‘It Brought Life Back to Prison’: Content Analysis of Prison-Based Dog Training Programs in Four Midwestern Prisons

ABSTRACT Recent data suggest that recidivism rates remain dismal within United States correctional systems, with a significant majority of justice-impacted persons experiencing re-arrest following release. As a result, correctional systems across the nation are looking to implement more effective programming to increase positive outcomes both during and after incarceration. One method that has demonstrated rehabilitative impacts both during and following incarceration for inmates – as well as staff and facility benefits – is the use of Prison-Based Dog Training Programs (PBDPs) in carceral settings. Several studies have identified the need for more empirical research on PBDPs, and thus this research assesses the perceived impacts of a non-profit PBDP hosted by four prisons in the midwestern United States. Secondary data analysis of qualitative, subjective survey responses is used to evaluate the impacts of a non-profit, Service Animal Socialization program, as reported by participants (n = 97). In what is a larger sample size for carceral programming, findings suggest myriad perceived benefits and skills that are otherwise difficult to garner in carceral settings. Both perceived facility-wide benefits and personal benefits were reported by participants at all four locations, as were hard- and soft-skill development. Empowerment theory is utilized to interpret the findings.