Episodes
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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/
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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 Highlights1:30 - 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
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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 Highlights1:10 - 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 ReferencesCanine Companions For Independence
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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 Highlights2:00 - 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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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/
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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 Highlights1:00 - 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 ReferencesMerlo’s Instagram
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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
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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/
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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 CredentialsMillersville 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. - Show more
