Can Do Canines service dogs in training, ready for what’s next

ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – Can Do Canines is a group that trains service dogs. On Wednesday, a group of puppies from the organization left the prison to meet at Peace Plaza in Rochester.

The dogs spent nearly five weeks at the Federal Medical Center training with inmates.

The prisoners train the dogs for their future homes.

These service pups gathered downtown to practice city distractions and being with other pups.

You will spend more than three years in the program.

Volunteer Erin O’Brien said this program is a win-win for both the inmates and the service dogs in training.

“Staff at Rochester Federal Medical Center say this program, where inmates train these dogs, is truly life-changing for them,” O’Brien said. “It’s a mutually beneficial partnership where the inmates really benefit a lot from this program. But then of course these dogs come out of prison, beautifully trained and really ready to start working in final training.”

Can Do Canines encouraged anyone interested in the program to stop by the Rochester Art Center on November 20 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. to learn about volunteer opportunities.

Further information about Can Do Canines can be found here.

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