More children with disabilities will receive assistance dogs trained by Queensland prisoners in coming months, with Palen Creek Correctional Centre becoming the third prison to introduce the Smart Pups program.
Prisoners at the low-security centre have been receiving remote training modules during the COVID-19 lockdown so they can continue to prepare golden retrievers Twiggy and Fabio and chocolate labradors Beau and Foxx to become qualified working assistance dogs.
Prisoners are teaching the dogs basic obedience skills as well as tricks like high five and spin. As the dogs progress through the training, they progress to tasks such as retrieving items, opening cupboards and doors and removing shoes and socks.
Palen Creek Correctional Centre Acting Superintendent David Gordon said the centre was excited to receive the Smart Pups program at the centre on the back of its success at Borallon Training and Correctional Centre.
“The program is one where we are attempting to break the cycle of re-offending. It provides prisoners with valuable skills, self-worth, confidence and the clear evidence of what can be achieved by investing in others less fortunate,” A/g Supt. Gordon said.
“Despite the current pandemic, we have been able to find ways of continuing the training so prisoners involved in the program can continue to give back to the community, and specifically help children with disability.
“One of the prisoners involved in the program was involved while at Borallon Training and Correctional Centre. When he heard the program was coming to Palen Creek, he was first to put his hand up to take part because he found it so rewarding being able to give back to the community.”
Once all training is complete, the dogs will be placed with a child somewhere in Australia or New Zealand based on the dog’s individual abilities and the needs of the child.
Smart Pups Senior Dog Trainer Dayle Telford said it was wonderful to partner with Queensland Corrective Services again to establish the Smart Pups program in a third centre.
“The great work the centres and prisoners do for the dogs is amazing. It is because of their help that the dogs will go on to lend their new skills to help children with disability,” Ms Telford said
