Leader Dogs for the Blind Prison Puppy Raising Program

Prison Puppies pairs Future Leader Dogs with model prisoners who have demonstrated they can be trusted to provide 24/7 care to a puppy for one year. Prison-raised dogs are more likely to successfully become a Leader Dog than those raised in a home setting. Prison Puppies places about 100 puppies per year with inmates. Inmates who are raised a puppy have a greatly reduced rate of recidivism. Many express pride and gratitude for the chance to give something back to society. If you are interested in supporting this program, go to LeaderDog.org.

[@lexayyubhfdshvfjwndg]

As much as I wish I had sent my dog to Brandon for training before bringing him home kzbin.infoUgkx1_veP7CApJK_GWy_TczaMciuG64PqJeU I am so grateful for this down-to-earth, practical guide. His training techniques and tips really work. Thank you as well for dedicating your life's work to rescue dogs, and to rescuing those of us who want the very best for our 4-legged family members.

[@robinmartz9052]

they should do this in ALL prisons!

[@TallSilentGuy]

Miss Robin Martz I don't think there's enough blind people to go around.

[@robinmartz9052]

I do think there are enough people who need service dogs!

[@bepoore]

TallSilentGuy There are a lot more disabilities dogs can help with than blindness, as well. The wait time for most programs is 3+ years, and many charge thousands of dollars as well. There is a HUGE need for more properly trained service dogs. Some dropouts from guide do programs can do something marginally less demanding, such as mobility assistance or medical alert service.

[@robinmartz9052]

I have a little Chihuahua-Pekingese dog who has a NOSE on him! I considered donating his time to something like this because he learns quick. I believe ANY dog could do this! All kinds of people need dogs for therapy, people with anxiety and PTSD, a plethora of problems a service dog could help with. I am going to write to the prison in Montana and suggest they adopt this program.

[@nonoscope9779]

Miss Robin Martz this is actually a terrible idea. This sort of thing will cause so much trouble in the facility. trust me, I work as a detention officer for a county jail. I know what goes on in these jails.

[@olliekinsey9815]

What a brilliant idea! Goes to show everything wrong with the prison system, we shouldn't be locking people up and leaving them to rot. Instead, we should be locking them up, and teaching them valuable skills/assets to take with them when they leave. Educate these people who probably never were, teach them skills that will help them get employed once they leave, but then i guess that wouldn't be profitable

[@talim67]

Ollie Kinsey I agree. We really need to refresh our prison system.

[@janinebell763]

Great work.

[@lukeponting5379]

I agree it's only a shame it takes a creature we consider less intelligent then us to show us that

[@LinariaFreeze]

That's what we do in Norway, and people think we're crazy

[@RabbidTribble]

Yeah, and the other problem is how hard it is for inmates, even those who have furthered their education and training, to get hired on the outside.

[@vonzon07]

It must be really hard for them to let go of the dogs they raised when the time come... I can imagine the pain inside its like giving up your own children. I really do admire those inmates

[@georgewilliamsiii4677]

It probably is hard. But when you know and are doing it for that pup to go on to help someone. It's its own kind of bittersweet. Something to savor

[@bcaye]

There are always more dogs that need the guidance. Something to look forward to.

[@nellie3176]

You can just tell a lot of these men were never shown this type of love and respect before these dogs entered their lives. You heard it here, these dogs come back even better than the ones from inside homes. This is literally the definition of a WIN-WIN situation! I really needed something positive today and this was more than enough to fill my heart. Thank you to the gentlemen who care for these dogs so well, and thank you to the sponsors and programs that make it possible!

[@DeeMonaVanilla]

man the feels when the men had to give up on their dog :(

[@NEATERTICK]

It probably sad

[@mavromichalis]

It breaks my heart too!

[@therealhypehype5617]

They experienced true love and ...man.. that's just a beautiful thing!

[@LeyCarnifex]

The guy who went "this is my third dog", I bet he was no less teary-eyed that time than he was with the last two and I'll bet it'll never get easier

[@tricaurelie]

Fantastic idea! Look at those big dudes taking care of their small balls of fluff! Loved it! Great job everyone, and thanks a million times to the inmates for making such a gift to society!

[@christinelanteri2114]

It's a great idea for the inmates and the dogs. It's a win win situation for both Everyone needs love and a second chance in this life.

[@NoNo-lw4gy]

@@christinelanteri2114 you are so right.

[@ferncrux7617]

My mom is a member of lions club here in New Orleans. I entered a pageant, I sold raffle tickets for a charity and that charity was "leader dog for the blind". I donated about $600.

[@northofyou33]

In must be heartbreaking when the dog leaves the inmate.

[@xlongyujax]

Dogs are life savors. They will never judge you and love you unconditionally unlike humans. This is an amazing program and god bless you guys for doing this. Only one thing I wish I can see, seeing a pitbull leader dog in the future. :)

[@d4rkhound388]

xlongyujax Problem is that pitbulls are harder to work with to make guide dogs, and you need the guide dogs to be a moderate size.

[@xlongyujax]

RAI DEN I understand but some pitbulls are meant to be therapy dogs imo. Not all but I think if they decided to try, it may actually work. :)

[@d4rkhound388]

xlongyujax It could work, but a good thing about guide dogs is that their size means they can open doors and such around the house... sure it could work but it is just wasteful to train a dog that is too small to be a guide dog to guide someone when you could do the same to a larger dog that can do much more... I love pitbulls but they are not a good breed for guide dog unless the person who needs the dog just loves pitbulls.

[@xlongyujax]

Makes lots of sense, hope one day someone will train a larger pitbull for a guide dog. Would love to see that happening but I totally understand what you're saying. :)

[@RCraig-ly7wx]

xlongyujax they taste good too

[@Juciycouturestar101]

this put the biggest smile on my face!! more prisons need to adopt this program!

[@MaximusAccess]

Sort of like giving the inmates a chance to return to the community. Best idea I ever heard of from a Service Dog school.

[@ladylsacanada8837]

As I keep watching all these videos I can't help but realize everybody wins here. The job these men do is incredible and think of the joy for the person who receives a well trained happy dog. Every single prison should have this program. The men come out with a possible 'trade' and experience. Shelters could be closed if this is set up nation wide. Why not????

[@exbritishforcespatriotscha7723]

Yes ,I have watched a few,it seems to change the inmates to become more empathetic and responsible.They seem to realise the hurt they created in the past.

[@jaseth1337]

This is truly a win-win-win. There should be more programs focused on helping criminals who are still within reach and making them give back to society. In Italy they have an amazing prison release program for criminal addicts. They send them to work on a farm where they produce cheeses and meat products and always have to cook and eat together. They get to experience pride in their craft and a strong community, instead of just falling back into hopelessness, drugs and crime.

[@ese_cholito]

This seems really great, puppies alone are a stress reliever and generally make people happy :).

[@gailbishop497]

I believe that the inmates give and get many things from this experience, love and respect, the dog doesn’t know where they are they just know they are cared for. I honestly think all prisons should have a program that gives back to the community and it saves lives, the animals and the prisoners ! Whether they are just helping dogs and cats find great homes or helping people have a better life.

[@jonnyrello5982]

I remember this episode of OZ. It put fear into people to try stopping programs like this. Fear is an underhanded tactic used to stifle love and hope.

[@Orpilorp]

This is such a wonderful program! The gentlemen who train the puppies usually get another, even though it is hard to say goodbye, and I'm so glad they do.

[@anonymous-zn5em]

The prison nearest me has the inmates training horses. Interestingly similar results as far as rehab is concerned.

[@kawaiiCharms4u]

This is truly inspirational

[@ladylsacanada8837]

So nice to see everyone smiling. All prisons should do this!!

[@StephThePinkLadyOfSLC]

WOW what a tear jerker! Touching & beautiful. Puppies can heal too , can you imagine Peace and healing this can bring to a person we may judge as a No good Thug!! How it could change a lot of their hearts...How it changing lives!! Please watch before you judge

[@adamlawler5952]

The guide dog school I am looking into also uses prison raised puppies. I was hesitant at first, then I saw this video. Now I see a win - win situation. The prison return rate is dropped by 38% while a blind person gets an amazing partner. Awesome!

[@trulysadbread]

i'm so glad that this kind of thing exists 😭 thank God for the one who thought of that and those, who decided to take that risk, thank you 💕

[@juliuskay9611]

So sad we don’t see more of this, I’m a former drug addict, have tried to kill myself a few times and was at rock bottom. Through this I had my first dog and loved her when no one else would. I’m clean now , I’m on no medication to help my depression and I’m a full time dog trainer . This is real and the love of dogs can and will save your life. Three different souls one love

[@russelsantiago4756]

I feel you

[@richygambs321]

A heart warming programme to watch. It's definitely a win-win situation for all parties involved and surely makes prison life more tolerable. ON a separate note, this is gotta be the nicest prison I've seen in the USA. Cell doors have door knobs to open and close; chairs and tables not bolted down; a garden outside. Wow. What prison is this?

[@theseeker6097]

This is awesome just found out after research Canada does do it here but in Nova Scotia and Bŕitish Columbia but woman prisons only. We in Canada need to expand this to men as well in all provivinces!

[@karenacton3854]

This is an excellent program! The dogs and men or women all benefit from this. These prisoners should be very proud of the work they do for the people that need these dogs so badly. Be excited for what you do guys, it’s awesome.

[@theboss-vr1jj]

any person who treats animals good is not evil.

[@UATU.]

I am legally blind and would love to be able to have one of these leader dogs. Great video

[@deborahrowe-warden8006]

As a Puppy Raiser, not in prison, I really enjoyed the video. It explains not only what the prison inmates contribute but gives a sample of how all puppy raisers efforts contribute to society.

[@elainewarren1294]

This is so inspiring and heartwarming. As one gentleman put it "a win, win situation". Thank you for sharing!

[@sherrygarrity-barnes4635]

Watching these men and women work so hard with their puppies, knowing that at the end of their training program, that their puppy will change a blind persons life in such a positive way has such a positive impact, and sense of accomplishment on the trainers that they are just beaming with pride-not only for that puppy,but also for themselves and each other for a job VERY WELL DONE!! As a dog trainer myself, I know what it takes to train dogs for the blind community! And I would not hesitate for one second to team up with any one of these people! Great job, trainers!! And great job Warden, for allowing these people and these awesome dogs to prove that you made the right decions!!!

[@helenaguilar4138]

wonderful program nice to see these prisoners hearts melt with these dogs

[@nickinax]

Fantastic idea letting prisoners to do this if it helps rehabilitate them it's got to be a win win situation for all involved in this scheme and to see some of those tough guys hearts just melt when they've got their fur babies and turn to soft hearted guy's is awesome but it must be heart wrenching for them when they have to give the dogs over to be given to people who are visually impaired but the prisoners should be so so proud if themselves keep up the good work guys

[@hopeking3588]

I was in this program back in the 70s and 80s I was a foster parent for the puppies!it was rewarding! I was living in a aldult foster care home with 60 people called Community Haven! I loved the program! My room are did it with me! We had two puppies every year. One for me and one for my roommate. We would walk the puppies, take them to fairs and restrunts. Along with loving them. At the end of year we return the dogs so they could be trained with the blind person for the rest of the dogs life. And then we get 2 more puppies! The new puppies took my tears away when we had to give up the ones that were a year old. I trained 13 dogs all together and 9 of them went to blind people and the other 3 to go homes cause sometimes the dog does not pass the program. I will never forget raising the puppies! Best thing I did in my life! I liked it better then working at Goodwill which I was payed. But the Leader dog program us volunteer and was more fun ! And not played but very rewarding. If you are in good health I challenge you to become a foster parent to these puppies for one year!!!

[@mikekwolek7511]

This is an amazing program. I hope that they continue their wonderful work and can expand their program to other prisons.

[@chellesnail]

I hope this ends up in Australia's prison system, it is a great idea! Love it

[@olyvoyl9382]

Their programs are so wonderful. Goof for the guys and the dogs and the recipient s.

[@hassinakhan6642]

These organizations should consider taking as many dogs as they can from animal shelters - a win win for everyone.

[@marycassatt6542]

Hassina Khan There are programs that do save dogs from kill shelters to have inmates train them to help make them more adoptable. Humanity done right :)

[@scoutielue]

They did at the start, but had very low success rate. There are some service dog organizations that do but guide dogs need a very good set of skills and more often then not shelter dogs don't. They also need to start socialization skills at a very young age and most shelters dog are older. Not know the health is a major problem too. Guide dogs are with blind people, if the dog is prone to ear infections it will be hard for a blind person to know and could be fatal for the dog. Breeding helps limit those health risk.

[@oleanderpink4505]

They have these programs for all kinds of service dogs now. I think they should extend it to helping rescues train dogs. A lot more dogs would be adopted if they were well trained.

[@rosemarymonty5399]

This is an awesome program. To help the people inside to make them feel worthwhile and to help someone outside have a better life. A true win-win program.

[@rachedwards6323]

This concept is amazing! Plenty of people in jails that can make a positive difference by training guide dogs and other service dogs too.

[@Gysele874]

Warden McKinney seems like a good man, a stand-up guy. Really, many of these guys do, & I wish them all luck.

[@BadDriversOfTheIllawarra]

So I decided to google Dennis Lass to see what crime he committed to get his life sentence, I didn't find that out but I did see the poor bugger died around a month before this video was posted. www.ketv.com/news/man-serving-life-sentence-dies-in-iowa-prison/23473160

[@lifeless_puddle]

MrHeyfuckoff I think this is it... ia.findacase.com/research/wfrmDocViewer.aspx/xq/fac.19750416_0042184.IA.htm/qx

[@BadDriversOfTheIllawarra]

Wade Hatter Interesting read, thanks

[@lifeless_puddle]

MrHeyfuckoff no problem

[@TheNidges]

+MrHeyfuckoff. I looked it up too and it seems he is a murderer. Surprising, I thought people with violent pasts were excluded from these kind of programs.

[@SherriNicholas-zs5xv]

I found one article that he was sent to life for murdering his wife. Also, about that time, there was another woman murdered in same town, unsolved, but believed to be Dennis Lass.

[@ChooChooThom]

What a wonderful and beautiful clip, this is a fantastic idea and all those involved should be incredibly proud of themselves. Keep up all the hard work.

[@ElevateConcepts]

I visited cry town watching this, and it was wonderful!

[@alixena9340]

Dogs Rock. And this is such a fantastic idea, as one of the guys said, it's a Win/Win situation. Well Done to all involved.

[@RabbidTribble]

The fact that the dog program is improving the relations between inmates and guards is one of the most wonderful things.

[@Lilibunny]

This is awesome and it would be so great if all prisons around the world had such a program. First of all, so many lifes would be saved. Inmates had quality time and something to do and so many dogs would be saved from death. And the inmates had a big Chance to be better people after leaving prison.

[@CROOPISM]

God I don't want to give the leader dog we got away, I feel like I'm his father figure and he will feel lost without me...

[@jasmineppaladino]

This is amazing! Congrats on what you do, keep on doing it!!! XXX from Argentina

[@miliancorrea7819]

What a fabulous program. And how these dogs soften the hearts of men not thought to care is amazing. Just goes to show you, those we think can't be rehabilitated can be.

[@marijagrujicic1370]

can't stop cryinggggggggggg

[@bcaye]

Who doesn't love dogs? They are the embodiment of joy in its purest form.

[@grytlappar]

It's so cool that the dogs that the prisoners train for this organization come back even better trained than dogs trained by their regular trainers. But of course, what other trainer is going to have 24hs a day to spend with the dog! I'm not surprised at all at the low recidivism rate; 11-13% vs. 50% (in some prisons as much as 70%, ouch). They're with the dogs, they're doing something useful and valuable, and as an extra bonus, how much nicer isn't the atmosphere in that prison ward...

[@maryzambrana7141]

This is by far the best video of its kind that I've seen. Beautiful people working together for the benefits of beautiful people. I am humbled. 🐶

[@christianelamontagne717]

LOVE IT GOD BLESS YOU ALL FOR WHAT YOU ARE DOING FOR THE INMATES AND THE DOGS VERRY POSITIVE KEEP UP THE GOOD JOB THANK YOU

[@eternity68]

What a fantastic idea! And the prisoners get a new interest they can look forward to when they get out ,might lower risk to get jailed again and lower crime rate, something to live for. Why doesnt all prisons have this? We taxpayers pay for their time inside but this way they also give back to society. Wish we had this in Sweden too

[@antonioksv9648]

bQ. !

[@noahtinajero2751]

They should be able to keep these dogs if they get out

[@hilarybenoit2926]

We have a prison in British Columbia, where they raise shelter dogs.

[@urlight13]

This is exceptional, what an awesome program. Beautiful redemption, so much good going on here!

[@kevinlawson9628]

I wish I could get one of those dogs I've had two major brain surgeries

[@LearnEnglishWithMatta]

This is such a wonderful concept. 💪🏽

[@enya8407]

Awesome! I think cooperating prisons with animal shelters would also be a great idea!

[@Britchick31]

Love this. Good luck to all prisoner's and puppies.🍀Thanks for filming 👏

[@SaschaHusenbeth]

this is so good for society, it puts a smile on my face

[@stacysatterfield2154]

Love these prison dog videos it's a win-win situation. Aww these puppies are adorable. The inmates that are puppy.handlers give them responsibility and a future.outside as dog trainers also.

[@SaschaHusenbeth]

where can i donate money for this?

[@willshedo]

here: leaderdog.org/volunteers/about-puppy-raising/inmate-puppy-raisers

[@lorettamemphis]

I suspect with the inmates mental stress, poor to no training growing up, anger and no love lead them in the wrong direction. Caring for a dog and a child have a lot of characteristics in common. If you are caring, loving, with a dog and use your money to care for them like in some other prison programs you have a good base for life.

[@jamesfry8983]

why don't we do this in the uk its great and seems to help a lot for everyone involved

[@carenmontgomery2384]

i would love to see this program expanded to prisoners everywhere! ☆ pass the love around ☆ "win win situation" yes indeed!❤

[@bobmason83]

I think this is great ... brilliant idea , and it seems it works . Bravo 👏

[@acooksla]

I was part of a volunteer training program to raise puppies for the blind. It was fantastic. I loved it. It’s like rent a dog. Super interesting

[@Beijing0504]

They should get the dogs from pounds and shelters instead of breeding....

[@michelefarnsworth6913]

This is such an awesome program.

[@abdulkarimafridi8650]

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[@mostafaomran3711]

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[@Zytomo]

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[@user-bf6yz7qe5m]

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[@ashnipatel1670]

amazing initiative, but noticed that mainly white inmates have the opportunity?

[@Mindy56743]

I wish Missouri state penitentiaries would do something like this. I know that they could help thousands of people both in the penitentiary and out.

[@timothychambers2820]

This is really neat to see how the training comes about and the background of Leader Dpgs. I love your exceptionally high standard. I am legally blind and deaf (would love subtitles). Thanks for the service you offer to do many, and for the all those who donate to such a wonderful cause. :)

[@livrasmussen7582]

Three lives saved. How fine. These programs for guides and assistant dogs for veterans allows me to happily contribute to these programs.

[@jimtakahashi4638]

Win-Win in Every Way!

[@judithbenton1475]

Wish we had the program in Ohio. I've watched this on TV many years ago and thought it was such a wonderful program. If it were something I could get into to help, I would surely consider it. I thought the program on TV came from the correctional institution in Mansfield, Ohio I think it is a beautiful program.

[@Curzyk]

My rescue dog came from a similar program (grooming and training, but not guide) near Youngstown.

[@jujubee90275]

Good job Frank for not letting your one poor choice dictate your destiny

[@monikasakinyte4608]

how can i donate some money to this program ?:)

[@KristoffRand]

Monika Šakinytė www.leaderdog.org/

[@austindsouzaph.d.2820]

Monika Šakinytė Send your check to Leader Dogs for the Blind or click this link:secure.qgiv.com/for/candevcen/

[@monikasakinyte4608]

thank you

[@monikasakinyte4608]

+Austin D'Souza i tried but it says pge does not egsist .:(

[@chelleehorton739]

How exciting and uplifting!!!! Yay for ALL!!! Great program! 👍👍👍❌⭕️❌⭕️

[@enjoyingmyvodka1013]

The inmates training dogs is good for them as well. Many of them do change and others don’t. I’ve met former inmates that have so much to teach about life and have seen so much. When my ex abused me some warned me not to cope with dogs or alcohol or even seek revenge etc because once you go down those roads it’s hard to get out and you ruin your life.

[@RetNicole]

This is amazing, I love it!

[@spartan407]

Prison would not be so bad if everyone got a puppy. Given that they are not a psycho. It also puts all tax payers money to work instead of them just taking up space. It's like a free employee lol

[@TheTruthIsTheWay11]

Captain B3AST Actually, not all Psychopaths are bad people. It's more so a condition of the mind rather than something that forces someone to kill someone else. If you look at the definition of "Psychopath", it actually can apply to quite a few people, especially people like Lawyers. Having said that, I believe they mentioned giving these dogs to murderers and they had no issue with them, surprisingly.

[@hassinakhan9726]

There are no losers in this program. Thank you all.

[@5squiddles]

Brilliant idea.

[@wadeparsons1619]

what a great service.I wish theyd do that here

[@SakuraFoxFurry]

Labradors are fucking overrated. American Pitbull Terriers are better dogs. Lovable.

[@MaximusAccess]

I don't know why, but I want my dog to be a Prison Puppy

[@purplecatinlove1900]

I'm I the only that cried 😭😭😭

[@LisaCupcake]

At 11:03 - Is that a dog? It looks like he's holding a cat. ??

[@anmo3008]

What an amazing video!! So inspirational

[@chrism3790]

This is one of the coolest things ive seen in a while

[@kimtramutola6982]

This is absolutely fantastic!!!! BRAVO!!!

[@jlynnwm]

Puppy love heals!

[@tumntumn9815]

Great Warden