questions on the wyoming weekend puppy companion program? we got answers!
Paragon's Wyoming Weekend Puppy Companion program (limited to the Torrington, WY area) is a unique partnership. Naturally, we understand that questions about how it works come up. To aid in assessing whether being a weekend puppy companion is right for you, we've compiled common questions and answers below.
However, any questions are welcome. We're happy to fill in any blanks. Email Bethany, Wyoming Weekend Puppy Companion Coordinator, or call 970-670-6098.
will i have to buy food/equipment for the puppy?
Paragon will provide many basic supplies for the pups, including food, bowls, leash/harness/collar, crate, bed, and chew toys, as well as all veterinary expenses. Wyoming Weekend Puppy Companions will be expected to buy training treats for the pups.
how much contact will i have with the master inmate handler?
You will not have any direct contact with any of the Inmate Handlers. Reports may be shared by the staff with the Inmate Handlers about the pups experiences and behaviors on the weekend.
what breeds of dogs do you use?
Paragon uses various breeds, including Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Doodles, and other selected dog breeds.
i already have a dog/cat. can i still be a wyoming weekend puppy companion?
Yes, we want our pups to be exposed to dogs/cats. However, our staff will need to meet your animals when we do our home visit to determine if the introduction of a service pup in training is a good fit.
i have children. can i still be a wyoming weekend puppy companion?
Yes, we want our pups to be exposed to children. However, in order to ensure the safety of the children and our pups, we typically ask that there are not any children under the age of 8 in the household.
can i share the responsibility of being a wyoming weekend puppy companion with someone else?
Yes, we encourage two households to team up and share in the experience. We find that such an arrangement tends to be a great fit for the companions and pups alike.
can i take the puppy to the dog park?
No, we do not allow any Paragon puppy/dog to go to dog parks. There are many factors that make dog parks unpredictable and potentially dangerous for our dogs. Further, dog parks are very poor environments for any dog in training. Consequently, dog parks are absolutely off limits.
can i bring the puppy to daycare/boarding?
No. The time the puppy spends with you on the weekends is very purposeful. The goals and objectives intended for a puppy through the program can not be accomplished in a dog boarding or daycare setting.
do i need a large yard to become a wyoming weekend puppy companion?
No, you do not need a yard. However, you do need to ensure adequate potty breaks and exercise. The pups must ALWAYS be on a leash if not in a fenced yard.
what happens when the puppy is no longer in need of a weekend companion?
Once a pup has completed its puppy raising at the prison and with its Wyoming Weekend Puppy Companion, the pup will return to Paragon for advanced public access and sound alert training. As the dog progresses, it will be matched with its d/Deaf partner. Once the dog has completed its training, the dog/partner team will come together for Team Training that culminates in the team’s public access and sound alert testing and service dog certification.
can i adopt the puppy if they do not move on to advanced training or complete their advanced training?
Possibly. It depends greatly on why the dog was not able to complete its training to be matched and placed. Sometimes a dog may not be able to serve as a hearing service dog but is able to change their career to a different service option like a facility support dog or a professional therapy dog.
