All our training is positive reinforcement and science based. Our goal is to create a healing bond through the training process. This program is flexible to fit our client’s needs however, we also have specific commitment expectations from our clients to ensure safety and success. Services are free for our clients; however, they are expected to financially care for their dog. Service dog training can take several years to complete (clients must have 300-400 hours of training) and the curriculum uses smaller milestones to reach our ultimate goal.
CWAC and the Department of Corrections in Utah joined forces in March of 2014 to create a prison-based dog training program in the Utah State Prison-Timpanogas. Dogs were rescued from local shelters and trained by incarcerated women under the guidance of CWAC trainers.
The Northern Nevada program started in December of 2017 as a partnership between Pet Network Humane Society in Incline Village, NV and CWAC. Dogs were selected from Pet Network and paired with inmates at the Warm Springs Correctional Center in Carson City, NV. The Reno program is unique in that all of the inmates selected to be trainers are also veterans. The incarcerated veterans not only learn how to train a dog, they also learn new skills in dog handling, effective communication, peaceful problem-solving skills, conflict resolution and teamwork.
The Canines With a Cause (CWAC) Idaho program began with our prison-based training program at The Idaho Correctional Institution-Orofino. Dogs were rescued from local shelters and placed in the P.A.W.S programs at the prison with experienced dog trainers/offenders. The number of Veterans in Idaho and the need for well-trainer service dogs was apparent. CWAC now partners with trainers in the Boise and Coeur d’Alene areas servicing the Boise and Spokane VA Hospitals. Dogs are rescued from shelters in Idaho areas and trained in the ICI-Orofino program.