paws4prisons
The paws4prisonsTM Program teaches federal inmates to train various types of Assistance Dogs and then manages and supervises the training of these Assistance Dogs for and in support of the mission of the paws4peopleTM foundation.
paws4risonsTM is a paws4peopleTM foundation Program.. The paws4peopleTM foundation privately places trained, certified and insured Assistance Dogs (AD) with individuals with physical, neurological, psychological and/or emotional disabilities, including civilians (generally adolescents under the age of fourteen) through its paws4peopleTM Assistance Dog Placement Program (p4pADPP) and with Veterans, Active-Duty Service Members (ADSM) or their dependents through its paws4vetsTM Assistance Dog Placement Program (p4vADPP).
The Program inmates, a very high percentage of which have PTSD or C-PTSD, learn how to train (basic and advanced obedience commands) to “shelter-rescue dogs,” then progress to training very highly-trained Serviced Dogs, some of which know in excess of 130 commands. The program inmates also participate in the customized training, public access training, certification testing and final placement processes for their dogs, including the transfer training process of the dog’s “Service Dog Team Partner.” This program has served as an inmate rehabilitation program and has considerable success in aiding inmates with PTSD/C-PTSD to recover, or at the very least, better cope with, their PTSD/C-PTSD and its symptoms by utilizing the therapeutic benefits of “Special K-9 Powers” possessed by the dogs they train.
[Note: Please see “The Types of Assistance Dogs Trained” section of this application for a comprehensive explanation of the types of Assistance Dogs trained within the paws4prisonsTM Program.]
The paws4prisonsTM Program, is currently the largest training venue for paws4peopleTM Assistance Dogs. Through agreements with the U.S. Bureau of Prisons (BoP), the paws4prisonsTM Program is currently active in five BoP facilities. Within each correctional facility, the paws4prisonsTM Program is an Honors program, which demands the highest behavior and performance standards of each Inmate who participates in the Program. All Program dogs reside within the prison with their assigned Inmate Trainers, and are taken out of the facility by either paws4peopleTM volunteers, training staff, or–in some programs–the Inmate Trainers themselves for socialization and public access training.
Current paws4risonsTM Training Venues / BoP Facilities:
US Penitentiary Hazelton, Secure Female Facility (SFF), Bruceton Mills, West Virginia
US Penitentiary Hazelton, Federal Prison Camp (FPC), Bruceton Mills, West Virginia
FPC Alderson, Alderson, West Virginia
FPC Jesup, Jesup, Georgia
Federal Corrections Institution (FCI) Morgantown, Morgantown, West Virginia
The paws4prisonsTM Program – management structure
BoP Facility Manager: The facility’s BoP Staff member delegated the management and/or administrative Program control authority/responsibility, by the Facility’s Warden, for the paws4prisonsTM Program.
paws4prisonsTM Program Manager: The paws4peopleTM/paws4prisonsTM volunteer staff member delegated the management and/or administrative Program control authority/responsibility, by the Executive Director, paws4peopleTM, for the paws4prisonsTM Program at a specific BoP Training venue.
paws4prisonsTM Chief Trainer: The paws4peopleTM/paws4prisonsTM volunteer staff member delegated the management and/or training responsibilities, by the Executive Director, paws4peopleTM, by the Executive Director, paws4peopleTM, for both the inmates and Canines assigned to the paws4prisonsTM Program at a specific BoP Training venue.
How Inmates enter the paws4prisonsTM Program
Inmates interested in participating in the paws4prisonsTM Program are invited to attend an Informational Orientation Meeting (IOM).
These IOMs are conducted by an authorized paws4prisonsTM Program Inmate, usually a Senior Trainer. This inmate is approved by the BoP Facility Manager and the paws4prisonsTM Program Manager. These meetings are usually scheduled on a monthly basis. If interest determines that more frequent meetings be conducted the Facility Manager, in concurrence with the paws4prisonsTM Program Manager, can schedule additional meetings.
These IOMs shall include as a minimum, the following:
A paws4prisonsTM Program overview briefing.
Display of “Inside USPH” and/or “Amanda’s Visit to USPH” videos.
Display of “Amanda & ELLIE” and/or “Nicholas & LIBERTY” videos.
Q&A session led by the Program Inmate conducting the meeting.
Hand out Application Packages. [Note: Includes the paws4prisonsTM Application, Part 1 & 2, and the Provisions of Participation]
The Application Package
Each inmate who wishes to submit an application shall have the opportunity to do so. Each completed application must be turned into the BOP Facility Manager or other such designated individual, who shall be responsible only for the collection of the application.
The BoP Facility Manager reviews each application and provides his/her approval of the inmate’s application. Applicant’ whose applications do NOT receive the Facility Manager’s approval shall be removed from further consideration for participation in the program. The inmate will be notified that their application has not been accepted, and that if they are still interested in participating in the program they may re-apply in six months.
Once an application has received the approval of the BoP Facility Manager, the BoP Facility Manager will provide it to the paws4prisonsTM Program Manager. The paws4prisonsTM Program Manager shall review the application and determine if the applicant should be scheduled for an interview.
The paws4prisonsTM Program Manager uses the following criteria as his/her basis for accepting/rejecting the inmate’s application:
Comprehensive completion of the application; i.e. neat, legible, etc.
The skill set(s) and/or experience of the applicant as it would apply the varying needs of the program.
An informative discussion with the program’s Chief Trainer and/or inmate senior training staff.
If the inmate’s application is accepted, the inmate will be scheduled for an interview.
If the inmate’s application is NOT accepted, the inmate will be notified that their application has not been accepted, and that if they are still interested in participating in the program they may re-apply in six months.
The Inmate Interview
The inmate is notified that their application has been accepted and given an interview date/time.
The interview panel consists of, as a minimum, one paws4prisonsTM program staff members. Additional interview panel members may include two or less BoP staff as determined by the BoP Facility Manager.
The paws4prisonsTM Program Manager uses the following criteria, derived from the interview of the inmate, as his/her basis for accepting/rejecting the inmate’s acceptance into the program:
Inmate’s general appearance; i.e. clean uniform worn with USPH/SFF standards, general personal hygiene, etc.
Inmate’s personal presence and/or demeanor.
Inmate’s ability to answer questions as posed by the interview panel.
Inmate’s ability to articulate her reasons for wanting to be a part of the paws4prisonsTM Program.
Subjective opinion as to the inmate’s potential abilities to perform the task necessary to become a successful member of the paws4prisonsTM Program.
If the inmate passes the interview process, he/she shall become a part of the paws4prisonsTM Program as an Entry-Level Trainer.
If the inmate does NOT pass the interview process, the inmate will be notified that their application has not been accepted, and that if they are still interested in participating in the program they may re-apply in six months.
Program Definitions:
Program Dog: Any paws4peopleTM dog placed into the paws4prisonsTM Program. A Program Dog may be in one of two paws4peopleTM K-9 Training Institute (pKTI) training programs; the Assistance Dog Training Program, or the Shelter/Rescue K-9 Training Program.
Dog Training Team: A Dog Training Team (DTT) consists of a specific dog within the paws4prisonsTM Program and the two inmates specifically assigned to support/train that dog. There will be as many as two inmates assigned to a DDT. One of these inmates shall be assigned as the Primary K-9 Trainer. The other inmate shall be assigned as the Alternate K-9 Trainer.
Primary K-9 Trainer: A Primary K-9 Trainer is the trainer who has been assigned the primary responsibility for the training and safety of a specific Program Dog. This individual must have the status of K-9 Trainer or Senior K-9 Trainer.
Alternate K-9 Trainer: An Alternate K-9 Trainer is the trainer who has been assigned the secondary responsibility for the training and safety of a specific Program Dog. This individual must have the status of Apprentice K-9 Trainer or K-9 Trainer.
An inmate must successfully complete the application and interview process prior to beginning the paws4prisonsTM Program, Inmate K-9 Training Program. Once an inmate completes the Inmate Selection Process he/she may begin the Entry-Level K-9 Trainer Program.
Entry-Level K-9 Trainer Program
An inmate who is an Entry-Level K-9 Trainer shall be considered to be in ”Basic Training.” They will not be assigned to a specific DTT, nor will they be required to be housed within the “cells” which house Program Dogs.
An Entry-Level K-9 Trainer must accomplish the following in order to be considered to elevation to an Apprentice K-9 Trainer:
Must take the paws4prisonsTM Program K-9 Foster Manual Course.
The conduct of this course must be “proctored” by the paws4prisonsTM Program Manager, or his/her designated staff member or a designated inmate senior K-9 Trainer. This course must be passed by the Entry-Level K-9 Trainer with a score of 90% or Greater.
Once the Entry-Level K-9 Trainer has passed the K-9 Foster Manual Course, he/she is qualified to handle a dog.
The Entry-Level K-9 Trainer must now accomplish the following:
K-9 Exercise Sessions
A K-9 Exercise Session is defined as a minimum period of thirty minutes in which the Entry-Level K-9 Trainer “exercises” a specific dog. The Exercise Session shall include walking the dog, exhibiting appropriate command control over the dog, playing “fetch” with the dog, or providing other approved methods of exercise for the dog.
It shall be the responsibility of the Entry-Level K-9 Trainer, in coordination with the Lead Inmate K-9 Trainer, to schedule and conduct each of these Exercise Sessions.
Once a specific K-9 Exercise Session is scheduled, it is the Entry-Level K-9 Trainers responsibility to be at the place and time of the training session. Failure to conduct the scheduled sessions, without a valid and appropriate “call-out,” shall be considered a “missed” session. If an Entry-Level K-9 Trainer has two “missed” sessions, this shall be grounds for immediate removal form the program.
The Entry-Level K-9 Trainer must complete twelve (12) of K-9 Exercise Sessions. The first Exercise Session with a new dog (defined as a dog the Entry-Level K-9 Trainer has not worked with previously) shall be conducted under the direct supervision of the Primary or Alternate K-9 Trainer assigned to that specific dog.
An Entry-Level K-9 Trainer must accomplish their twelve (12) K-9 Exercise Sessions utilizing at least three (3) different dogs.
Each K-9 Exercise Session shall be recorded on the K-9 Sessions Tracking Form. During the first K-9 Exercise Session with each “new” dog, the Primary or Alternate K-9 Trainer assigned to the dog shall accomplish the comments section of the form, detailing the events of the session. For the other K-9 Exercise Sessions in which the same dog is used, the Primary or Alternate K-9 Trainer assigned to the dog must sign the form certifying that the particular session was accomplished.
K-9 Command Set Training Sessions
A K-9 Command Set Training Session is defined as a minimum period of thirty minutes in which the Entry-Level K-9 Trainer works, under the tutelage of a K-9 Trainer or Senior Training, with a specific dog. The learning goal(s) for each session should be to gain a practical/working knowledge of each command within the Master Command Sets.
It shall be the responsibility of the Entry-Level K-9 Trainer, in coordination with the Lead Inmate K-9 Trainer, to schedule and conduct each of these Command Set Training Sessions.
Once a specific K-9 Command Set Training Session is scheduled, it is the Entry-Level K-9 Trainer’s responsibility to be at the place and time of the training session. Failure to attend the scheduled session, without a valid and appropriate “call-out,” shall be considered a “missed” session. If an Entry-Level K-9 Trainer has two “missed” sessions, this shall be grounds for immediate removal for the program.
The Entry-Level K-9 Trainer must complete forty-eight (48) K-9 Command Set Training Sessions.
An Entry-Level K-9 Trainer must accomplish their forty-eight (48) K-9 Command Set Training Sessions utilizing at least six (6) different dogs.
Each K-9 Command Set Training Sessions shall be recorded on the K-9 Sessions Tracking Form. The K-9 Trainer or Senior K-9 Trainer assigned to the dog used for the K-9 Command Set Training session shall accomplish the comments section of the form, detailing the events of the session. The Entry-Level K-9 Trainer shall complete the appropriate section of the K-9 Sessions Tracking Form for each session conducted.
A maximum of two Entry-Level K-9 Trainers may be present during a K-9 Command Set Training Session.
BASICs & ABCs Training Courses
Entry-Level K-9 Trainers must take the paws4prisonsTM BASICS and ABCs of the SMARTEST DOG Training Course.
The conduct of this course must be “proctored” by the paws4prisonsTM Program Manager, or his/her designated staff member or a designated inmate senior K-9 Trainer. The following portions of these courses must be passed by the Entry-Level K-9 Trainer with a score of 90% or greater:
Entry-Level Final Evaluation
Once an Entry-Level K-9 Trainer has completed all of the above, he/she shall be eligible for the Entry-Level Final Evaluation. The Chief K-9 Trainer, paws4prisonsTM, shall determine which dog the Entry-Level K-9 Trainer will use for the Entry-Level Final Evaluation. The Entry-Level K-9 Trainer, and the assigned dog, shall complete a “final” dog handling evaluation, under the direct supervision of the Chief K-9 Trainer. Based on the sole, exclusive, and subjective opinion of the Chief K-9 Trainer, the Entry-Level K-9 Trainer shall pass or fail the Entry-Level Final Evaluation. This evaluation will contain portions which demonstrate the Entry-Level K-9 Trainer’s knowledge of the materials covered in the Foster Manual, BASICs and ABCs coursework, and the Entry-Level K-9 Trainer dog handling abilities and knowledge of the command set. The Chief K-9 Trainer, paws4prisonsTM shall provide his/her final determination as to the Entry-Level K-9 Trainer’s level of knowledge and/or proficiency to the Entry-Level K-9 Trainer and to the paws4prisonsTM Program Manager, using the paws4prisonsTM Entry-Level K-9 Trainer – Final Evaluation Form.
Elevation to Apprentice K-9 Trainer Determination Process
Once an Entry-Level K-9 Trainer has completed all of the above, he/she may apply for Elevation to Apprentice K-9 Trainer status, using the Request for Change of Status Form.
The Entry-Level K-9 Trainer shall be notified, that her request for elevation to Apprentice K-9 Trainer has been APPROVED or DISPAPROVED, using the Request for Change of Status Form. If the inmate’s request is approved he/she shall be given an interview date/time. If the inmate’s request is disapproved, he/she shall be informed as to the reason for the disapproval.
The Apprentice K-9 Trainer interview panel shall consist of, as a minimum, two paws4prisonsTM program staff members (one of which shall be the paws4prisonsTM Program Manager). Additional interview panel members may include two or less BOP staff as determined by the SFF Unit Administrator.
The paws4prisonsTM Program Manager shall use the following criteria, derived from the Apprentice K-9 Trainer interview of the inmate, as his/her basis for accepting/rejecting the inmate’s elevation to Apprentice K-9 Trainer status:
Inmate’s general appearance; i.e. clean uniform worn within USPH/SFF standards, general personal hygiene, etc.
Inmate’s personal presence and/or demeanor.
Inmate’s ability to answer questions as posed by the interview panel.
Inmate’s ability to articulate her reasons for wanting to be elevated to Apprentice K-9 Trainer.
Inmate’s performance during her Entry-Level training; i.e., academics, exercise & command set session and the Chief K-9 Trainer’s Final Evaluation.
Subjective opinion as to the inmate’s potential abilities to perform the task necessary to become a successful Apprentice K-9 Trainer in the paws4prisonsTM Program.
The interview shall be conducted under the direction of the senior paws4prisonsTM Program staff member present during the interview.
If the inmate passes the Apprentice K-9 Trainer interview process, he/she shall become an Apprentice K-9 Trainer in the paws4prisonsTM Program.
If the inmate does NOT pass the Apprentice K-9 Trainer interview process, the inmate will be notified that their elevation to Apprentice K-9 Trainer has NOT been accepted. The Apprentice Training interview panel can at this point select two options for the inmate:
Removal of the inmate from the paws4prisonsTM Program, or
Recommend remedial training for the inmate. (This remedial training shall be specifically designed to help the inmate correct her deficiencies which resulted in her NOT being elevated to Apprentice K-9 Trainer status).
Once an inmate attains the status of Apprentice K-9 Trainer, the inmate shall become eligible for placement on a DTT, and shall also become eligible to be housed within the cells reserved for the Program Dogs. Selection and placement onto a DTT shall be based on the availability of a slot within the Program’s operations.
Inmates who attain Apprentice K-9 Trainer status who can NOT immediately be placed onto a DTT shall be placed on the waiting list, which shall be based on seniority determined by the date the inmate was elevated to Apprentice K-9 Trainer status.
A Entry-Level K-9 Trainer may be removed from the paws4prisonsTM Program at the discretion of the Executive Director, paws4peopleTM or the BoP Facility Manager, at any time, when in their individual or collective opinion(s) it is NO longer in the best interest of the paws4prisonsTM Program that an inmate continue to participate in the Program.
Apprentice K-9 Trainer Program
An Apprentice K-9 Trainer becomes a “full-time” member of the paws4prisonsTM Program when he/she is assigned to a DTT. At this point in time, the Apprentice K-9 Trainer shall be moved into a cell in which a Program Dog resides.
An Apprentice K-9 Trainer shall remain in this status for a minimum of three (3) calendar months.
K-9 Command Set Training Sessions
The Apprentice K-9 Trainer must complete thirty-six (36) K-9 Command Set Training Sessions.
The Apprentice K-9 Trainer must accomplish their thirty-six (36) K-9 Command Set Training Sessions utilizing at least two (2) different dogs. Twenty-four (24) of these sessions shall be conducted with their Program Dog under the supervision of the K-9 Trainer or Senior K-9 Trainer assigned to the Apprentice K-9 Trainer’s DTT. The other twelve (12) sessions shall be conducted with a Senior K-9 Trainer, and that Senior K-9 Trainer’s Program Dog. Each of these sessions shall be documented using the K-9 Sessions Tracking Form. Both the Apprentice K-9 Trainer and the K-9 trainer or Senior K-9 Trainer conducting the K-9 Command Set Training Session shall accomplish the appropriate section(s) of the form for each session conducted.
DOG TRAINING Training Course
The Apprentice K-9 Trainer shall take and complete the paws4prisonsTM Program DOG TRAINING Course.
The conduct of this course must be “proctored” by the paws4prisonsTM Program Manager, or his/her designated staff member or a designated inmate senior K-9 Trainer. These courses must be passed by the Apprentice K-9 Trainer with a score of 90% or greater:
Apprentice Final Evaluation
Once an Apprentice K-9 Trainer has completed all of the above, he/she shall be eligible for the Apprentice K-9 Trainer Final Evaluation. The Apprentice K-9 Trainer shall used the Program Dog to which he/she is assigned for the evaluation. The Apprentice K-9 Trainer, and her Program Dog, shall complete a “final” dog handling evaluation, under the direct supervision of the Chief K-9 Trainer. Based on the sole, exclusive, and subjective opinion of the Chief K-9 Trainer, the Apprentice K-9 Trainer shall pass or fail the Apprentice Final Evaluation. This evaluation will contain portions which demonstrate the Apprentice K-9 Trainer’s knowledge of the materials cover in the DOG TRAINING coursework, and the Apprentice K-9 Trainer dog handling abilities and knowledge of the command set. The Chief K-9 Trainer, paws4prisonsTM shall provide his/her final determination as to the Entry-Level K-9 Trainers level of knowledge and/or proficiency to the Apprentice K-9 Trainer and to the paws4prisonsTM Program Manager, using the Apprentice K-9 Trainer – Final Evaluation Form.
Elevation to K-9 Trainer Determination Process
Once an Apprentice K-9 Trainer has completed all of the above, he/she may apply for Elevation to K-9 Trainer status.
The Apprentice K-9 Trainer shall be notified, that her request for elevation to K-9 Trainer has been APPROVED or DISPAPROVED, using the Request for Change of Status Form. If the inmate’s request is approved he/she shall be given an interview date/time. If the inmate’s request is disapproved, he/she shall be informed as to the reason for the disapproval.
The K-9 Trainer interview panel shall consist of, as a minimum, two paws4prisonsTM program staff members (one of which shall be the paws4prisonsTM Program Manager). Additional interview panel members may include two or less BoP staff as determined by the SFF Unit Administrator.
The paws4prisonsTM Program Manager shall use the following criteria, derived from the K-9 Trainer interview of the inmate, as his/her basis for accepting/rejecting the inmate’s elevation to K-9 Trainer status:
Inmate’s general appearance; i.e. clean uniform worn within USPH/SFF standards, general personal hygiene, etc.
Inmate’s personal presence and/or demeanor.
Inmate’s ability to answer questions as posed by the interview panel.
Inmate’s performance during her Apprentice training.
Inmate’s 5-6 minute oral presentation describing what he/she has learned to date in the program, how the program has affected her to become a better person, and why he/she should be elevated to K-9 Trainer Status.
Subjective opinion as to the inmate’s potential abilities to perform the tasks necessary to become a successful K-9 Trainer in the paws4prisonsTM Program.
The interview shall be conducted under the direction of the senior paws4prisonsTM Program staff member present during the interview.
If the inmate passes the K-9 Trainer interview process, he/she shall become a K-9 Trainer in the paws4prisonsTM Program.
If the inmate does NOT pass the K-9 Trainer interview process, the inmate will be notified that her elevation to a K-9 Trainer has not been accepted. At this point the Training interview panel can select two options:
Removal of the inmate from the paws4prisonsTM Program, or
Recommend remedial training for the inmate. (This remedial training shall be specifically designed to help the inmate correct her deficiencies which resulted in her NOT being elevated to K-9 Trainer status).
An Apprentice K-9 Trainer may be removed from the paws4prisonsTM Program at the discretion of the Executive Director, paws4peopleTM or the BoP Facility Manager, at any time, when in their individual or collective opinion(s) it is NO longer in the best interest of the paws4prisonsTM Program that an inmate continue to participate in the Program.
The K-9 Trainer Program
A K-9 Trainer shall remain in this status for a minimum of twelve (12) consecutive months.
Elevation to K-9 Trainer Determination Process
A K-9 Trainer must read The SMAREST DOG, by Dr. Bonnie Bergin and produce an original, 5-page “book report.” The report shall be reviewed by and receive the approval of the Chief K-9 Trainer, paws4prisonsTM.
Once a K-9 Trainer has completed the above, he/she may apply for Elevation to Senior K-9 Trainer status, using the Request for Change in Status Form.
The K-9 Trainer shall be notified, that her request for elevation to Senior K-9 Trainer has been APPROVED or DISPAPROVED, using the Request for Change of Status Form. If the inmate’s request is approved he/she shall be given an interview date/time. If the inmate’s request is disapproved, he/she shall be informed as to the reason for the disapproval.
The Senior K-9 Trainer interview panel shall consist of a minimum of two persons NOT directly associated with the paws4prisonsTM Program, the paws4prisonsTM Program Manager and/or the Executive Director, paws4peopleTM. Additional interview panel members may include two or less BoP staff as determined by the SFF Unit Administrator.
The paws4prisonsTM Program Manager shall direct the interview and use the following criteria, derived from the Senior K-9 Trainer interview of the inmate, as his/her basis for accepting/rejecting the inmate’s elevation to Senior K-9 Trainer status:
Inmate’s general appearance; i.e. clean uniform worn within USPH/SFF standards, general personal hygiene, etc.
Inmate’s personal presence and/or demeanor.
Inmate’s ability to answer questions as posed by the interview panel.
Inmate’s performance during time period as a K-9 Trainer.
Inmate’s 5-6 minute oral presentation describing what he/she has learned to date in the program, how the program has affected her to become a better person, and why he/she should be elevated to Senior K-9 Trainer status.
Subjective opinion as to the inmate’s potential abilities to perform the tasks necessary to become a successful Senior K-9 Trainer in the paws4prisonsTM Program.
The interview shall be conducted under the direction of the senior paws4prisonsTM Program staff member present during the interview.
If the inmate passes the Senior K-9 Trainer interview process, he/she shall become a Senior K-9 Trainer in the paws4prisonsTM Program.
If the inmate does NOT pass the Senior K-9 Trainer interview process, the inmate will be notified that her elevation to a Senior K-9 Trainer has not been accepted. At this point the Training interview panel can select two options:
Removal of the inmate from the paws4prisonsTM Program, or
Recommend remedial training for the inmate. (This remedial training shall be specifically designed to help the inmate correct her deficiencies which resulted in her NOT being elevated to Senior K-9 Trainer status).
A K-9 Trainer may be removed from the paws4prisonsTM Program at the discretion of the Executive Director, paws4peopleTM or the BoP Facility Manager, at any time, when in their individual or collective opinion(s) it is NO longer in the best interest of the paws4prisonsTM Program that an inmate continue to participate in the Program.
The Senior K-9 Trainer Program
A Senior K-9 Trainer is expected to take a leadership role in the conduct of the paws4prisonsTM Program. A Senior K-9 Trainer’s primary responsibility is to ensure the effective, efficient and safe training of the K-9 directly assigned to the Senior Trainer, and also the effective, efficient and safe training of all Program K-9s. A Senior K-9 Trainer is also expected to provide “mentoring” to all inmate trainers, Entry-Level K-9 Trainers, Apprentice K-9 Trainers, and K-9 Trainers within the Program. Failure to demonstrate effective and beneficial mentoring practices, K-9 training and/or academic training to Program members, shall be reason for consideration for removal from the Senior K-9 Trainer status.
A Senior K-9 Trainer shall also be assigned duties and responsibilities as determined by the paws4prisonsTM Program Manager.
Upon elevation to the Senior K-9 Trainer status, the inmate shall be awarded the following paws4peopleTM K-9 Training Institute Certification:
Certified K-9 Trainer: Advanced Obedience
A Senior K-9 Trainer may be removed from the paws4prisonsTM Program at the discretion of the Executive Director, paws4peopleTM or the BoP Facility Manager, at any time, when in their individual or collective opinion(s) it is NO longer in the best interest of the paws4prisonsTM Program that an inmate continue to participate in the Program.
