‘Puppy Jake’ program comes to Newton Correctional Facility

Ray inches across the floor in what is known as an “army crawl.”

Someday soon, he might be helping someone who has served in the U.S. Army.

Ray, Harold and Rex are the first three dogs to be brought to the Newton Correctional Facility for training by offenders as part of the Puppy Jake program. The Puppy Jake Foundation is a Des Moines-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping military veterans through the assistance of well-bred, socialized and professionally trained service dogs.

The three dogs, who arrived in Newton about two weeks ago, are set to receive between 18 to 24 months of training to become service dogs. The offenders who are training them have gained experience by working on obedience with dogs from the Jasper County Animal Rescue League’s Pups on Parole program.

Using small reward treats and a variety of other training tools, the offenders will train the dogs during nearly all of their waking hours, including mealtimes, according to program coordinator Richelle Seitz.

“Meals are a part of the training,” she said. “That’s considered work time for them, because meals is one of the many times they’ll have to be in service. They need to stay on the ground, at the trainer’s side, and not beg for food. That’s the discipline level we’re talking about.”

The dogs will also receive a weekly visit from Renee Jetter, a Des Moines-area dog expert who has been the lead trainer for Puppy Jake for almost two years. The foundation also handles any medical issues that would require a veterinarian.

There are profiles of about five dogs paired with veterans on the organization’s website, puppyjakefoundation.org, described as “graduates.” Four of the veterans are from Iowa; the program is expected to focus heavily on serving disabled veterans in the Midwest.

Becky Beach, CEO of Puppy Jake, said there could be more Puppy Jake dogs headed to Newton soon.

“The foundation is excited to begin this partnership,” Beach said. “We look forward to growing and expanding the relationship in the coming months and are grateful for the staff and guys making this partnership possible.”

The Pups on Parole program began more than six years ago, and has had as many as 75 trained dogs adopted within a calendar year. Only offenders who are in the final transition phase of their sentences, and only ones whose crimes and histories indicate they would be appropriate as dog trainers, are at the minimum-security dorm where the dogs are housed.

One of the first three Puppy Jake dogs is named Harold. His favorite treat is peanut butter and he’s trained by offender William Villa.

Ray is a black labrador who seems eager to approach humans in a friendly way, but he’s clearly attentive to the commands of his trainer, offender Joshua Hellickson. He enjoys “bully” sticks.

Rex, an English cream retriever, likes Zuke’s brand dog treats. He has been at the Newton facility a few weeks longer than the official start of the program and is being trained by offender Paul Warner.

The program is not meant to replace or impact Pups on Parole in any way.

The cost of training a dog completely is estimated at $18,000 to $20,000, Seitz said.

Beach said she’s grateful for the help from the Newton Correctional Facility offenders.

“The first week of classes and training went very well,” Beach said. “What a wonderful experience for the dogs in training, and, we hope, a valuable and rewarding experience for the guys at the facility.”

Contact Jason W. Brooks at 641-792-3121 ext. 6532 or jbrooks@newtondailynews.com