Episodes

  • Have you ever wondered what it looks like to be an Animal Behavior Researcher? Emily Bray from the Arizona Canine Cognition Center joins Colleen and Jim in this episode. Emily takes our hosts through her process of working with puppies, tells them how the research is functionally applied and shares some of the activities she takes the working dogs through as well.

    Episode Highlights

    1:26 - Meet the first guest of Season 2 Emily Bray from the Arizona Canine Cognition Center & Canine Companions

    2:30 - The work that Canine Companions early development center does.

    4:35 - Emily’s process and her early work in animal behavior studies.

    6:30 - Surprising behaviors discovered during the maternal studies.

    10:05 - Jim & Emily reflect on how important the maternal work being done benefits all dog owners. Plus, where Jim has recently referenced the work.

    12:30 - Why these long-term studies are so challenging to complete.

    17:00 - The benefits of these long-term studies and why it's worth being patient for them to be completed.

    18:00 - Emily goes deep on the cognitive research she's been conducting on working dogs.

    23:00 - How this research get’s functionally applied in the real world.

    26:00 - Jim points out how specialized puppy raisers' intuition and years of experience play a part in all of this.

    31:00 - Jim invites Emily to share her recent publications from the data she’s collected.

    33:00 - 3 tasks used in recent testing and what the results helped us understand.

    38:00 - Thinking about Blake, Colleen reflects on the daily tasks her facility dog would and would not be suited for.

    40:45 - Jim and Emily talk through what makes positive and negative outcomes, and how a working dog's characteristics play a part.

    43:30 - What happens when a working dog isn't the right fit for the originally intended working environment.

    45:15 - Emily share's what it's like to work with these cute dogs all day as a professional animal behavior researcher.

    If you'd like to know more about the work Emily does you can follow her website at https://www.emilyebray.com/

  • Welcome back to Season 2 of Dogged Justice. This season Colleen and Jim will be focusing on the complexities of the science and research behind selecting and training facility dogs. Our hosts also provide personal updates and share the celebration of Molly B’s life as a facility dog.


    Show Highlights

    1:30 - Season 1 Recap

    2:30 - What to expect in Season 2

    4:30 - Science behind selecting these facility dogs

    6:30 - Examples of research happening now

    8:30 - Jim explains complexities in the evolution of scientific methods

    12:00 - Updates on Frannie, Blake

    17:30 - Colleen asks Jim why Blake is upset when she gets in the hammock

    20:30 - Celebrating Molly B’s life and service

    22:00 - Jim shares his first memory of Molly B

    26:00 - Colleen reflects on when she’s interacted with Molly B

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  • This episode spotlights the upcoming training opportunity presented by the Courthouse Dogs Foundation on Responding To Incidents of Mass Victimization. Colleen & Jim welcome back Kim Gramlich & Tamara Martin presenters at this symposium to give you a preview on what to expect, and help identify if this is the right symposium for you to attend.

    Click here to learn more or register for this virtual symposium.

    Episode Highlights

    1:00 - Personal update on Jim

    2:15 - January 20th, 2021 Courthouse Dogs Foundation Virtual Symposium on Responding to Incidents of Mass Victimization

    3:30 - Kim Gramlich shares the roles she fills when there is a crisis

    6:00 - Tamara Martin from Alabama is also back to share her experience in these events

    8:15 - What Jim has observed following these events

    10:45 - Creating best practices for response to these events

    13:25 - Being prepared and mentally focused as a handler for a Mass Casualty Response

    15:45 - Defining the role the dogs play at these events

    19:00 - Managing the dogs as a resource to ensure they have down time

    22:30 - Asking the right questions to prioritize who needs help

    25:00 - Jim shares what to expect when attending the symposium

    28:15 - Colleen recognizes how responding has impacted her

    30:15 - The flexibility, change of routine, and requests that come with these circumstances

    34:00 - What you know vs what may be asked of you

    36:00 - The emotional experiences that you will carry with you

    37:30 - Preparing for these incidents to limit trauma inside the community

    39:30 - A hope that Kim has for the future

    42:00 - Keeping in mind the purpose for the dogs

    43:30 - Knowing when the time to say “no” is appropriate

    46:00 - Being prepared to say “yes” or “no” in advance

    47:30 - Kim’s experience with Caber in less than ideal circumstance

    49:45 - Willow impacts a man amidst the Route 91 incident

    54:00 - Caber was exactly what was needed

    57:00 - The dogs know the right way to respond, even when we don’t

    58:00 - Jim reminds us the training and problem solving will kick in

    1:00:00 - Details on the upcoming symposium

  • We’ve interviewed puppy breeders, trainers, and handlers now it’s time to get the perspective from a puppy raiser. Kathy Zastrow with Canine Companions For Independence joins us to share her unique perspective on raising a puppy before handing it off to the training process. She shares so many surprises and family lessons learned as well as some of her memorable moments.


    Episode Highlights

    1:10 - Meet Kathy Zastrow puppy raiser for & Northwest Region Board Member with Canine Companions for Independence

    2:45 - Volunteering for a new puppy with a catch!

    4:15 - Kathy’s children learn a valuable lesson

    7:00 - Family lessons learned raising puppies

    10:30 - The kids continuing the legacy

    11:30 - Introducing the program to Aiden the first puppy Kathy raised

    15:00 - A trip to the grocery store wins over the principal

    17:00 - Jared takes the dog on the school bus

    19:30 - 5 types of Canine Companions for Independence service dogs

    21:30 - Supporting Veterans with PSTD

    24:00 - What the process for becoming a puppy raiser looks like

    27:30 - The behaviors and training these puppies have

    30:30 - The importance of socialization

    32:00 - The funnest place Kathy has socialized a puppy

    34:00 - Raising male puppies

    37:00 - Placing a dog in the right job based on their personality

    39:30 - What the transition from training to working looks like for the dogs

    42:45 - Observing the unexpected path the dogs take

    45:00 - Watching Monty work as a facility dog

    48:15 - A dog goes down an unexpected path

    53:00 - Prairie unexpectedly becomes the star of the class

    56:30 - Colleen shares on Blake’s headstrong moments

    59:30 - Kathy reflects on past placements & future plans


    Links To References

    Canine Companions For Independence

  • While you may have assumptions on how working dogs are bred, there is still plenty to learn. Marina Phillips the Breeding Coop Administrator for Assistance Dogs International North America Regional helps answer many questions on this topic. Jim shares why the terminology is so important when discussing these topics as well.

    Join us next month for the November Virtual Race & Walk for Gratitude to raise funds to support this program.


    Episode Highlights

    2:00 - Meet Marina Phillips a Breeding Coop Administrator for Assistance Dogs International

    2:30 - How the programs work together

    4:30 - Breeding Cooperative accreditation & member schools

    6:00 - Sharing resources in breeding

    8:00 - How the breeding cooperative began

    11:30 - Marina’s journey to the breeding cooperative

    16:30 - The many aspects of breeding

    19:00 - Tracking the window of ovulation

    20:00 - Development of the colony of

    22:30 - The ways genetic testing is leveraged

    24:00 - Definitions for naming of dog characteristics

    28:00 - Developing systems to screen & develop for training

    30:00 - Formalizing terminology to work together for best possible outcomes

    32:00 - Micro Behaviors seen to recognize long term outcomes

    34:00 - Training handlers to spot the behaviors that benefit the dogs

    36:30 - Marina shares how feedback influences what works well

    39:30 - Behavior checklists and how facility dogs connect

    42:00 - Colleen reflects on the characteristics of Blake

    Links To References

    Assistance Dogs International North America Regional Chapter

    International Working Dog Registry

  • How many loads of laundry does it take to raise a puppy? Who takes care of the pregnant dogs? How are the dogs paired for breeding? Colleen & Jim are joined by Breeder Caretaker Wendy Clock Johnson from Canine Companions for Independence to answer all our puppy breeding and raising questions. They also discuss why this process is so important for successful working dogs.

    Episode Highlights

    1:00 - Meet Wendy Clock Johnson the Breeder Caretaker for Canine Companions For Independence

    3:30 - How Wendy becoming a breeder caretaker

    5:30 - The process for breeding and and length of service

    7:30 - What happens if a breeder caretaker needs help

    9:30 - The challenges of socializing dogs right now

    12:15 - All the loads of laundry to do!

    14:45 - From pregnancy, to whelping boxes

    19:30 - Maximum puppy cuteness, Jim shares the science

    23:15 - Pairing the dogs for breeding

    26:30 - Seeing characteristics passed from parent to puppy

    27:45 - Recognizing the skills generationally

    30:15 - Wendy shares a few examples she’s seen

    31:30 - Why purposeful breeding is useful

    34:00 - Mission critical tasks we rely on dogs for

    36:30 - History, hit rate, and choosing the environments

    39:00 - Milestones the breeder caretaker manages

    40:30 - An unexpected conditioning moment

    42:45 - When puppies are ready to go to the puppy raiser

    44:30 - Delivering the puppies to the raiser & when they return

    48:00 - Wendy’s experiences working in these programs

    49:00 - The types of working dogs that Canine Companions for Independence raises

    52:10 - Identifying the characteristics to put the dog in the right working environment

    54:30 - Collen reflects on the observed actions dogs pick up

    56:00 - Frannie’s personality that Jim enjoys

    58:00 - Blake asks for dessert

    59:30 - Sabina & Mara at home with Wendy

    1:02:30 - The social media puppy raisers have created

    1:04:00 - When public has been surprised by these dogs

    1:06:00 - The moments that make this work great

    1:10:00 - Where dogs go to when they are not able to be placed as working dogs

    1:13:00 - A special community built around raising these dogs

    1:14:30 - What happens when Sabina & Mara retire

    1:17:00 - Roles of the dogs after they are retired

    Links To References

    Canine Companions for Independence

    Assistance Dogs Of The West - Facebook

    PADS - Pacific Assistance Dogs Society

  • Colleen and Jim reflect on what has happened on the podcast so far and share how it’s already benefiting the community. They also share what you can expect on upcoming episodes. Jim also shares his best tips for minimizing separation anxiety when you leave your dog home.

    Join us next month for the November Virtual Race & Walk for Gratitude to raise funds to support this program.

    Episode Highlights

    1:10 - Jim provides a personal update

    3:30 - Support from the community during recovery

    4:30 - Upcoming topics we’ll be exploring

    5:45 - Selecting from the right genetics for the best start

    7:20 - The experiences through training the dogs

    9:00 - Features you recognize

    10:30 - Similarities within breeding

    12:30 - Exploring the assistance dog schools

    13:30 - Recapping what we’ve discussed so far

    15:00 - Colleen shares the 2 things she’s observed so far

    17:35 - The impact this podcast has made so far

    19:15 - The motivation Jim has experienced

    21:00 - Connecting during this time apart

    24:00 - November Virtual Race & Walk

    26:00 - Separation anxiety for our dogs

    31:00 - Keeping in mind your dogs age

    32:30 - Puppies may be very confused when this is done

  • Continuing last week's episode the Alabama network shares a wide range of experiences with the facility dogs they work with. Colleen also learns more about each of the facility dogs similar personality traits. We wrap up this 2 part series talking about the value of these networks in the community. Colleen provides next steps if you want to see a program like this in your community.

    Tamara Martin (pictured) has facility dog Willow. Tamara works the Office of Prosecution Services in Montgomery, AL. Tamara is Grant Administrator and facility dog handler.

    Ann Leith (primary handler and full-time handler) and Jana Thomas (secondary handler) have facility dog, Wilson. They work at the National Children's Advocacy Center in Huntsville, AL

    Patricia Falcon has facility dog Kuzco. she is the ED of the James M. Barrie Center for Children (CAC) in Gadsden, AL

    Tonya Willingham has facility dog Fitzgerald (Fitz). Tonya is a former prosecutor in the Shelby County, AL District Attorney's office who switched from prosecuting child cases to being a full-time dog handler.

    Episode Highlights

    1:30 - Observing Willow’s personality

    2:45 - Tamera is still surprised letting Willow work

    4:30 - How he dogs know who to serve & compliment the advocates

    5:45 - Nervous moments that make a trial manageable

    7:50 - Tamera’s future plans for a successor dog

    9:45 - The planning that goes into managing a facility dogs life

    13:00 - Ann & Wilson impact a child in therapy with Autism

    15:15 - Jana observes Wilson creating comfort for a 10 year old girl

    18:15 - The types of therapy that Wilson is included in

    19:30 - Outcomes advocates hope for when partnering with facility dogs

    22:45 - Ann & Jana describe Wilson’s slow demeanor

    25:30 - Facility dogs consistent energy

    27:00 - When the dogs are at training & are able to play

    28:15 - Tonya shares how Fitz personality is inline with the rest of the facility dogs

    29:45 - Fiz comforts two children during a challenging physical exam

    32:30 - Colleen sees Blake working even when he’s off duty

    33:40 - Staff in the facility see Fitz playing

    36:00 - Patricia shares Kuzco’s personality

    38:00 - Commands Kuzco is working on

    40:30 - Kuzco’s time with the family translates to the office

    43:00 - The extended relationships at home with the facility dogs

    45:00 - Seeing the excitement as the community is educated

    48:15 - Tamera shared the benefits of their unique network in Alabama

    50:30 - How the network has impacted other communities

  • Colleen kicks off this two part episode with 4 members of the Alabama facility dog community. Ann, Jana, Patricia,Tamera and Tonya share how they came together to launch their statewide efforts to benefit the communities they serve. This episode discusses how both the National Children's Advocacy Center and the H.E.R.O. Program were founded, and who they serve.

    Tamara Martin (pictured) has facility dog Willow. Tamara works the Office of Prosecution Services in Montgomery, AL. Tamara is Grant Administrator and facility dog handler.

    Ann Leith (primary handler and full-time handler) and Jana Thomas (secondary handler) have facility dog, Wilson. They work at the National Children's Advocacy Center in Huntsville, AL

    Patricia Falcon has facility dog Kuzco. she is the ED of the James M. Barrie Center for Children (CAC) in Gadsden, AL

    Tonya Willingham has facility dog Fitzgerald (Fitz). Tonya is a former prosecutor in the Shelby County, AL District Attorney's office who switched from prosecuting child cases to being a full-time dog handler.

    Episode Highlights

    2:05 - Meet Patricia Falcon the Executive Director for the James Berry Center for Children in Gadsden Alabama and handler of Kuzco

    5:00 - National Children’s Advocacy Center Ann Leith handler shares Wilson’s role at her facility

    7:45 - Jana Thomas Family Advocate explains the team approach to managing Wilson

    10:45 - Tonya Willingham transitioned from a District Attorney to handler of facility dog Fitzgerald working out of the Shelby County Courthouse

    13:00 - Tamara Martin of the H.E.R.O.’s program - Helping. Empowering. Restoring. Overcoming.

    15:10 - Victims Of Crime Act’s role in this program

    16:00 - Providing ongoing training for the 10 facility dogs and handlers in the program

    18:30 - How Tamera brought the H.E.R.O.’s program grew

    20:35 - The resources with in the National Children's Advocacy Center

    22:05 - Creating a central location to provide services to support victims

    25:30 - Working as a team to support the facility dogs

    28:30 - Colleen & Jana reflect on the role of secondary handler

    30:00 - Wilson makes a difference for 2 children

    32:00 - More facilities in Alabama finding the program

    35:45 - Long term impact in the community

    38:00 - Teaching children about how the dogs that have helped them live their life.

    39:15 - Ensuring the facility dog receives the breaks they need while working

    41:00 - Tonya identifies and fills the need for a facility dog in her area

    45:45 - Colleen shares what you can expect in part 2 of this episode.

    Links To References

    H.E.R.O. Program

    National Children's Advocacy Center

  • Colleen and Jim learn the unique ways that their peers in Australia have used facility dogs to build confidence throughout the justice system. Jane Kefford Client Services Manager for Assistance Dogs Of Australia and Julie Morrison victim engagement coordinator for the Victoria Office Of Public Prosecutions and handler of Lucy / Suzy join us this week.

    Episode Highlights

    1:00 - Bringing the first accredited facility dog to Australia

    4:45 - Coming to the states to learn from the Courthouse Dogs Foundation

    6:15 - Jane Kefford breaks down the structure of Assistance Dogs of Australia

    7:30 - Pups in prison program

    11:00 - Transitioning the facility dogs from the handlers to the recipients

    12:45 - Prisoners support of the program after release

    14:45 - The confidence that this program brings

    16:30 - Opportunities inside these programs for the prisoners and facility dogs

    18:30 - A last minute change brings Julie and Lucy Suzy together

    21:15 - The first time taking the liesh, Julie, Colleen & Jim recall that moment

    25:30 - Settling into the process with the newly placed facility dogs

    27:15 - Jim shares Frannie’s first flight

    28:30 - Suzy Lucy the chocolate labrador’s personality & work

    32:00 - How Australia’s justice system functions

    34:45 - Lucy Suzy working in the courtroom

    36:15 - Navigating the courtroom

    39:00 - Allowing people to see the work.

    41:30 - The specialized training Assistance Dogs of Australia

    44:00 - How the community contributes to raising the facility dogs

    46:00 - The socializing that lets them be ready for any scenario

    49:30 - Resetting expectations around how the facility dogs are working vs off the vest

    51:00 - Saying hello to manage a room

    52:00 - Where the name Suzy Lucy came from

    54:45 - Overwhelming need for more facility dogs

    58:15 - Examples of Suzy Lucy impacting children in the justice system

    1:00:30 - A wristband highlights the help being provided

    1:03:00 - Victim impact statements validates the service Suzy Lucy is providing

    1:05:00 - Connecting the handlers using this platform

    1:06:45 - Finding better solutions for handlers



    Links To References

    Assistance Dogs Australia - https://www.assistancedogs.org.au/

  • This episode covers detailed and graphic topics related to the sexual abuse cases that facility dogs have been involved with. Ellen O’Neill Stephens provides a deep dive into the groundbreaking case that David Crenshaw and Rosie discussed on our last episode. We also talk about the appellate court process, and other cases that have impacted the use of facility dogs throughout the United States.

    Episode Highlights

    1:30 - This episode covers detailed and graphic topics related to the sexual abuse cases that facility dogs have been involved with.

    2:30 - Ellen & Celeste become aware of David Crenshaw’s work

    4:45 - Circumstances of the first child David & Rosie worked with

    6:30 - Touring the courthouse through the eyes of Rosie

    7:30 - The trial process for the victim & guilty verdict

    8:40 - National news coverage of Courthouse Dogs

    10:45 - What an appellate court decision is and how it impacts facility dogs

    15:40 - New York courts appellate decision in David & Rosie’s case

    17:00 - Recognizing that a dog being present is not prejudicial if a child talking about sexual assault is not disturbing

    19:05 - This victims case sets precedent for many cases

    20:10 - Ellen shares her experience before the Supreme Court

    21:45 - Colleen shares how she feels when Arizona cases have included Russel & Blake

    23:10 - Jim asks Ellen how David & Rosie’s case impacts other states' cases.

    26:45 - Adult accommodations with differing results in Michigan and Georgia

    29:00 - The facility dogs can do a lot, the victim testifying has the ability to choose

    31:00 - How David continues to support Courthouse Dogs Foundation

    32:00 - Colleen and other advocates use this information to do their jobs better

    34:00 - How to get involved in bringing a facility dog to your courthouse

    Links To References

    Courthouse Dogs Appellate Case Law Decision

  • Dr David Crenshaw of the Children’s Home Of Poughkeepsie joins Colleen & Dr Jim for a lively discussion about the various ways his organization uses facility dogs. He shares how their facility dogs have used their problem solving skills to support, comfort, and a good laugh. Also, Jim provides a lot of insight into why problem solving is so important for the dogs chosen to serve.

    Episode Highlights

    1:37 - David shares how Dr Jim’s work has impacted his efforts

    2:15 - Meet Dr David Crenshaw of the Children's Home Of Poughkeepsie

    4:40 - The specialized programs they offer

    5:30 - Nuevas Alas serving immigrant children

    6:45 - Safe Harbour program for youth sex trafficking victims

    7:45 - Group Emergency Foster Care for siblings

    9:00 - Navigating the campus of services

    10:00 - David finds Courthouse Dogs Foundation

    14:00 - Rosie from ECAD works with 2 children

    17:00 - David’s observations of Rosie’s impact

    20:15 - Jim reflects on the past 10 years of adoption of facility dog programs

    24:20 - The importance of problem solving skills in these dogs

    28:10 - The current projects Jim is working on the science of play

    30:00 - Rosie is reunited with Dale but continues to show up

    31:00 - An example of the work Rosie did in court

    34:15 - The transition of facility dogs

    37:30 - Gentle soft touch to the dogs provides healing to the children

    38:45 - Benefiting from establishing boundaries

    41:00 - Teens working with Ace the labrador

    44:30 - Our connection to the animals

    45:30 - Calming comfort through all areas of life

    48:00 - Letter exchange with Ace

    50:50 - Elvis the approachable one

    51:45 - Marshall working with the Safe Harbour program

    53:15 - Facility dogs supporting all of those in this process

    54:30 - Intuitive problem solving the dogs inherently have

    55:00 - Hilarious problem solving example

    58:00 - Knowing where the facility dogs will serve best

    1:01:30 - What a bark or howl is telling a handler

    1:02:30 - Colleen shares how Russel was impacted by pain of a person

    1:04:45 - Rosie goes to college & Jim tells us how dogs sense their stress

    Links To References

    Children’s Home Of Poughkeepsie

    ECAD - Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities

    This episode is marked explicit due to the nature of some of the topics discussed.

  • With ever changing environments at dispersed facilities Chile’s facility dogs face a unique set of challenges. Cecilia Marré Director of Bocalan Confair in Santiago, Chile’s programs join Jim & Colleen in this week's episode to highlight the way they’ve adapted the program to fit their community. Using a facility dogs natural instincts & positive reinforcement training she discusses the way they’ve made adjustments to their program to accommodate those they serve.

    Episode Highlights

    1:11 - Meet Cecilia Marré director of Boclan Confair in Santiago, Chile

    2:15 - Cecilia invites Courthouse Dogs Foundation to Chile

    3:45 - Chile’s dispersed criminal justice system

    6:00 - Adopting forensic interviews

    7:40 - The environments facility dogs & handlers navigate in Chile

    11:05 - Jim explains what traits are sought after in these working dogs

    14:15 - Paseta the labrador the first facility dog in Chile

    18:45 - Trusting the facility dog to guide interactions

    21:30 - Using facility and support dogs through the criminal justice process

    24:00 - Sitting on the sidelines as a handler while court is taking place

    25:30 - When the facility dogs are brought in for bonding sessions

    31:00 - The combination of animal assisted intervention & support

    35:15 - How Courthouse Dogs Foundation helped Cecilia integrate the program

    37:45 - The importance of the facility dog’s support team

    40:30 - Inhibition in the dogs

    42:15 - Being able to laugh at the fun moments as well

    45:00 - Professional training is creating success in the programs

    46:00 - Building a relationship with the facility dog during training

    50:00 - Using independence helps build trust & community

    53:20 - The problem solving that comes with a facility dog

    56:00 - Handlers role as a guide vs controlling the situations

    1:02:30 - The process of breeding and raising facility dogs in Chile

    1:05:00 - Programs offered by Boclan Confair

    1:08:00 - How the dogs interact with each other when they are at home

    1:13:00 - Exposing the handlers to other animals

    Links To References

    Assistance Dogs Of North America

    Bocalan Confair

  • Have you wondered what happens when a facility dog retires? Kim Gramlich of the Delta Police Victim Services in Delta British Columbia joins us to discuss the retirement of facility dog Caber. She also shares what it’s like bringing a new facility dog into the mix. As the first handler in Canada Kim is a wealth of knowledge on best practices getting started and managing a successful facility dog program.

    Episode Highlights

    0:45 - Meet Kim Gramlich with the Delta Police Services in Delta British Columbia

    3:38 - The NOVA conference leads to the discovery of facility dogs

    5:30 - Creation of a facility program in Canada

    6:30 - Kim meets her facility dog Caber in 2010

    8:05 - Signs a facility dog is close to retirement

    10:50 - Changes in Caber that Kim observed

    12:00 - Jim shares health issues that could impact the facility dog as well

    14:30 - Colleen & Jim reflect on changes they’ve noticed as their dogs have aged

    16:45 - Finding an internal champion to support the program

    18:30 - Winston Sason helps proactively address concerns

    21:00 - Educating those that are still not familiar with the facility dogs in court

    22:15 - How Canada’s testimonial accommodation supports those testifying during legislation

    27:15 - The handlers role during testimonial accommodation

    28:00 - Acclimating the dog to different standards internationally

    30:30 - Caber & Puma’s personality differences

    33:40 - Colleen’s experiences with Russell & Blake

    36:15 - Reminding and reinforcing commands with Frannie

    39:00 - The ways our learned behavior is managed

    40:00 - How COVID is impacting the training facility dogs have

    41:50 - Kims experience retiring Caber and introducing Puma to work

    47:00 - Colleen & Kim’s emotional connection to their facility dogs

    53:15 - Creating the best situation for the dog and handlers

    56:00 - Highly trained professionals equipped to navigate the graphic aspects of the criminal justice system

    59:10 - Support handlers receive while doing this work

    1:01:30 - The resilience of the facility dogs vs your pet at home

    1:03:00 - Studying the mental health of both the handlers and facility dogs

    1:04:45 - Facility dogs help those within an organization manage daily stress

    1:06:30 - How these programs benefit all first responders

    1:07:50 - Cabers most impactful moment as a facility dog

    Links To References

    National Association For Victims Assistance

    Pacific Assistance Dogs Foundation

    Justice Facility Dogs Canada

  • Our first international guest from Saskatchewan, Canada. Sergeant Tia Froh and Merlot serve in the Regina Police Service. She shares how she manages her life, and schedules with her facility dog while working as a police officer. Tia also shares with us what it’s like to live in Merlot’s world.

    You can follow along with Merlot on Instagram at padsk9merlot.


    Episode Highlights

    1:00 - Meet Sgt Tia Froh & Merlot of the Regina Police Service in Saskatchewan Canada

    2:30 - Many facility dogs serve throughout the justice process.

    3:20 - The “Point of First Contact Principal”

    4:30 - Greeting those coming to the facility

    5:30 - The facility that Tia and Merlot work in

    8:00 - What the Canadian justice and legal system looks like

    10:10 - Additional team members in the community

    11:00 - How facility dogs get involved in the justice system

    14:10 - Building confidence

    15:30 - Merlot the Accredited Justice Facility Dog

    19:15 - Understanding working vs not working time for the facility dog

    22:30 - Jim explains the mental strength facility dogs need to have

    25:40 - Facility dogs behavioral changes during down time

    31:20 - Managing Merlot’s schedule

    35:40 - Supporting officers in critical mission debriefs

    37:35 - Canada’s criminal code support person explained

    39:300 - Support person roles in cases in Canada and the United States

    44:0 - How the facility dogs know who to serve

    47:30 - The role of a handler to help prioritize the facility dogs attention

    50:45 - Tia’s journey to becoming a handler

    56:00 - Adjustments to work and personal life after becoming a handler

    1:00:30 - Recognizing the facility dogs help the handlers as well

    1:04:45 - Settling into the environment as time goes on

    1:06:30 - Covid scheduling changes

    1:08:30 - Highlighting Merlot’s work on Social Media

    1:10:00 - Educating & building community engagement with police officers



    Links To References

    Merlo’s Instagram

  • President of Courthouse Dogs Foundation, Carrie-Leigh Cloutier joins Colleen & Jim this week and shares how their 7 facility dogs have impacted her community. Training plays a big part in managing situations and environments that facility dogs and their handlers work in. This episode provides an insider's guide on how that takes place, and how you can be a part of creating a great environment for all to thrive and benefit from these working dogs in any community.

    Episode Highlights

    1:40 - Meet Carrie-Leigh Cloutier CEO of the Chaves County Courthouse Program in Roswell, New Mexico

    3:30 - Zia the CASA dog

    4:30 - The transformation of a facility dog when putting their vest on

    8:20 - Carrie-Leigh’s role with Courthouse Dogs Foundation

    11:00 - The 7 facility dogs in Roswell, New Mexico

    14:30 - Chance meeting & quick adoption of the program

    16:45 - Emma the labradors impact on the community

    19:50 - Labradoodle Moose helps children during family visitations

    21:05 - Cognitive therapy games with families and the facility dog

    23:30 - Facility dog assists in "goodbye visits"

    25:00 - The power of holding the dogs leash

    29:30 - Why facility dogs & their handlers are best used during community trauma

    34:00 - The added benefits to staff members working in proximity to facility dogs

    39:00 - Jim shares the science behind why dogs are sensitive to people's emotions

    41:15 - A handlers part in letting the facility dog work

    42:00 - Lessons Carrie-Leigh has learned facilitating this program

    45:45 - Creating a support system for handlers & facility dogs

    51:15 - Establishing stable co-parenting environments

    53:45 - Controlling the facility dogs diet

    57:00 - Challenges with taking the facility dog into the world

    1:00:00 - The presence of a facility dog providing support to children testifying

    1:02:00 - What donations to Courthouse Dogs Foundation support

    Links To References

    Casa Kids - Roswell New Mexico

    Assistance Dogs Of The West

  • Executive Director of the Courthouse Dogs Foundation Celeste Walsen shares the impact and ongoing mission of the organization. This episode explores the complexity of raising and selecting facility dogs and why these roles aren’t for just any dog. Celeste also shares the value of this training, and some of the legal aspects of working facility dogs.

    Episode Highlights

    2:34 - Ellen's experience with raising service & guide dogs

    4:05 - What’s the process like raising these dogs

    5:15 - The transformation of placement

    6:50 - Service organizations guidelines

    9:00 - How Ellen & Celeste met

    11:00 - Advocating for increased use of facility dogs

    12:30 - International impact

    14:00 - Helping facilities understand purpose bred dogs

    16:00 - Why purpose breeding is important for working dogs

    17:55 - The science behind selecting a dog that is biddable

    21:20 - Why some dogs aren’t suitable

    24:15 - Remembering the mission critical role these dogs play

    26:00 - Genetics, Socialization, Training - The 3 keys to success

    29:00 - Good temperament still may not make a reliable services dogs

    31:00 - The value of accredited assistance dogs organizations

    34:00 - Continuing the mission of the foundation

    36:30 - Legislative support for facility dogs

    38:25 - What we do & how you can help

    41:50 - Facility dogs, service dogs, therapy dogs...what are the differences

    46:30 - Educating people on the work of Facility dogs

    48:15 - Jim shares the shifting roles dogs play in our society

    50:05 - Training those working in a facility how to interact with the facility dog

    52:00 - Navigating a facility as a handler

    Definitions

    Biddable - A variety of factors that determine if an animal is trainable

    Career Change Dogs - The determination that a purpose bred dog would be better suited to serve in a program different than the one originally intended.

    Therapy Dog / Emotional Support Animal - A pet dog that has some training by its owner and has been registered as a dog & can visit public places.

    Service Dogs - Defined by federal law as a dog that is specifically trained as a dog to perform tasks to help one individual.

    Facility Dogs - Expertly trained dog partnered with a human to facilitate a specific outcome for those that the dog serves.

    Links To References

    Canine Companions for Independence - https://www.cci.org/

    Guide Dogs For The Blind - https://www.guidedogs.com/

    Assistance Dogs International - https://assistancedogsinternational.org/

  • Colleen shares her winding path from volunteering to a Special Victims Advocate and Facility Dog Handler. She and Jim also dive deep into how the mind-body connection with yourself can positively impact your relationship with your facility dog. Also, Jim shares how he was connected to his “career changer” dog.

    Episode Highlights

    1:00 - Colleen’s path to becoming a Special Victims Advocate

    4:30 - Volunteering opens a different path

    5:30 - Transforming language to make an impact

    8:30 - Creating spaces to have trauma conversations

    11:00 - Adverse Childhood Experiences

    13:00 - Settling into Arizona

    14:00 - Creating a Mind Body Connection

    17:30 - The value of yoga & meditation for healing

    21:00 - Connecting these concepts into the criminal justice community

    22:30 - How dogs are influencing these conversations

    24:00 - Moving into full time advocacy & training future advocates

    26:00 - Colleen is introduced to Facility Dogs

    28:00 - Jim shares how he got his “career changer” dog

    32:15 - Creating a partnership with a dog

    35:00 - Blake’s impact in Colleen’s world

    Links To References

    ACE’s- Adverse Childhood Experiences

    The Body Keeps Score - Bessel Vander Kolk

    Assistance Dogs Of the West

    National Adoption Day Ceremony

    Guardian ad Litem Program in in the Florida Keys (Monroe County)


    To learn more about what they are doing to change the criminal justice system, go to courthousedogs.org.

  • Dr Jim Ha, co-host of Dogged Justice, has dedicated his life to the study of animal behavior. In this episode, he gives us a glimpse of his career and education. He also shares how he applied his knowledge and research to benefit the communities he serves including the Courthouse Dogs Foundation.

    Episode Highlights

    1:00 - Jim’s father inspires him early

    3:00 - Education & early career

    5:00 - Field PHD Research.

    7:30 - Postdoctoral Research

    10:30 - Shifting from cognitive to behavioral studies

    15:45 - Helping apply animal behavior in homes

    18:30 - How Animal Behavior Associates of Washington came to be

    23:30 - What Jim hopes to share on this podcast

    24:00 - Resources Jim has created

    27:00 - Courthouse Dogs Foundation

    31:30 - The special relationship between humans and dogs

    36:00 - How science plays a part in understanding the benefits of dogs

    Links To References

    University of Washington Certificate in Applied Animal Behavior

    Dog Behavior - Modern Science & Our Canine Companions


    Dr Jim's Credentials

    Millersville University, BA Biology, 1980

    Wake Forest University, MA Biology, 1983

    Colorado State University, PhD Zoology, 1989

    Research Professor, University of Washington, 1992-present

    Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, 2004-present

    Owner, Animal Behavior Associates of Washington education and consulting

    Owner, DrJimHa.com education and consulting

    Connect with Jim or learn more about his work on his website at drjimha.com.


    To learn more about what they are doing to change the criminal justice system, go to courthousedogs.org.

  • Our interview with Ellen continues as she shares how Jeeter, Ellie, and Molly cleared the path for the facility dogs serving in courthouses today. Colleen and Jim reflect on how they became involved with the organization as well. Ellen concludes by sharing how Courthouse Dogs Foundation promotes and facilitates the use of dogs in the justice system and what you can do to support the mission.

    Show Notes

    0:45 - Jeeter makes an impact with Chelsea

    6:20 - Assisting sexual assault victims & prosecutors in criminal court

    12:00 - Convincing prosecutors, judges and training organizations

    14:45 - Ellen spreads the word in 2004 after the first dog is placed in King County

    16:30 - Celeste recruits Ellen to join her alongside the endeavor

    17:15 - Courthouse Dogs Foundation is born

    18:10 - What the program looks like today

    21:15 - Colleen reflects on being introduced to facility dogs

    24:00 - Ellie the first dog in King County

    25:30 - Jim is convinced after meeting Molly

    30:35 - How Courthouse Dogs Foundation support dogs & those they serve

    32:30 - Partnering with various organizations & courthouses to meet demand

    Links To Resources

    Canine Companions for Independence


    To learn more about what they are doing to change the criminal justice system, go to courthousedogs.org.