisting adults and children with special needs; 

others become mobility support dogs, aiding people with physical limitations like pulling wheelchairs or 

retrieving needed objects; others with the aid of their acute smell, can sense low blood blood pressure and 

signs of impending seizures. Troy Dock, who has trained eight dogs including his current Irish Doodle 

named Violet, added that some of his dogs have gone to schools and homeless organizations.

    One trainer, whose current trainee is a Cairn Terrier named McGee, stated that the program has

graduated 200 dogs who’ve gone into the community.

    While I've seen Corgies, Schnauzers, Spaniels, and Terriers trained here, the most common breeds are

Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Poodles, and Newfoundlands. Brian Prier explained Labradors are the

“bread and butter” of the company. Labs come in the traditional hues of black and yellow, but also to

my surprise, in a russet tone. The company and partners have bred mixes like Labradoodles, Golden

Doodles, Schnoodles, and Newfie retrievers. Already temperamentally inclined to training, these breeds

and hybrids are often sired and whelped from parents who were service dogs themselves. This makes

them even more dispositioned for the work. I've witnessed 2 month old puff ball Goldies and half - pint

Labs taking to heeling and sitting with remarkable facility. Conversely, I've observed pups being pups,

their attention spans as ephemeral as bubbles. Todd LeRoy, whose current Goldendoodle has a muppet

like look and demeanor, explained that Springfield has a great reputation for sending out well trained dogs.

As a result the company will send breeds here that are more of a challenge to train, like from the terrier

or toy group.

    When a pup arrives, they are sequestered on the 2-1 housing units, the home base of the program. For

the first two weeks, their primary trainer stays with them almost 24/7. This is akin to a newborn forming

a parental bond and aids their acclimation. Their only outside experiences early on are scaling and

descaling the two buildings outside steps for potty breaks in the yard. After this insular period the pup

joins the rest of the program for classes.

    Like newly- arrived pups, a new trainer slowly integrates into the program. Receiving similar attention

and feedback as their canine charges. Brian Prier states, “usually a new person in the program will start

as a secondary trainer, he’ll learn the basics and will help a primary trainer with their dog over several

months before being assigned their own dog.” C.A.R.E.S. provides a manual as a principal guide of how

they want their dogs to be trained. Prier states, “learning and applying this manual is a big part of the

program.” During group classes it is referred to often. One trainer explained, “there are four mentors

who work with less experienced trainers on techniques and methodology." Besides their primary

manual, trainers have access to other books on training methodology and owning a dog training

business.

    A typical day for a trainer involves rising at 5:00 AM, leashing their dogs, and going to the yard for the

day's first potty break according to Ryder, the program's head trainer who has trained thirteen dogs

including his current charge, a Bernardoodle named Dawson. The pups are then fed their first meal of

the day, a kibble designed for puppies supplied by the company. With the dogs fed, trainers have their

own breakfast on the unit or in the chow hall. At 8 AM trainers typically venture to the yard Monday

through Friday to walk their dogs and practice skills and commands. At 9:00 AM, all meet together for

morning class, typically on the yard. During classes, humans and canines will often form circles or rows

on the basketball court. To simulate distractions, trainers will begin to clap simultaneously. The dogs are

expected to remain staid and stoic through the cacophony. Other group sessions involve long sits, figure

eights, and weaving between human obstacles. Eventually, the group disperses from the court. Often a

two -by -two cavalcade makes its way around the entire brick walled perimeter of the yard. Sometimes

the dozen divide into smaller cadres based on the age and learning level of the dog.

    After lunch for both the dogs and trainers, all meet for noon classes Monday through Friday. The group

might meet under the shade of the pavilion or congregate around the picnic tables and steps in front of

a building. Veteran trainers might share insight about what's worked or hasn't worked with their dogs or

what they've noticed observing others. To get the dogs accustomed to following the commands of

others, trainers will switch dogs. This is essential for the dog who will work with a variety of people in

later stages of training and at work.

    Paralleling the approach of Caesar Milan, TV's “The Dog Whisperer” the C.A.R.E.S. methodology 

focuses on the concept of the "alpha” in a dogs psychology. Prier states "a major focus of the program is 

on teaching the dog to view us as the leader of their pack and teaching us to behave in a way that causes 

them to want us to be their leaders." Prier explained that, in a group, dogs form a hierarchy with a top 

alpha followed by a chain of subservients. If the trainer does not assume the alpha role, the dog assumes 

it. To establish and maintain alpha status requires constant and consistent effort from the trainer. It also 

means offering immediate praise or admonishment. Observing a trainer with his dog on the yard, I've seen 

quick Jekyll and Hyde switches from the trainer, one second offering the elongated and singsongy “that's 

a good boy" in approval followed by a short and curt “leave it!” in admonishment. A section of the 

C.A.R.E.S. training manual emphasizes that feedback, no matter the type, has to be instantaneous after a 

behavior for the dog to connect the two, especially puppies with A.D.D. in hyper drive.

    The training approach also requires the trainer to set up clear boundaries with their charges. One trainer

explained, "my dog has lots of boundaries, he does not lick people, nip at them, or go for human food,

he does not get on my bed or jump on people.” Troy Dock explains that other boundaries include no

shaking or sniffing. The dogs in training will potentially work with adults and children with disabilities,

making obeying boundary commands even more imperative. For canines who might be comfort animals

in hospitals, prisons, or post crisis environments, knowing how to be petted and touched while

responding calmly is essential.

    This sometimes “tough love “ approach leads to some misperceptions by other incarcerated men and

staff. Prier explained that observers have accused trainers of being mean or hurting dogs by using

techniques to address undesirable behaviors. Sometimes giving a”scruff shake” to a small dog may elicit

a yelp. Giving a proper chain correction with the slip link collars the company (C.A.R.E.S.) wants us to

use on their dogs gets them more of a reaction from other people than it does the dog. I never noticed

any kind of a "fear reaction” from my dogs, which I believe is apparent to those who have suffered

abuse. Ryder echoes Prier, stating the most challenging part of the program is probably staff and inmate

“experts “ who have strong opinions regarding our methods but have no interest in knowing why we do

what we do. Another trainer added, “many don't understand having an animal for a pet and training a

service dog”. 

    While an outside observer, I will attest that I've never seen a dog cower in anxiety around

a trainer. I have a sister who has two rescue dogs adopted from abusive homes. I have seen the

aftermath abuse has on dogs demeanors. The dogs in the program do not exhibit that. Having 200 dogs

who have gone on to service work from here alone is a strong indicator of the efficacy of the training.

There are some exceptions to a successful track record though. Before I arrived, a Great Dane sent

here was a less than apt pupil. Out on the yard, one afternoon, the Dane pup already the size of a foal,

decided it had enough of heeling, plodding up and down steps, and sitting on command. He plopped

down on the grass and remained an inanimate pile of flesh and fur. No amount of direction, prompting,

enjoining, or tugging would move the obstinate giant. Eventually, its dead weight had to be carried by

two guys across the yard, up the steps and back into the building. Both Brian Prier and Troy Dock stated

their patience was tested by dogs who take longer to learn even after hours of drilling and redirection.

Prier stated, "I tried to remember that I was most likely the one who was not doing a good job of making

the dog understand what they were supposed to do and not do.” Some dogs who move back from basic

training to job specific training but are inconsistent in following commands are sometimes sent to Fed

Med for a month of retraining. Sometimes these returnees are referred to as “probation violators.”

    The training program still recognizes that all work and no play make Rover an antsy boy. Puppies need

time to release their pent up pep. Thus, “puppy play” was invented. Akin to elementary school recess,

the outdoor yard closes from 10:00 to 10:45 AM every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for just puppies

and trainers. Prier states, “ it is the only time the dogs are allowed to be off leash outside their cell. “

The pups are free to jump in the air, roll in the grass, chase each other, play tug of war, and fetch toys.

It’s a highlight in both the trainers’ and dog structured days.

    Having a ratio of twelve men to ten dogs give some leeway for trainers to have some alone time; for

example, they might have a softball or handball game where they can't watch their dog. One trainer on

the floor can sub in to monitor pups, who sleep 10 to 12 hours a day on average, while others are away.

For the most part, though, the dog is the trainer’s shadow whether they're working or drawing in hobby

craft, doing yoga in indoor rec, attending chapel, or sitting in a class. The primary trainer is ultimately

responsible for their dogs even when they're ill. One trainer stated taking care of a sick dog with

diarrhea or vomiting is an unglamouous part of the job like nursing an ill child. When puppies have a

fecal faux pas on the yard’s track pavement, their trainer is responsible for cleaning it up quickly. This

includes filling and lugging a bucket of water to the site of the crime and dumping it to get rid of the

scent as a deterrence to other dogs popping a squat.

The dog program differs from other programs and internships at Fed Med in many ways. While an

education staff member oversees its operations- maintaining communication with C.A.R.E.S.and doing

administration work -the trainers hold themselves and others accountable as much as they do their

charges. One trainer explains all of us are working together toward creating a solid training program for

our dogs. Brian Prier adds, “I really like the community of 12 guys and 10 dogs living together in a space

the size of a small house. We all get to know each other well.” This close knit community fosters active

leadership and mentorship. Veteran trainers will walk alongside novices around the track observing

trainer to dog feedback and correction and in turn offering feedback and corrections to their peers. This

is done constructively and proactively and received receptively. These are soft skills that will transfer no

matter what trainers go on to do after they leave the program.

    Out of all the program and internships here, the dog training cadre is the only one where participants

give back to the outside community. The phrase “paying your debt to society “ is part of the American

public narrative about mass incarceration; it's a nice fairy tale, a convenient form of fiction the populace

largely buys into. The reality is that thousands of citizens are separated from their communities,

warehoused behind walls, and given few opportunities to balance the scales for the harm caused by

their crimes. Programs like C.A.R.E.S. are the exception when they should be the standard. Troy Dock

explained that it is rewarding to hear your dog has gone on to help people. Another stated it's

rewarding to know the dog that you’re training will go on to impact someone else’s life in a positive

way. Prier states, “I knew that the dogs I trained were going to make someone's life better, and that

made-up for the brief pain of having to say goodbye.” Ryder concurs. “The work that we do will change

a stranger's life for the better.”

    The presence of the dogs at Fed Med enhances the quality of life for both those in custody and the

staff. As Jeff McCadden, a former incarcerated and now released, commented to me once, “I've never

seen anyone in my time here whose face didn't light up, whose demeanor didn't relax, and whose

attitude didn't soften when they saw or petted a dog.” Unlike humans, dogs neither prejudge nor

discriminate. They look at a man with disheveled clothes, unkempt hair, a hunched shuffle or vacant

agape face the same as the manicured, the put together and the polished. They neither know nor would

care what crime you've committed or what condition you're diagnosed with. They approached a man

the same way with or without walkers or wheelchairs they are blind to race, religion, region, language,

neurodiversity, age, and health. With Springfield housing individuals with chronic and high need mental

health conditions, the dogs encounter a cross section of humanity. This is a boon for the dog’s training.

They'll be expected to socialize and interact with a variety of people. No matter their ultimate

destination.

    According to one trainer, one special monthly trip the dogs makes the first Thursday of each month is

up to Fed Med’s Hospice Wing on the second floor of 3 building. A large portion housed there are

bedridden and severely limited with mobility and speech. They rarely, if ever, venture off the floor to

interact with the rest of the prison population. The majority will die there. It is a moment of bliss, a

break from monotony for many getting to see and feel a bright eyed soft furred manifestation of love.

The public radio program and podcast the “Peoples Pharmacy,” on a recent episode shared

research about improved health metrics for patients who interacted with comfort dogs during a hospital

stay or illness, surgery or treatment. While not their primary purpose for being here the dogs are

potentially beneficial to a high needs population. For the dog it's good preparation for interaction with

those with disabilities.

    I've witnessed new arrivals, often first time offenders, have a respite from their anxiety while petting

and talking to a dog. For me the dogs have been a salve for the psyche. When I was first arrested and in

county jail for eight days, one ray of light in those dark hours of soul searching and isolation was being

visited by Eddie, a local comfort dog making his weekly rounds. I soon bonded out and reunited with

Annie, my bug eyed, snorting Chihueagle.. One benefit, among many, of being out of jail while awaiting

my case and sentencing to play out was being around her. One of the toughest goodbyes before self

surrendering in May 2021 was giving her one last hug before my sister drove off with her. I knew it

would probably be a final embrace. She was already showing signs of age and living five more years

seems unlikely. While separation from our human families and friends is a struggle, being disconnected

from our pets is also a struggle for some of us in custody. The pups here are welcome surrogates for that

void.

    Part of the dog program includes apprenticeship in animal training. Similar to those apprenticeships

here like HVAC,: Culinary Arts, and dental assistant, participants must log so many hours of work and

achieve proficient scores on exams. Dog training requires nuanced skill and knowledge since that few

people have and no AI program can master, making it a promising career path. The program

“Pitbulls and Parolees” highlights one animal shelter that employs formerly incarcerated

people to look after dogs, train them, and facilitate their adoption for example. While the canine bond

with humanity goes back millennia, more and more of generation Y and Z have proudly proclaimed their

monikers of “dog mom” or “dog dad” or and shell out chunks of their budget to pamper and protect

their pooch.. This creates a fertile environment to start a boutique business for obedience instruction.

Furthermore service dogs will always be in demand for individuals with special needs, no matter the

community. Comfort dogs, specially trained to come into post disaster situations continue to be needed

as people navigate trauma. With the skills honed plus entrepreneurial hustle innate in many former

felons, this program offers a potential path to successful reintegration with a rewarding and lucrative

career. Ryder commented that while it won’t be a primary career, he could see it as a side hustle in the

future.

    Even if it isn’t a career later on, those interviewed said being part of the program will benefit them

post- incarceration. One trainer said "I had a pet dog that did everything a pet does, she got on the

couch, she stared at people during dinner, she put her paws on visitors, my next dog will not have that

problem. Also I have two members in my family with diabetes and I will train the dog for both of them.”

Brian Prier offered,” I don’t think I will pursue dog training as a career but may want to have my own

dog someday. This program has given me some great experience in how to make this relationship very

beneficial to both the dog and me.”

    Fed Med’s dog training program, though small in size, positively impacts the lives of many. As a source

of pride for the institution and highlight of many’s stay here. For the trainers, it’s a singular experience.

Prier states, “being a trainer is not just a job, I believe that it is a commitment to the well-being of a

living creature who cannot take care of their own needs, and who needs to help us to help them and

teach them. The ways they will try every day to pay us back if we do right by them are more than worth

the effort.”