Breaking the chains? The effects of training a shelter dog in prison on criminal behavior and recidivism. Issue 4 (2nd October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Duindam, Hanne M.; Creemers, Hanneke E.; Hoeve, Machteld; Asscher, Jessica J.
• Is Part Of: Applied developmental science. Volume 26:Issue 4(2022)
• Page Start: 813
• Page End: 826
• Publication Date: 2022-10-02
• Subjects: Child development -- Periodicals; Developmental psychology -- Periodicals; 305.231
• DOI: 10.1080/10888691.2021.2007768
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1088-8691

Abstract

Abstract: The effectiveness of Dutch Cell Dogs (DCD), a prison-based dog training program, in reducing criminal behavior and recidivism was assessed in a quasi-experimental study in twelve correctional facilities in the Netherlands ( N = 241). DCD is a program in which incarcerated offenders train a shelter dog bi-weekly for eight weeks. Results demonstrated that DCD ( n = 121) did not outperform treatment-as-usual (TAU; n = 120) in official recidivism outcomes and self-reported criminal behavior. However, subgroups based on age and detainees' functioning responded differently in self-reported criminal behavior. Positive effects were found on self-reported criminal behavior for DCD participants who were older, had lower callous-unemotional traits, or had higher treatment motivation. In conclusion, findings provided initial evidence that subgroups may respond differently to a dog training program, however, more experimental research with larger sample sizes is needed.