Program prepares dogs for adoption, teaches students empathy

Angel Perez, a student at New School, has fun with Nalu Tuesday, as part of a new educational program called Unchained. (Photo by Tarmo Hannula).

WATSONVILLE — Although he normally works on math, English and other academic matters during a normal school day, New School student Angel Perez had a different assignment Thursday.

Using a leash, a bag of treats and a hand held clicker used for training, Perez was working with an exuberant pit bull dog named Nalu, teaching the animal such skills as sitting, rolling over and walking without jumping.

Nearby, Alvaro Fernandez, 15, was working with Lady, another pit bull. Fernandez was using a clicker and a bag of treats to teach her how to sit.

Another student was with Petunia, a mixed breed Catahoula hound dog who was waiting patiently for treats.

The class of eight students was participating in Unchained, a program designed to pair at-risk students with dogs in need of basic training.

Organizers say Unchained serves the dual purpose of preparing the animals for adoption and teaching the students responsibility and empathy.

For the complete article see the 06-05-2012 issue.

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