Training service dogs: therapy for troubled teens

[skunkstripe]

This reminds me of something I had seen on TV about prisoners training service dogs. Looks like a win-win-win situation! :thumb:

This kind of scheme was pioneered in America, where assistance dogs have been used with problem kids in High Schools. The results these projects claim to have achieved are impressive: school attendance up by more than 70% and major increases in self esteem.
source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/6539093.stm

[Jake2006]

Its a brilliant idea. I've been involved in a number of schools where the kids have adopted various animals, goats, rabbits etc. in the holidays the kids had to go in by rota and be responsible and its worked without exception.

The really small animals the children took home.

Animals don't judge they are just there and its wonderful that kids and adults who have problems, especially communication problems can bond with animals.