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Cell Dog Program Current Trainees ~Topper's Success Story ~ Photo Album
October 2004 marked the beginning of a wonderful collaboration between TAPS, Dog Training Plus, and the Federal 
Prison Camp in Pekin--the TAPS Cell Dog Program. The program is modeled after other partnerships across the country in which animal shelters and humane societies team up with correctional institutions to provide basic training and socialization to shelter dogs. The specially selected inmates get to learn a valuable skill, provide a community service, and, with patience and kindness, earn the love and trust of a dog who just needs another chance.
Every Monday through Thursday for four hours a day, five dogs are shuttled to the prison to spend time with their inmate trainers. They work on basic obedience (sit, stay, walk nicely on a leash, settle, and four on the floor). Along with their training, the dogs are improving their socialization skills and building confidence. The training program was designed and is continually monitored by dog trainers from Dog Training Plus, which is based in Peoria. Inmates who qualify to participate in the program go through an orientation session to learn positive training techniques and receive continuing education every Friday with the trainers. They review the week's progress, discuss incidents, and prepare for the next week. Profiles/diaries are kept on the dogs so adopters can see their progression. These report cards become part of the dog's record at the shelter and go home with the dog when he or she is adopted.
How Can You Help?
It is TAPS' mission to treat every animal as an individual and improve his or her quality of life. Thus, we must develop programs that increase the adoptability of dogs and keep them with their loving family for life. The Cell Dog Program is one such program. Due to the great generosity of the folks at Dog Training Plus, who give of their time and expertise to this program, we are able to keep costs relatively low. However, we always welcome donations to the program to purchase collars, leashes, dog treats, and fuel for transportation. We also would love to have some volunteer drivers to transport the dogs to the prison in the mornings and pick them up around noon. If you would be interested in helping with this, please contact Sue Taffar, the TAPS shelter manager, at 309-353-8277. She can let you know exact times needed and work out a schedule with you.
Current Trainees ~Topper's Success Story ~ Photo Album ~ top of page