Prison Dog Training Program Expands to 12 Facilities

When black retriever Wendel locked eyes with Chase Benoit after a year apart, it was like no time had passed. The dog remembered the man who raised him in a California prison cell, wagging his tail with unmistakable recognition.

Benoit is part of something special at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center. In April 2023, he became one of four incarcerated men chosen to raise guide dogs for Canine Companions, a nonprofit that pairs service animals with people who need them.

For one full year, these men shared the responsibility of teaching four puppies 20 essential skills. The dogs lived in their cells, learning commands and building trust. Every three months, trainers took the puppies on field trips to grocery stores and parks to practice their skills in public.

The results speak for themselves. Dogs trained in prisons have a 10% higher success rate at becoming service dogs compared to those trained elsewhere. James Dern, national director of puppy programs for Canine Companions, credits the "time and care" incarcerated trainers invest in their students.

Benjamin Carter received his service dog Artemis from the program at no cost. "He is responsive when he's working. He is cuddly when he is off the clock," Carter said. "And all that structure and love and trust was built from these guys here."

The Ripple Effect

The San Quentin program has quadrupled in size, with 16 trainers now raising eight puppies. Since the program launched in 2023, 11 more correctional facilities across the nation have started their own versions.

That means more people like Carter will receive life-changing service dogs for free. It also means more incarcerated people will experience what Benoit describes as finding meaningful purpose.

"Being in this program, it's given me something that I think I've searched for my whole life," Benoit said through an American Sign Language interpreter. "And that was meaningful purpose, doing something that's good, better, bigger than myself and feeling like I'm part of something great."

When Benoit met Wendel's owner, Robert Quigley, he could see the bond between them. "I'm so happy that you love him, and that you have a bond," he told Quigley.

A year of patience and dedication from four men in prison is now helping people with disabilities live fuller, more independent lives across the country.