Please ask permission before petting me !
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knowledge of canine psychology and behavioral training and tapped into his connections with shelters , the prison system , and veterans . He knew he could both standardize and bring efficiency to the training process . Lopez not only helped meet the growing demand for service dogs for veterans , but he would also ensure both dogs and veterans are trained effectively , save the lives of rescue dogs , contribute to the rehabilitation of prison inmates , and , ultimately , meet his goal of providing service dogs to veterans at no cost to the veteran . The concept for K9s For Camo evolved .
“ One of the first steps in our training process is Boot Camp at the Ozark Correctional Center in Fordland , MO ,” Lopez explained . “ There , K9s For Camos ’ trained inmates , beginning intensive obedience and task training for our K9 recruits . The dog training program at the prison is beneficial to K9 ’ s for Camo in several ways . In addition to being cost-effective , the time the offenders are able to spend working with the dogs expedites the training process . Research also shows that dogs trained in a prison program have higher success rates than those trained in a traditional center of home environments .”
“ Perhaps the biggest benefits we see are those realized by the offenders ,” said Lopez .
In addition to the inmates learning a marketable job skill , benefits reported include :
; Reduced depression and anxiety , not just for the inmates working in the program ; Decreased aggression and hostility ; Improved communication , teamwork , and social skills ; Perhaps most important , reduced recidivism rates for those who participate in dog training programs
“ Our K9s learn from the inmates , but the inmates also learn from the K9s ,” continued Lopez . “ We consistently receive feedback from the offenders about the value the program brings to them , and some have even credited the program with saving their life . Prison administrators also tell us of the benefits they see , not only for the inmates involved in the program but for the overall prison population .”
K9s For Camo has since moved its operation to Jefferson City Correctional Center , where it continues to improve and often save the lives of prisoners , veterans , and the incredible dogs that could otherwise face euthanasia .
Lopez ’ s K9s For Camo improve the lives of prisoners , veterans , and incredible dogs like these that could otherwise face euthanasia .
MO MMJ Industry leaders like John Lopez not only support the state ’ s medical cannabis industry and its patients ’ needs but are also valuable assets to the Missouri community at large . We offer a tip of the hat to all MO Canna Business leaders who provide needed help and services beyond the scope of daily dispensary , cultivation , and manufacturing operations .
If you ’ re a veteran in need of a service dog or would like to donate or volunteer for the K9s For Camo program , please visit www .
k9sforcamo . org . K9s For Camo is a 501 ( c )( 3 ) corporation .
Clayton Stallings is the Director of Sales & Marketing for The EVOLUTION Magazine