What Dog Lovers Have Known All Along

[delilalaw23]

Humans and dogs are locked together by the same chemical feedback loop that occurs between mothers and their infants, researchers say.

 

http://www.sciencerecorder.com/news/gazing-into-your-dogs-eyes-strengthens-chemical-bonds-new-study-shows/

[Deepwater6]

Nice article delilalaw23, I have three  large dogs all carry a different but special bonds with me. What I'd like to see is a massive increase in the programs that are now in place for cons and canines. The jailed person takes personal responsibility for the dog and the dog does the same. From what I have read and seen from documentaries this program works and is a step toward easing at least two troubling issues.

 

Properly managed and with good oversight this program could reduce prison time, help save the over population issues at shelters and in some cases teach dogs to become service dogs for the blind, or give them earthquake rescue training. It's a win, win, win to me.  

[HydrogenBond]

One possible problem with cons and canines would be dog fighting. If a con, such as a gang banger, had a tough breed of dog, there is always the curiosity to see what he can do. Dogs are smart and will become a reflection of their owner and will try to please the owner. 

 

One may need to segregate the cons, from the dogs, and introduce well trained service dogs. These will have a degree of detachment; not designed to fight, but to be friendly.  

[Deepwater6]

A valid concern HB, worse yet would be the inmates training the dogs to attack their enemies. As I mentioned in the first post, strict oversight would be crucial. From my limited knowledge of the program I believe it is only used with medium to low security institutions.

 

Never the less it would have to be watched very closely. We have all seen the incredible ingenuity inmates are capable of. Everything from tattoos, weapons, even sophisticated communication with each other in solitary. The list goes on, and in one sense shows how adaptable men and women can be under adverse conditions.

 

Hopefully with more funding and intense management a program like this can help these people and the canines. Help them escape the endless cycle of imprisonment.

[delilalaw23]

I personally have always thought pairing dogs with convicts is a fabulous idea. And this new study, which confirms that that 'nurturing hormone' bond between dogs and humans really and truly exists, should convince more folks of this. After all, so many people who end up in prison are just the ones whose early relationships lacked any meaningful parental bonding.