It's Not The Dog We're TRAINING
Author | Katie & Dean Shannon

There is compelling evidence linking cruelty to animals with subsequent violent behavior towards humans. Recognizing this, we have dedicated our lives to nurturing empathy and kindness through our extensive work with dogs. Over the past 20 years, we have cared for thousands of dogs and their families through our dog boarding kennels, community dog walks, therapy dog programs, foster dog program, and the well-raised dog program. Our involvement in the SPCA’s “One of the Family” campaign as an animal empathy educator further highlights our commitment to this cause.

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Currently, we work with youth and young offenders, running a basic dog obedience class that has been a cornerstone of our community service. The profound impact of these classes on individuals and their families inspired us to create a book that serves as an extension of our teachings. This book aims to transform its readers, instilling them with crucial life skills and values that extend far beyond dog handling.

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Inmates in our country’s prisons and youth justice facilities often lack access to meaningful activities and spend many hours in their cells. Reading can be a powerful tool for personal growth in such an environment. Our dream is to provide each inmate with a copy of our book, sharing our experiences and the invaluable lessons learned from working with dogs.

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The skills taught through our book are immensely transferable to various aspects of life, including relationships, friendships, families, and communities. Here are some of the key lessons our book offers:

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1. Basic Rights: Understanding the law's requirements for a dog’s care helps individuals reflect on their own and others’ basic human rights.

2. Boundary Setting: Learning to set and communicate boundaries through dog training helps individuals translate these skills into their personal lives, enhancing their ability to express and enforce what is acceptable to them.

3. Communication Skills: Clear and direct communication is essential in both human and canine interactions. Our book helps readers develop this vital skill, improving their relationships with others.

4. Routine: Establishing a routine is beneficial for both dogs and humans. It provides structure and predictability, which can be especially stabilizing for those who have led chaotic lives.

5. Trust: Trust is the foundation of all relationships. By working with dogs, individuals learn the importance of trust and reliability, which they can then apply to their human interactions.

6. Leadership: Dogs look to their owners for guidance, teaching individuals the importance of calm and confident leadership. This skill is crucial for personal development and positive community involvement.

7. Kindness: The most significant lesson dogs teach us is kindness. Our book emphasizes the importance of positive reinforcement and the impact of kindness on both dogs and humans.

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We firmly believe that our book can make a significant difference in the lives of inmates, providing them with tools to develop empathy, responsibility, and better interpersonal skills.

By sponsoring our book, you can help us spread these essential lessons and contribute to the rehabilitation and personal growth of inmates. 

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We invite you to support our mission by sponsoring copies of our book for inmates. Each book costs $25 and can be purchased online at itsnotthedogweretraining.co.nz or Paper Plus stores nationwide.

 

Your sponsorship will help us provide these books to those who need them most, offering a path to a brighter future.

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This really is a magic little book.