JCI Program

Jackson Correctional Institution (JCI) in Black River Falls, WI, partners with Can Do Canines to help raise and train future assistance dogs.

Two carefully chosen inmates are assigned to each of our puppies. Together, the inmates provide round-the-clock care for the puppy, as well as basic obedience training and basic assistance dog training, such as opening doors and retrieving items.

As important as this Prison Program experience is for the puppies, it is also crucial that they learn good house manners and get exposed to as many social and public situations as possible during their first, formative year. Dog host volunteers are asked to review and work on house manners, go on walks in a neighborhood, and socialize the puppy to things they would not encounter in prison. Examples are household noises, like dishwashers, vacuums, other pets, and children.