Inmates rehabilitate problem pooches
Carolyn Jones
Updated 10:45 p.m., Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Lala, around one-year old dog, is photographed after the graduation day for some reformed trouble-maker dogs on Tuesday, July 31, 2012 in Redwood City, Calif. Photo: Yue Wu, The Chronicle / SF
Couch-eaters, barkers, escape artists, leash-haters and other bad dogs got a reprieve from canine jail Tuesday, thanks to a cadre of trainers who know a thing to two about bad behavior.
The dogs, who were near death row at thePeninsula Human Society because of their misdemeanors, graduated from an eight-week intensive training program that transformed them into the world's most lovable pets.
The miracle workers behind the metamorphosis? Fellow inmates - of the two-legged variety.
A collaboration between the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office and the PeninsulaHumane Society pairs problem dogs with prisoners in the minimum-security Maple Street Complex Facility in Redwood City.
Inmates gain skills
The dogs move into the jail, sleep in crates at night, and spend roughly 16 hours a day with their inmate handlers. They learn how to sit, stay and not chew shoes, as well as get along with people and other dogs.
In short, they are rehabilitated into contributing members of society.
As for the inmates, they learn a few new tricks as well. Humane Society staff instruct them how to train and groom dogs, giving them some job skills for when they're released. And as a side benefit, the inmates get plenty of slobbering and trusting love in a place not usually known for its cheerful ambiance.
"It's a big stress reliever. It makes you feel good," said Mark Karwowski, 49, of Emeryville, who is serving 3 1/2 months for drunken driving. "You get to be normal for a while."
'Hard to say goodbye'
Karwowski bid farewell Tuesday to Belle, a 2-year-old pit bull-rottweiler mix who had "socialization issues" when she arrived at the cell block two months ago. Among other transgressions, she had a penchant for attacking other dogs.
Karwowski worked with her slowly, introducing her gradually to one, and then two, then three other dogs, rewarding her with treats when she was friendly and removing her from the dog party when she raised her hackles.
On Tuesday, Belle was a model of affability, sitting calmly throughout the graduation festivities with nary a sideways glance at her four-legged classmates.
"It feels good to see her do so well," Karwowski said. "But it's a little sad. It's hard to say goodbye. It makes me miss my dog at home."
The program originated three years ago from a sheriff's deputy who had heard of a similar program in another state. It's been so successful in San Mateo County that numerous other jails, including San Francisco's, are considering it.
In all, 79 inmates have participated, training 40 dogs. All 40 have been adopted, many by their inmate handlers after they're released or by guards, deputies and other jail staff who became smitten with the canine convicts.
Potential as pets
The dogs are mostly strays whom Humane Society staff deem to be good candidates for rehabilitation. They're too poorly behaved to be adopted, but with some schooling and love they have the potential to become good pets.
"These are dogs that aren't thriving in the shelter, for whatever reason," said Maria Eguren, the Humane Society's director of training and behavior. "But over here, it's like they're in a home. They do much better. Everyone's morale goes up."
Sheriff's staff noticed benefits for inmates that reach far beyond dog training skills.
"A lot of the inmates have problems dealing with emotions. Working with dogs teaches them to let their emotions out in a positive way," said Lt. Alma Zamora. "They get something to love."
Overcoming flaws
It wasn't hard to fall in love with Sierra, a 1-year-old Husky with pedigree looks but a few personality flaws, such as begging, whining and lack of housetraining.
Starfordshire Taimani, 27, of East Palo Alto turned her into a show dog. The fluffy pup was the star Tuesday, sitting proudly as several dozen county workers and other passers-by smothered her with affection.
"It's a beautiful thing," said Taimani, who is serving 2 1/2 months for firearm possession. "I'd love to see her go to a loving home. She deserves a second chance, just like I do."
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