"The most loving dog breed in the world is called Rescued." ~ Unknown
OCAP Begins Contract with Ojibway Correctional Facility Dog Program
It took many months of planning and coordination, but we are happy it has finally come to fruition! In June of 2016, OCAP sent their first two dogs to be enrolled in OCF’s Dog. The ongoing relationship in the years that come will be a great asset to not only the Prison Program, but to OCAP and our dog population.
Not all OCAP dogs will be sent – some go out the door to new homes as quickly as they came in due to a waiting list of adopters. However, dogs in need of extra training or dogs that are being over looked by prospective adopters are carefully screened by OCAP for both behavior and health issues that would not make them a good fit for the program. Once they pass these tests, coordination takes place with OCF’s Dog Program Supervisor. After the dog enters the program, they are assigned handlers, who are carefully selected, screened and interviewed inmates of the facility. The inmates go through a training process of their own to become dog handlers.
The dogs spend nearly 100% of their time with their handlers and even sleep in their cells. Their handlers are responsible for 100% of the dog’s daily care and training. Dogs will be given significant socialization with people and other dogs, taught basic commands such as sit, stay, lay down, etc., as well as learn proper leash skills, recall (coming to their names immediately when loose), and can work on some problem behaviors, such as separation anxiety and resource guarding.
The program increases the dogs’ adoptability significantly and decreases failed adoptions. While sending a dog to prison may sound harsh, dogs love all the attention and love to work, as well as just being with people. They don’t know they’re in a prison – no such stigma is possible.
Though many dogs come to OCAP through no fault of their own and sometimes with a training foundation already in place, most dogs always have room to improve. The Prison Program helps diminish a previous owners’ disregard of their dog or inability to properly handle or train their dog, giving them a fresh start and a second chance at a life they deserve, and gives adopters a well-trained family member.
OCAP Begins Contract with Ojibway Correctional Facility Dog Program
It took many months of planning and coordination, but we are happy it has finally come to fruition! In June of 2016, OCAP sent their first two dogs to be enrolled in OCF’s Dog. The ongoing relationship in the years that come will be a great asset to not only the Prison Program, but to OCAP and our dog population.
Not all OCAP dogs will be sent – some go out the door to new homes as quickly as they came in due to a waiting list of adopters. However, dogs in need of extra training or dogs that are being over looked by prospective adopters are carefully screened by OCAP for both behavior and health issues that would not make them a good fit for the program. Once they pass these tests, coordination takes place with OCF’s Dog Program Supervisor. After the dog enters the program, they are assigned handlers, who are carefully selected, screened and interviewed inmates of the facility. The inmates go through a training process of their own to become dog handlers.
The dogs spend nearly 100% of their time with their handlers and even sleep in their cells. Their handlers are responsible for 100% of the dog’s daily care and training. Dogs will be given significant socialization with people and other dogs, taught basic commands such as sit, stay, lay down, etc., as well as learn proper leash skills, recall (coming to their names immediately when loose), and can work on some problem behaviors, such as separation anxiety and resource guarding.
The program increases the dogs’ adoptability significantly and decreases failed adoptions. While sending a dog to prison may sound harsh, dogs love all the attention and love to work, as well as just being with people. They don’t know they’re in a prison – no such stigma is possible.
Though many dogs come to OCAP through no fault of their own and sometimes with a training foundation already in place, most dogs always have room to improve. The Prison Program helps diminish a previous owners’ disregard of their dog or inability to properly handle or train their dog, giving them a fresh start and a second chance at a life they deserve, and gives adopters a well-trained family member.
Location |
19504 M-38 (P.O. Box 315), Ontonagon, MI 49953
906.884.2500 Hours: Most Saturdays from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. By Appointment: 906.884.2500 
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