My name is Dan Hilburn and I am a dog handler here at AHCC. I have been in the dog program for about 16 months and have trained 5 dogs since I started in 2014. My background with training dogs was really non-existent and, because I lived in apartments most of my adult life, I never was able to have a dog as places I lived didn't allow pets. I did, however, have friends and family who had dogs, so I would interact and play with them when I was around them. I have been incarcerated now for 13 years and have spent most of my time working in prison industries. I worked in the food factory, the optical lab and two different garment factories. Though I did learn some new skills, I can't say that I enjoyed the work, as most of the jobs were repetitious and tedious.
When I saw the dogs come into the Unit for the first time, I was very excited to see them. I couldn't wait for them to get into yellow collars so I could give them some love. My best Buddy was one of the dog handlers, so I had a lot of access to his dogs. I became interested in one day becoming a dog handler.
My opportunity finally came after I quit working at industries. A spot opened up and I put in my application. I was accepted! I started out as an alternate and then became a full-time handler. I will admit when I first started, it wasn't always easy. When you are working with a dog and also trying to work with another handler, it can be difficult. There are a lot of challenges to overcome. You and your partner need to work together and be able to communicate. The first guy I was partnered with didn't work out. I became discouraged and resigned my position. About a year later, I re-applied and tried again. The second time around has been much better and my new partner and I have been able to work well as a team.
Each dog that we have worked with comes with its own personality and also its own set of challenges. Over a 10-week period it is up to us to shape the dog into a pet that an owner would be proud to own. I would say that across the board, this program turns out exactly the type of dog that anyone who loves dogs would want.
With every dog I have trained, the one constant I see over and over again is unconditional love from the dog towards myself and also the other guys in my unit. It warms your heart and makes the tough guys crumble.
Each dog is eagerly anticipated by all at the beginning of each new session and is much loved by all. When it's time for the dog to leave, it is always bittersweet to see them go. But we know that we did our job and they will move on to their new owners where they will bring love and joy, and they will enjoy their new lives.
This program teaches patience, communication skills, training techniques, problem solving, planning, and how to love something other than yourself. My time in the program has come to an end. I will never forget the lessons learned and the love I received from each dog I trained. I will be releasing soon and I know that the skills I've learned in this program will serve me well during my transition back into the community.
