YAPP

What do shelter dogs and young offenders have in common? If you answered YAPP, give yourself a treat! The 'Youth and Animal Pilot Project' better known as YAPP, was initiated by the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in November 1999, as part of its violence prevention initiative. Partnerships for this project have been developed and include The Family Life Centre in Newmaket and Probation and Parole, also in Newmarket. This ground breaking rehabilitation program, considered to be the first of its kind in Canada, is an intensive, challenging 13-week training program which pairs shelter dogs with young offenders.

The goals of this program include increasing the adoptability of the shelter dogs by teaching basic good manner skills and giving young offenders the opportunity to increase their ability to understand and manage feelings of anger. The youths learn to effectively manage frustration, deal with conflict situations and increase their tolerance level. Anger management strategies such as time-outs are taught to youths as an effective way to deal with their feelings of frustration and/or anxiety.

The program demands a high degree of commitment and responsibility from the young offenders and offers many of them first time experiences of unconditional love in ways only dogs seem able to provide. The youths learn how their own behaviour influences the dogs they work with and how their tone and body language affect the learning process. Being able to consider another's perspective is an important step in developing empathy, respect and social skills. They learn compassion towards living creatures as well as recognize their inherent self worth. The program sets a high standard of expectation on the youths and it is made clear to them that the outcome of the dog's training is a direct reflection of their efforts.

Many of the shelter dogs in the YAPP program did not have the most ideal beginning in life. Sadly, a large number of them were unwanted or abandoned and some were abused. Many of the youths in this program may be in a position to relate to the dogs at this level, understanding all to well what these dogs have been through.

Joanne Kellogg, head trainer of the program, selects the dogs from various shelters who then go through a pre and post evaluation. Many of the dogs chosen for YAPP are either 'long time residents' or dogs who have been identified by shelter staff as 'needing basic training'.

Dr. Fred Mathews of Central Toronto Youth Services is an expert on youth violence and young offenders programs. He works with the young offenders who also under go and pre and post evaluation program, as well as focus group work and individual interviews. Dr. Mathews personally evaluates the results of the program.

The YAPP program has adopted the 'click and treat' training technique teaching young offenders that positive, operant conditioning methods are very effective. Kellogg works closely with the youth and dogs to ensure correct positive behaviour is being rewarded. The youths learn quickly that training with fear, intimidation and/or force is not only unnecessary, but also inappropriate. They also learn that when dog training is practiced humanely, there is positive and immediate feedback from the animal and a bond quickly develops with the dog they are working with. The young offenders understand that their hard work and commitment will make a difference in the life of the dog they are training, offering new hope of finding a permanent, loving home.

Kellogg says it is extremely rewarding work and adds, "this is a win-win situation with both dog and young offender making remarkable progress and improvements". She has seen more than one youth close to tears on the floor cuddling with their dog on their last day together.

To date, three 13-week cycles of the program have been completed with fourteen dogs and young offenders having celebrated their achievements on graduation day.