Pathways To Hope

Cell Dogs (Core) Training Program - BASIC OBEDIENCE

Cell Dogs, Inc. rescues dogs from local shelters and enrolls them in basic obedience training programs. These classes take place in correctional facilities and actively involve inmate program trainers. For each training cycle, we ensure all dogs are lovingly adopted or promoted to our advanced training program for specialized service dog training. Program locations include Orange County Probation and Orange County Sheriff's Department jail facilities. We are currently working on expanding programs within the LA County Probation system as well. Our 14-week training program is facilitated by experienced professionals, and consists of two parts: Concepts in Dog Training; 4 weeks of lecture classes before teaming up with the shelter dog, and Practical Dog Training; 10 weeks of teaching their canine students good manners and basic obedience. Both parts offer participants soft skills (empathy, care, responsibility) and hard skills (animal behavior, dog training, and wellness) necessary for successful reentry. Our work rehabilitates juveniles and adults in correctional institutions through education, responsibility, therapeutic and psychological benefits, offering crucial life and marketable job skills. Our curriculum received endorsement as continuing education courses by the California Community College Chancellor’s Office in 2023. Upon completion of our program, our “program trainers” now receive a Certificate of Completion from Santiago Canyon College. This recognition enhances employment opportunities in the fields of dog training, grooming, doggie daycare and veterinary practice facilities upon their release. It also encourages higher education for the in-custody population. This distinction makes Cell Dogs the only organization of its kind in California. Cell Dogs has successfully rescued, trained and placed over 500 dogs into permanent homes. Beyond reducing euthanasia rates, saving costs at local shelters and at state correctional facilities by reducing recidivism rates, we transform program participants, providing them (and the dogs they train) a valuable second chance at leading productive and responsible lives. Dog adoption is also made easier as people looking for a shelter pup are not always equipped to handle an untrained or unsocialized animal.

Cell Dogs Training Program - ADVANCED TRAINING - SERVICE DOGS

Some dogs participating in our core training programs in local correctional facilities, prove to be quick studies in basic obedience. These canines express an eagerness to learn and do more and are promoted into our advanced training program with the goal of becoming service dogs. Our scope for this program includes training dogs for veterans and first responders struggling with PTSD as well as other individuals physically disabled individuals, dependent on a wheelchair. This training program typically requires an additional 12+ months once they graduate from our basic obedience program. The actual cost for a fully trained service dog is about $30,000 - we aim to place 2 dogs annually. We recognize that this cost is very high, and, thanks to generous donors supporting this program, adopters are only responsible for a $500 Placement Fee. Training service dogs is a long-term commitment. The entire process, which includes passing the Public Access Test can take 1.5 to 2 years. Properly trained service dogs greatly enhance the lives of our disabled clients and their families. Service dogs help individuals lead happier and more independent lives, enabling participation in more activities with newfound self-confidence and skills. Service dogs can work as long as a decade. Once a potential working partner is identified, and the dog is ready for placement (often after learning customized skills to address their future partner's needs), we embark on a two-week “Partnership Training Program”. When the dog and client are working successfully as a team, we guide them to pass the PAT (Public Access Test). We conduct annual assessments for our working service dog teams. For more information, please visit: https://www.celldogs.org/service-dogs/ What's new? Following changes announced in March 2021, Cell Dogs started a new training program to address the airline industry’s new regulations regarding the travel of Emotional Support Animals (ESAs). We have developed a customized evaluation and training program for individuals who truly need their ESA/pet dog to accompany them in public. Please go to our website www.celldogs.org for more information.