Dogged Justice

Dogged Justice is an educational podcast focused on sharing the positive impact facility dogs make in the criminal justice system. Hosted by Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist Dr Jim Ha and Courthouse Facility Dog Handler Colleen Phelan each episode will share a new aspect of the world wide work of the Courthouse Dogs Foundation. Weekly 30 - 45 minute episodes will bring you insightful interviews from members of the community, to deep dives into cutting edge research, and Jim’s Training Corner. To learn more about what they are doing to change the criminal justice system go to https://courthousedogs.org/

Cognitive Research With Puppies featuring Guest Emily Bray 10/15/2021

Cognitive Research With Puppies featuring Guest Emily Bray Have you ever wondered what it looks like to be an Animal Behavior Researcher? from the joins Colleen and Jim in this episode. Emily takes our hosts through her process of working with puppies, tells them how the research is functionally applied and shares some of the activities she takes the working dogs through as well. Episode Highlights 1:26 - Meet the first guest of Season 2 Emily Bray from the Arizona Canine Cognition Center & Canine Companions 2:30 - The work that Canine Companions early development center does. 4:35 - Emily’s process and her early work in animal behavior studies. 6:30 - Surprising behaviors discovered during the maternal studies. 10:05 - Jim & Emily reflect on how important the maternal work being done benefits all dog owners. Plus, where Jim has recently referenced the work. 12:30 - Why these long-term studies are so challenging to complete. 17:00 - The benefits of these long-term studies and why it's worth being patient for them to be completed. 18:00 - Emily goes deep on the cognitive research she's been conducting on working dogs. 23:00 - How this research get’s functionally applied in the real world. 26:00 - Jim points out how specialized puppy raisers' intuition and years of experience play a part in all of this. 31:00 - Jim invites Emily to share her recent publications from the data she’s collected. 33:00 - 3 tasks used in recent testing and what the results helped us understand. 38:00 - Thinking about Blake, Colleen reflects on the daily tasks her facility dog would and would not be suited for. 40:45 - Jim and Emily talk through what makes positive and negative outcomes, and how a working dog's characteristics play a part. 43:30 - What happens when a working dog isn't the right fit for the originally intended working environment. 45:15 - Emily share's what it's like to work with these cute dogs all day as a professional animal behavior researcher. If you'd like to know more about the work Emily does you can follow her website at /episode/index/show/doggedjustice/id/20823044

Season 2 - Science, Training, and Research Behind Facility Dogs 07/11/2021

Upcoming Virtual Symposium on Responding to Incidents of Mass Victimization 01/11/2021

Upcoming Virtual Symposium on Responding to Incidents of Mass Victimization This episode spotlights the upcoming training opportunity presented by the Courthouse Dogs Foundation on Responding To Incidents of Mass Victimization. Colleen & Jim welcome back Kim Gramlich & Tamara Martin presenters at this symposium to give you a preview on what to expect, and help identify if this is the right symposium for you to attend. Episode Highlights 1:00 - Personal update on Jim 2:15 - January 20th, 2021 Courthouse Dogs Foundation Virtual Symposium on Responding to Incidents of Mass Victimization 3:30 - Kim Gramlich shares the roles she fills when there is a crisis 6:00 - Tamara Martin from Alabama is also back to share her experience in these events 8:15 - What Jim has observed following these events 10:45 - Creating best practices for response to these events 13:25 - Being prepared and mentally focused as a handler for a Mass Casualty Response 15:45 - Defining the role the dogs play at these events 19:00 - Managing the dogs as a resource to ensure they have down time 22:30 - Asking the right questions to prioritize who needs help 25:00 - Jim shares what to expect when attending the symposium 28:15 - Colleen recognizes how responding has impacted her 30:15 - The flexibility, change of routine, and requests that come with these circumstances 34:00 - What you know vs what may be asked of you 36:00 - The emotional experiences that you will carry with you 37:30 - Preparing for these incidents to limit trauma inside the community 39:30 - A hope that Kim has for the future 42:00 - Keeping in mind the purpose for the dogs 43:30 - Knowing when the time to say “no” is appropriate 46:00 - Being prepared to say “yes” or “no” in advance 47:30 - Kim’s experience with Caber in less than ideal circumstance 49:45 - Willow impacts a man amidst the Route 91 incident 54:00 - Caber was exactly what was needed 57:00 - The dogs know the right way to respond, even when we don’t 58:00 - Jim reminds us the training and problem solving will kick in 1:00:00 - Details on the upcoming symposium /episode/index/show/doggedjustice/id/17509973

Puppy Raising With Kathy Zastrow 12/08/2020

The Many Aspects Of Breeding with Marina Phillips 10/20/2020

Breeding & Caring For The Puppies That Become Working Dogs 10/13/2020

Breeding & Caring For The Puppies That Become Working Dogs How many loads of laundry does it take to raise a puppy? Who takes care of the pregnant dogs? How are the dogs paired for breeding? Colleen & Jim are joined by Breeder Caretaker Wendy Clock Johnson from Canine Companions for Independence to answer all our puppy breeding and raising questions. They also discuss why this process is so important for successful working dogs. Episode Highlights 1:00 - Meet Wendy Clock Johnson the Breeder Caretaker for Canine Companions For Independence 3:30 - How Wendy becoming a breeder caretaker 5:30 - The process for breeding and and length of service 7:30 - What happens if a breeder caretaker needs help 9:30 - The challenges of socializing dogs right now 12:15 - All the loads of laundry to do! 14:45 - From pregnancy, to whelping boxes 19:30 - Maximum puppy cuteness, Jim shares the science 23:15 - Pairing the dogs for breeding 26:30 - Seeing characteristics passed from parent to puppy 27:45 - Recognizing the skills generationally 30:15 - Wendy shares a few examples she’s seen 31:30 - Why purposeful breeding is useful 34:00 - Mission critical tasks we rely on dogs for 36:30 - History, hit rate, and choosing the environments 39:00 - Milestones the breeder caretaker manages 40:30 - An unexpected conditioning moment 42:45 - When puppies are ready to go to the puppy raiser 44:30 - Delivering the puppies to the raiser & when they return 48:00 - Wendy’s experiences working in these programs 49:00 - The types of working dogs that Canine Companions for Independence raises 52:10 - Identifying the characteristics to put the dog in the right working environment 54:30 - Collen reflects on the observed actions dogs pick up 56:00 - Frannie’s personality that Jim enjoys 58:00 - Blake asks for dessert 59:30 - Sabina & Mara at home with Wendy 1:02:30 - The social media puppy raisers have created 1:04:00 - When public has been surprised by these dogs 1:06:00 - The moments that make this work great 1:10:00 - Where dogs go to when they are not able to be placed as working dogs 1:13:00 - A special community built around raising these dogs 1:14:30 - What happens when Sabina & Mara retire 1:17:00 - Roles of the dogs after they are retired Links To References /episode/index/show/doggedjustice/id/16389608

Minimizing Separation Anxiety & What’s Next On The Podcast 10/07/2020

Advocating & Teaming Up In Alabama (Part 2) 09/20/2020

Advocating & Teaming Up In Alabama (Part 2) Continuing last week's episode the Alabama network shares a wide range of experiences with the facility dogs they work with. Colleen also learns more about each of the facility dogs similar personality traits. We wrap up this 2 part series talking about the value of these networks in the community. Colleen provides next steps if you want to see a program like this in your community. Tamara Martin (pictured) has facility dog Willow. Tamara works the Office of Prosecution Services in Montgomery, AL. Tamara is Grant Administrator and facility dog handler. Ann Leith (primary handler and full-time handler) and Jana Thomas (secondary handler) have facility dog, Wilson. They work at the National Children's Advocacy Center in Huntsville, AL Patricia Falcon has facility dog Kuzco. she is the ED of the James M. Barrie Center for Children (CAC) in Gadsden, AL Tonya Willingham has facility dog Fitzgerald (Fitz). Tonya is a former prosecutor in the Shelby County, AL District Attorney's office who switched from prosecuting child cases to being a full-time dog handler. Episode Highlights 1:30 - Observing Willow’s personality 2:45 - Tamera is still surprised letting Willow work 4:30 - How he dogs know who to serve & compliment the advocates 5:45 - Nervous moments that make a trial manageable 7:50 - Tamera’s future plans for a successor dog 9:45 - The planning that goes into managing a facility dogs life 13:00 - Ann & Wilson impact a child in therapy with Autism 15:15 - Jana observes Wilson creating comfort for a 10 year old girl 18:15 - The types of therapy that Wilson is included in 19:30 - Outcomes advocates hope for when partnering with facility dogs 22:45 - Ann & Jana describe Wilson’s slow demeanor 25:30 - Facility dogs consistent energy 27:00 - When the dogs are at training & are able to play 28:15 - Tonya shares how Fitz personality is inline with the rest of the facility dogs 29:45 - Fiz comforts two children during a challenging physical exam 32:30 - Colleen sees Blake working even when he’s off duty 33:40 - Staff in the facility see Fitz playing 36:00 - Patricia shares Kuzco’s personality 38:00 - Commands Kuzco is working on 40:30 - Kuzco’s time with the family translates to the office 43:00 - The extended relationships at home with the facility dogs 45:00 - Seeing the excitement as the community is educated 48:15 - Tamera shared the benefits of their unique network in Alabama 50:30 - How the network has impacted other communities /episode/index/show/doggedjustice/id/16082657

Advocating & Teaming Up In Alabama (Part 1) 09/14/2020

Advocating & Teaming Up In Alabama (Part 1) Colleen kicks off this two part episode with 4 members of the Alabama facility dog community. Ann, Jana, Patricia,Tamera and Tonya share how they came together to launch their statewide efforts to benefit the communities they serve. This episode discusses how both the and the were founded, and who they serve. Tamara Martin (pictured) has facility dog Willow. Tamara works the Office of Prosecution Services in Montgomery, AL. Tamara is Grant Administrator and facility dog handler. Ann Leith (primary handler and full-time handler) and Jana Thomas (secondary handler) have facility dog, Wilson. They work at the National Children's Advocacy Center in Huntsville, AL Patricia Falcon has facility dog Kuzco. she is the ED of the James M. Barrie Center for Children (CAC) in Gadsden, AL Tonya Willingham has facility dog Fitzgerald (Fitz). Tonya is a former prosecutor in the Shelby County, AL District Attorney's office who switched from prosecuting child cases to being a full-time dog handler. Episode Highlights 2:05 - Meet Patricia Falcon the Executive Director for the James Berry Center for Children in Gadsden Alabama and handler of Kuzco 5:00 - National Children’s Advocacy Center Ann Leith handler shares Wilson’s role at her facility 7:45 - Jana Thomas Family Advocate explains the team approach to managing Wilson 10:45 - Tonya Willingham transitioned from a District Attorney to handler of facility dog Fitzgerald working out of the Shelby County Courthouse 13:00 - Tamara Martin of the H.E.R.O.’s program - Helping. Empowering. Restoring. Overcoming. 15:10 - Victims Of Crime Act’s role in this program 16:00 - Providing ongoing training for the 10 facility dogs and handlers in the program 18:30 - How Tamera brought the H.E.R.O.’s program grew 20:35 - The resources with in the National Children's Advocacy Center 22:05 - Creating a central location to provide services to support victims 25:30 - Working as a team to support the facility dogs 28:30 - Colleen & Jana reflect on the role of secondary handler 30:00 - Wilson makes a difference for 2 children 32:00 - More facilities in Alabama finding the program 35:45 - Long term impact in the community 38:00 - Teaching children about how the dogs that have helped them live their life. 39:15 - Ensuring the facility dog receives the breaks they need while working 41:00 - Tonya identifies and fills the need for a facility dog in her area 45:45 - Colleen shares what you can expect in part 2 of this episode. Links To References /episode/index/show/doggedjustice/id/15995357

Facility Dogs Building Confidence Down Under 08/30/2020

Facility Dogs Building Confidence Down Under Colleen and Jim learn the unique ways that their peers in Australia have used facility dogs to build confidence throughout the justice system. Jane Kefford Client Services Manager for Assistance Dogs Of Australia and Julie Morrison victim engagement coordinator for the Victoria Office Of Public Prosecutions and handler of Lucy / Suzy join us this week. Episode Highlights 1:00 - Bringing the first accredited facility dog to Australia 4:45 - Coming to the states to learn from the Courthouse Dogs Foundation 6:15 - Jane Kefford breaks down the structure of Assistance Dogs of Australia 7:30 - Pups in prison program 11:00 - Transitioning the facility dogs from the handlers to the recipients 12:45 - Prisoners support of the program after release 14:45 - The confidence that this program brings 16:30 - Opportunities inside these programs for the prisoners and facility dogs 18:30 - A last minute change brings Julie and Lucy Suzy together 21:15 - The first time taking the liesh, Julie, Colleen & Jim recall that moment 25:30 - Settling into the process with the newly placed facility dogs 27:15 - Jim shares Frannie’s first flight 28:30 - Suzy Lucy the chocolate labrador’s personality & work 32:00 - How Australia’s justice system functions 34:45 - Lucy Suzy working in the courtroom 36:15 - Navigating the courtroom 39:00 - Allowing people to see the work. 41:30 - The specialized training Assistance Dogs of Australia 44:00 - How the community contributes to raising the facility dogs 46:00 - The socializing that lets them be ready for any scenario 49:30 - Resetting expectations around how the facility dogs are working vs off the vest 51:00 - Saying hello to manage a room 52:00 - Where the name Suzy Lucy came from 54:45 - Overwhelming need for more facility dogs 58:15 - Examples of Suzy Lucy impacting children in the justice system 1:00:30 - A wristband highlights the help being provided 1:03:00 - Victim impact statements validates the service Suzy Lucy is providing 1:05:00 - Connecting the handlers using this platform 1:06:45 - Finding better solutions for handlers Links To References Assistance Dogs Australia - /episode/index/show/doggedjustice/id/15810314

Court Decisions That Support This Work With Ellen O’Neill-Stephens 08/16/2020

A Facility Dogs Problem Solving Skills With Dr David Crenshaw 08/09/2020

A Facility Dogs Problem Solving Skills With Dr David Crenshaw Dr David Crenshaw of the Children’s Home Of Poughkeepsie joins Colleen & Dr Jim for a lively discussion about the various ways his organization uses facility dogs. He shares how their facility dogs have used their problem solving skills to support, comfort, and a good laugh. Also, Jim provides a lot of insight into why problem solving is so important for the dogs chosen to serve. Episode Highlights 1:37 - David shares how Dr Jim’s work has impacted his efforts 2:15 - Meet Dr David Crenshaw of the Children's Home Of Poughkeepsie 4:40 - The specialized programs they offer 5:30 - Nuevas Alas serving immigrant children 6:45 - Safe Harbour program for youth sex trafficking victims 7:45 - Group Emergency Foster Care for siblings 9:00 - Navigating the campus of services 10:00 - David finds Courthouse Dogs Foundation 14:00 - Rosie from ECAD works with 2 children 17:00 - David’s observations of Rosie’s impact 20:15 - Jim reflects on the past 10 years of adoption of facility dog programs 24:20 - The importance of problem solving skills in these dogs 28:10 - The current projects Jim is working on the science of play 30:00 - Rosie is reunited with Dale but continues to show up 31:00 - An example of the work Rosie did in court 34:15 - The transition of facility dogs 37:30 - Gentle soft touch to the dogs provides healing to the children 38:45 - Benefiting from establishing boundaries 41:00 - Teens working with Ace the labrador 44:30 - Our connection to the animals 45:30 - Calming comfort through all areas of life 48:00 - Letter exchange with Ace 50:50 - Elvis the approachable one 51:45 - Marshall working with the Safe Harbour program 53:15 - Facility dogs supporting all of those in this process 54:30 - Intuitive problem solving the dogs inherently have 55:00 - Hilarious problem solving example 58:00 - Knowing where the facility dogs will serve best 1:01:30 - What a bark or howl is telling a handler 1:02:30 - Colleen shares how Russel was impacted by pain of a person 1:04:45 - Rosie goes to college & Jim tells us how dogs sense their stress Links To References This episode is marked explicit due to the nature of some of the topics discussed. /episode/index/show/doggedjustice/id/15541229

Positive Reinforcement in Chile with Cecilia Marré 08/03/2020

Positive Reinforcement in Chile with Cecilia Marré With ever changing environments at dispersed facilities Chile’s facility dogs face a unique set of challenges. Cecilia Marré Director of in Santiago, Chile’s programs join Jim & Colleen in this week's episode to highlight the way they’ve adapted the program to fit their community. Using a facility dogs natural instincts & positive reinforcement training she discusses the way they’ve made adjustments to their program to accommodate those they serve. Episode Highlights 1:11 - Meet Cecilia Marré director of Boclan Confair in Santiago, Chile 2:15 - Cecilia invites Courthouse Dogs Foundation to Chile 3:45 - Chile’s dispersed criminal justice system 6:00 - Adopting forensic interviews 7:40 - The environments facility dogs & handlers navigate in Chile 11:05 - Jim explains what traits are sought after in these working dogs 14:15 - Paseta the labrador the first facility dog in Chile 18:45 - Trusting the facility dog to guide interactions 21:30 - Using facility and support dogs through the criminal justice process 24:00 - Sitting on the sidelines as a handler while court is taking place 25:30 - When the facility dogs are brought in for bonding sessions 31:00 - The combination of animal assisted intervention & support 35:15 - How Courthouse Dogs Foundation helped Cecilia integrate the program 37:45 - The importance of the facility dog’s support team 40:30 - Inhibition in the dogs 42:15 - Being able to laugh at the fun moments as well 45:00 - Professional training is creating success in the programs 46:00 - Building a relationship with the facility dog during training 50:00 - Using independence helps build trust & community 53:20 - The problem solving that comes with a facility dog 56:00 - Handlers role as a guide vs controlling the situations 1:02:30 - The process of breeding and raising facility dogs in Chile 1:05:00 - Programs offered by Boclan Confair 1:08:00 - How the dogs interact with each other when they are at home 1:13:00 - Exposing the handlers to other animals Links To References /episode/index/show/doggedjustice/id/15451265

Retiring A Facility Dog with Kim Gramlich 07/26/2020

Retiring A Facility Dog with Kim Gramlich Have you wondered what happens when a facility dog retires? Kim Gramlich of the Delta Police Victim Services in Delta British Columbia joins us to discuss the retirement of facility dog Caber. She also shares what it’s like bringing a new facility dog into the mix. As the first handler in Canada Kim is a wealth of knowledge on best practices getting started and managing a successful facility dog program. Episode Highlights 0:45 - Meet Kim Gramlich with the Delta Police Services in Delta British Columbia 3:38 - The NOVA conference leads to the discovery of facility dogs 5:30 - Creation of a facility program in Canada 6:30 - Kim meets her facility dog Caber in 2010 8:05 - Signs a facility dog is close to retirement 10:50 - Changes in Caber that Kim observed 12:00 - Jim shares health issues that could impact the facility dog as well 14:30 - Colleen & Jim reflect on changes they’ve noticed as their dogs have aged 16:45 - Finding an internal champion to support the program 18:30 - Winston Sason helps proactively address concerns 21:00 - Educating those that are still not familiar with the facility dogs in court 22:15 - How Canada’s testimonial accommodation supports those testifying during legislation 27:15 - The handlers role during testimonial accommodation 28:00 - Acclimating the dog to different standards internationally 30:30 - Caber & Puma’s personality differences 33:40 - Colleen’s experiences with Russell & Blake 36:15 - Reminding and reinforcing commands with Frannie 39:00 - The ways our learned behavior is managed 40:00 - How COVID is impacting the training facility dogs have 41:50 - Kims experience retiring Caber and introducing Puma to work 47:00 - Colleen & Kim’s emotional connection to their facility dogs 53:15 - Creating the best situation for the dog and handlers 56:00 - Highly trained professionals equipped to navigate the graphic aspects of the criminal justice system 59:10 - Support handlers receive while doing this work 1:01:30 - The resilience of the facility dogs vs your pet at home 1:03:00 - Studying the mental health of both the handlers and facility dogs 1:04:45 - Facility dogs help those within an organization manage daily stress 1:06:30 - How these programs benefit all first responders 1:07:50 - Cabers most impactful moment as a facility dog Links To References /episode/index/show/doggedjustice/id/15360242

Managing Life, Schedules & Focus With Sergeant Tia Froh 07/19/2020

Training Both Sides Of The Leash with Carrie-Leigh Cloutier 07/05/2020

Training Both Sides Of The Leash with Carrie-Leigh Cloutier President of Courthouse Dogs Foundation, Carrie-Leigh Cloutier joins Colleen & Jim this week and shares how their 7 facility dogs have impacted her community. Training plays a big part in managing situations and environments that facility dogs and their handlers work in. This episode provides an insider's guide on how that takes place, and how you can be a part of creating a great environment for all to thrive and benefit from these working dogs in any community. Episode Highlights 1:40 - Meet Carrie-Leigh Cloutier CEO of the Chaves County Courthouse Program in Roswell, New Mexico 3:30 - Zia the CASA dog 4:30 - The transformation of a facility dog when putting their vest on 8:20 - Carrie-Leigh’s role with Courthouse Dogs Foundation 11:00 - The 7 facility dogs in Roswell, New Mexico 14:30 - Chance meeting & quick adoption of the program 16:45 - Emma the labradors impact on the community 19:50 - Labradoodle Moose helps children during family visitations 21:05 - Cognitive therapy games with families and the facility dog 23:30 - Facility dog assists in "goodbye visits" 25:00 - The power of holding the dogs leash 29:30 - Why facility dogs & their handlers are best used during community trauma 34:00 - The added benefits to staff members working in proximity to facility dogs 39:00 - Jim shares the science behind why dogs are sensitive to people's emotions 41:15 - A handlers part in letting the facility dog work 42:00 - Lessons Carrie-Leigh has learned facilitating this program 45:45 - Creating a support system for handlers & facility dogs 51:15 - Establishing stable co-parenting environments 53:45 - Controlling the facility dogs diet 57:00 - Challenges with taking the facility dog into the world 1:00:00 - The presence of a facility dog providing support to children testifying 1:02:00 - What donations to Courthouse Dogs Foundation support Links To References /episode/index/show/doggedjustice/id/15091511

The Mission Of Courthouse Dogs Foundation with Celeste Walsen 06/22/2020

The Mission Of Courthouse Dogs Foundation with Celeste Walsen Executive Director of the Courthouse Dogs Foundation Celeste Walsen shares the impact and ongoing mission of the organization. This episode explores the complexity of raising and selecting facility dogs and why these roles aren’t for just any dog. Celeste also shares the value of this training, and some of the legal aspects of working facility dogs. Episode Highlights 2:34 - Ellen's experience with raising service & guide dogs 4:05 - What’s the process like raising these dogs 5:15 - The transformation of placement 6:50 - Service organizations guidelines 9:00 - How Ellen & Celeste met 11:00 - Advocating for increased use of facility dogs 12:30 - International impact 14:00 - Helping facilities understand purpose bred dogs 16:00 - Why purpose breeding is important for working dogs 17:55 - The science behind selecting a dog that is biddable 21:20 - Why some dogs aren’t suitable 24:15 - Remembering the mission critical role these dogs play 26:00 - Genetics, Socialization, Training - The 3 keys to success 29:00 - Good temperament still may not make a reliable services dogs 31:00 - The value of accredited assistance dogs organizations 34:00 - Continuing the mission of the foundation 36:30 - Legislative support for facility dogs 38:25 - What we do & how you can help 41:50 - Facility dogs, service dogs, therapy dogs...what are the differences 46:30 - Educating people on the work of Facility dogs 48:15 - Jim shares the shifting roles dogs play in our society 50:05 - Training those working in a facility how to interact with the facility dog 52:00 - Navigating a facility as a handler Definitions Biddable - A variety of factors that determine if an animal is trainable Career Change Dogs - The determination that a purpose bred dog would be better suited to serve in a program different than the one originally intended. Therapy Dog / Emotional Support Animal - A pet dog that has some training by its owner and has been registered as a dog & can visit public places. Service Dogs - Defined by federal law as a dog that is specifically trained as a dog to perform tasks to help one individual. Facility Dogs - Expertly trained dog partnered with a human to facilitate a specific outcome for those that the dog serves. Links To References Canine Companions for Independence - Guide Dogs For The Blind - Assistance Dogs International - /episode/index/show/doggedjustice/id/14910749

Meet Facility Dog Handler Colleen Phelan 06/14/2020

Meet Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist Dr. Jim Ha 06/14/2020

History Of The Courthouse Dogs Foundation With Ellen O'Neill Stephens (Part 2) 06/14/2020

History Of The Courthouse Dogs Foundation With Ellen O'Neill Stephens 06/14/2020

Welcome To Dogged Justice 05/05/2020

Dogged Justice

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