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.

摘要

在荷兰的 12 个惩教机构（ N  = 241）进行的一项准实验研究评估了以监狱为基础的狗训练计划 Dutch Cell Dogs (DCD) 在减少犯罪行为和累犯方面的有效性。DCD 是一项计划，在该计划中，被监禁的罪犯每两周训练一只收容所犬，为期八周。结果表明，DCD ( n  = 121) 没有优于常规治疗 (TAU; n = 120）在官方累犯结果和自我报告的犯罪行为中。然而，基于年龄和被拘留者功能的亚组对自我报告的犯罪行为的反应不同。对于年龄较大、冷酷无情特征较低或治疗动机较高的 DCD 参与者，发现其对自我报告的犯罪行为有积极影响。总之，研究结果提供了初步证据，表明亚组对狗训练计划的反应可能不同，但是，需要更多样本量更大的实验研究。