Underdogs Tales
When I read in my local paper about a neighboring town's prisoner dog program that offered a win-win situation, I knew I had found my subject. I enrolled in a documentary filmmaking class not knowing what story would emerge.
Witnessing the dynamic of inmates training dogs through positive reinforcement was a privilege. The animal-human bonds formed during this training created significant transformations, and I am grateful to the inmates who were generous in sharing their stories. I believe that the principles of positive reinforcement – clear, kind and consistent communication – is what created change. If families, workplaces, and communities embraced this level of communication, how would our world be transformed?
I hope you enjoy UNDERDOGS, the journey where inmates and dogs help each other find their way back home.
CLEAR, KIND, CONSISTENT TRAINING
(a.k.a. Positive Reinforcement)
https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/positive-reinforcement-training
HELP ANIMALS IN YOUR COMMUNITY
https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/ten-ways-help-your-local-shelter-or-rescue
What PBS Programmers have said about UNDERDOGS...
“I found the documentary inspiring and heart-warming. It displayed the powerful impact of unconditional love and how the importance a human-pet bond during the healing process of both can never be overestimated.”
-Dwayne Bright, KCET PBS Los Angeles, Senior Director, Programming.
"I was immediately charmed by UNDERDOG’s subjects – both human and canine – and the film’s poignant message that when presented with compassion, support, and an opportunity to help, people can transform their lives for the better.”
–Devin Karambelas, WETA PBS Washington D.C. VP, TV Programming and Operations