A Program of the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance
	Jonas   See more HOPE Dog videos by clicking here... Week 1 ║  Week 2  ║  Week 3  ║  Week 4  ║  Week 5  ║  Week 6  ║  Week 7 Week 8  ║  Week 9  ║  Week 10  ║  Week 11  ║  Week 12 Week 13 ║  Week 14  ║  Week 15  ║  Week 16  ║  Week 17  ║  Week 18  ║  Week 19  Week 20  ║  Week 21 ADOPTED!!!   Week 21 After 21 weeks, this little bundle of joy has found his forever home. Jonas' handlers worked to help him "brush up" his commands this week to keep him "refreshed." He even did some of his commands without treats! Jonas' handlers say that he did a great job with his recalls at both short and long distances, and his controlled response is nothing short of spectacular. Jonas loves to learn, and as we've seen through his time in the program, he also loves to amuse those around him as well! What a sweet boy. The biggest news is that Jonas is adopted, and will be spending his Thanksgiving holiday with his forever family. We'll miss you, little one, but your handlers, your friends at the prison, and all of us who came to know and love you in the HOPE program are so very happy for you.  Thanks for being such a good little ambassador and enjoy your new home!     Week 20 Jonas is giving his handlers a run for their money.  He's such a smart and funny boy that they are continuously having to learn new tricks and training techniques to add to Jonas' repertoire.  Jonas loves to learn and is very, very good at it so they feed his mind, as well as his furry, little body, every chance they get.  Jonas loves to go on visits to other cells to visit his doggie friends and he's welcome everywhere he goes!     Week 19 Jonas did a good job of showing off his “with me off-leash” and “sits and downs” during the training session this week! His handlers are glad that Jonas is back to his adorable self! One of Jonas’ handlers gave him his weekly bath, then crated him while he tidied up their cell. The handler looked back at Jonas’ crate at one point and thought that the pooch had flown the coop! He looked everywhere for Jonas, then realized that he was safely wrapped up in his blankets, laying on his side and just taking a snooze! Jonas’ handler says that he may have been cold after getting his bath [or maybe he’s still pooped out after his mouse experience last week?]. Jonas continues to bring joy to his handlers, and we’re hoping that he brings joy to a new family in the very near future!     Week 18 Jonas gets the "finder...almost keepers" award this week.  On a visit to officer's room, Jonas caught the smell of something that no amount of snuggling, treats or cajoling could break him away from.  When the officers moved the shelf where Jonas was barking and pawing, a little mouse scurried right out from underneath.  Jonas caught it, but was unnerved by the squirming around in his mouth so he let it go.  The officers were kind enough to take the poor, traumatized mouse outdoors for a second chance.    Jonas had lots of homework assignments this week and got an A+ for each of them.  He did all of his focus exercises, plus worked on his waits, weave walking and spins.  He had a ball and his handlers really enjoy teaching him new things!     Week 17 Jonas has fully recovered from his back sprain, but his handlers have still been helping him lay low and recover fully throughout the week.  They said that this week they also noticed just how many friends Jonas has on the cell block.  Everyone who knows him seemed to stop by for a moment to check on him and Jonas loved every minute of it.  His handlers just adore him and know that there is a lucky family out there that will love him just as much as they do!     Week 16 Jonas had a quiet week this week. Because he hurt his back, Jonas and his handlers spent their time hanging out and relaxing. When it first happened, his handlers report that Jonas looked and felt really miserable. Jonas’ spunk started to come back, however, as the week progressed. Feel better, little one!     Week 15 Jonas spent a lot of time out in the dog yard this week. Jonas' handlers' walked with him in a "with me" position, looked down at him, called his name and used his "attention word." Jonas responded appropriately to all of his commands and received much-deserved praise for his efforts! His handlers also worked on hand signals with Jonas to "keep him sharp." Jonas was a good boy, so he was able to play a lot of his favorite fetch games for the exercise that he so loves! Jonas did something this week that shows his handlers just how loyal he is, and how much he appreciates those who love him. The handlers are responsible for maintaining the dog yard (about half the size of a football field). One of Jonas' handlers was mowing the lawn this week. While he was walking "line after line," Jonas came up to him and stayed by his side the whole time! Jonas looked up at his handler with his tail wagging, a smile on his face, and was happy that he could "help" his friend mow the lawn! His handler loved the company, and will remember this as a special moment during Jonas' time in the program. Jonas got a one-day pass to attend the Mutt Mixer in Lancaster on Saturday. Boy, did he have a good time showing off his tricks for some loving attention, praise and some hot dog treats! Jonas was his darling self, and he enjoyed all of the attention and pets he received from people of all ages! He continued to be a great ambassador to our program, and showed us just how ready he is to be in his forever home. He is so eager to please, and truly deserves being with a family. Is there anyone out there who would enjoy adoring eyes looking up at you while you're mowing the lawn? If so, this boy is for you!     Week 14 Jonas' handlers worked a lot on his "attention" command this week. Jonas tends to get distracted sometimes, but he is starting to look at his handlers when they give him the "with me" command, and the "attention word." When Jonas listens to his handlers, they reward him with a good run while he's off-leash. Jonas also worked on his "stay" and did a good job learning the new "open hand signal," even when his handlers took turns giving it to him then walking away from each other! Jonas, keep up the good work! You've come a long way, and we know you will continue to shine in your studies!   Week 13 Jonas was a busy pup learning some new commands this week.  His handlers worked on "arms out-eyes on me" to perfect his recall for his future family.  Jonas' "with me" commands are improving and his handlers are glad, because they feel it's important for every dog owner to have them by their side when walking with them.  Jonas is the kind of dog that is always looking for some new adventures so learning some new commands was right up his alley! Of course, Jonas was treated to some fun because he was such a good boy  He did a really great job this week!   Week 12 Twelve weeks and not a single application on this sweet boy.  He has become a mascot for the HOPE program by attending several different events.  He always behaves well and greets all of the people, but still no one ready to take him home.    Jonas continues to excel in his training, while at the same time giving his handlers some amusement and memories of his personality that they'll always cherish. Jonas' handlers continued to work with his "distance downs" and "conditioned response" this week. Jonas' distance downs have become better and better from close range to when his handlers go farther away. His handlers don't look at him while they're measuring their steps, because our pup is just WAITING for the "okay" command. Once he's given the go-ahead, our little dynamo will run straight-on to his handlers! Jonas' recalls are also improving! He's a "tracker, " and when he picks up a scent he just wants to chase whatever it is that catches his fancy! Jonas is really improving on responding to his handlers, and they say that he'll stay by their side when commanded to do so. Jonas' handlers just love him, and will let anyone who is interested in adopting him know: 1. "You won't be able to resist falling in love with him when you see his floppy ears flapping around his head while he's running at full speed with a toy bigger than him in his mouth!" 2. "Jonas is really a great dog and will fill someone's heart when they adopt him." 3. "He loves to lay with you and loves to cover up under blankets." 4. "Kids would love him...he is like a teddy bear to hold and snuggle with." 5. "He loves everyone, and he also wants to go to say "Hi" and be friendly." 6. "He loves to play tug-of-war, sometimes with a toy or a small rope." 7. "As playful as he is, you would think that he's a puppy." 8. "He will capture your heart just like that little puppy in the window." 9. "If I could, Jonas would come to my house without second thoughts." Jonas was also at the Meet and Greet at Borders, and definitely was not shy! He LOVED meeting his public, and occasionally let out a bark, as if to say "Welcome to Borders!" He also loved exploring the store and smelling all of the new scents and seeing all of the new things in his world! Jonas also was happy to see his sergeant-friend at the event, and enjoyed showing off his favorite tricks...his "sit pretty" is a sight to be seen!  Jonas works hard on his commands, but he also gets to have some play time! He loves a good game of fetch, running long distances to retrieve his toys, and playing "treasure hunt!" His handlers will hide treats around their cell, and no map with "X marks the spot" is needed for this little boy! His nose tells him to "follow the trail" to find his "buried treasure!" "Overall, Jonas is a great dog and will be a great new addition to any family."   Week 11 One of Jonas' handlers worked on the homework that the HOPE trainer assigned to them last week. This included "Conditioned Response" and "Distance Downs." The "Conditioned Response" is really helping Jonas react well to his handler's commands! Jonas' handler is now getting him to "down" at over twenty feet! Admittedly, Jonas' handler has, to have him in a sit position before he moves the distance (especially when they're out in the yard), but the two of them are making progress. Jonas has shown his handler that he has a "cheating" side to him. When his handler puts him in the "down" position, Jonas sometimes puts his legs straight out and acts like "GI Jonas" by doing an army crawl. Although Jonas' handler tries to keep a straight face when he does this, he knows that this is the exception rather than the rule. For the most part, Jonas does great with this drill! The "Conditioned Response" method of training has really helped Jonas pay more attention to his handler, and overall to be less distracted when he's learning new commands! His handler says that "Jonas is doing great!"   Week 10 Jonas had another great week under the loving care of his "cellies"! They have been working on his patience training by taking a few of Jonas' favorite toys to the yard, lining them up, and making Jonas wait in a "sit" position. One of his handlers would "squeak" the toy, but Jonas had to "maintain the position." A couple of times, Jonas almost gave into temptation, but he quickly learned the rules of the game and didn't run for his toy until given the proper command. His handlers were so proud!  Jonas also loves a good game of fetch and to go for long walks and jogs with his handlers. They say they want to keep him "fit and in good shape."  Jonas had some unusual exercise this week when he headed out to the doggie yard with his handler only to be greeted by about one hundred black birds! Since he knew that Jonas wouldn't be able to catch any of them, his handler took Jonas off-leash and let the little guy have a good time chasing.. "He ran as fast as his little legs would take him and the birds just went flying everywhere. It really was a sight to see, and Jonas was proud that he chased them out of his yard."   Like Rocco, Jonas has a way with the ladies! When he sees a female coming toward him, he barks, as if to say, "hey, here I am!" The ladies succumb to his charms, and give him some loving pets!  Jonas also obtained a furlough to attend the Bark & Brew event at the Fire House Restaurant this week. Like Brandee, at first he was unsure of all of the new sounds and smells, but he soon settled down and enjoyed all of the pets and attention that he got. For whatever reason, Jonas was especially interested in the tan bark around the tree in front of the restaurant. He seemed to think "oh, boy, treats!" The HOPE volunteers made sure that he didn't indulge in his new-found love for tan bark. Jonas' cute personality came through as he greeted the people walking by and he was very willing to go into "statue" mode, as well as perform his other tricks for some yummy hot dog treats (he was able to indulge in them)!  Jonas, keep being as sweet and loving as you are! Your forever home is just around the corner!     Week 9 Our little Jonas was quite the model student this week! Not only did he work on his "sit" and "stay with me" commands, he rolled over five times for one of his handlers! He also jogged ten laps around the doggie yard with one of his cell buddies off-leash! Jonas is "in great shape and can keep up with the best of them!" Jonas was a real champion during the fire drill this week! His handlers quickly put on his harness and leash, and went out to the dog yard. If there actually WAS an emergency, the dog yard would be a safe haven. Jonas got to go for another jog during the drill, and was happy that he got some "extra" playtime! Since Jonas was a good boy this week, his handlers treated him to a day of "R&R." Jonas and his handlers laid back for some television time...Jonas loved sharing some "bed-time" with one of them! Later that day, he was treated to a game of fetch, because "Jonas enjoys a good run." Jonas also continues to entertain his handlers. Last week, it was the "blanket prison," this week was the "barn." Jonas (as well as the other dogs in the program) got a new toy this week. The object of the "game" is to open the velcro doors of the barn, and remove the animals inside. "So, [Jonas] is taking the animals out and he has one more to get. He sticks his head in the barn and gets stuck. Now, he's shaking all around, walking into everything...it was hilarious...but then, he pops his head out with the animal, and was excited [at his accomplishment!]" Another "Kodak moment" in the lives of the HOPE dogs and their handlers!  Jonas, keep up the good work with your commands, and keep letting your adorable personality shine! We know there is a family out there just waiting to love you as much as you will love them!     Week 8 Jonas all but mastered his handlers' "leave it" and "no-pull walking" commands this week! Jonas' handlers also worked on his basic commands while he was in a playful mood so that he realizes that he must obey them under all circumstances. Jonas is very, very smart.  He can be a little on the stubborn side from time to time, but who isn't.  Plus, it never lasts long and then he's right back to his jovial self.  Overall, Jonas is doing great!   One day, after being out in the yard, Jonas hid under some blankets. Unfortunately for Jonas, he got tangled up in them, and the more he spun around trying to get out, the more wrapped up he became in them!  His handlers helped free Jonas from his blanket prison, and were rewarded with a look that said, "Thanks, Guys!" Jonas' handlers just love him, and say that "all he needs now if a home because he deserves it." Although they'll miss him, they know that Jonas "is going to give someone so much love." This pup brings joy to all who meet him.  HOPEfully, your handlers' wish for you to find your forever home will come true soon, Jonas!         Week 7 Jonas has been an obedience class star this week.  His handlers have been working on his "sit," stay," and "come" commands, as well as his off-leash training.  His handlers take turns in the dog yard having him walk by their sides, treats in hand, working on his "with me" command.  He has taken to this new training with the same zest and happy attitude that we've seen him use for everything else.  He is always up for a challenge and ready to learn something new.  Our little newcomer has mastered his "sit-stand" command so well that he looks like a little furry statue while he's doing this trick! Jonas is a very social boy and when his handlers take him out in the morning he just HAS to greet everyone he sees.  With that in mind, we think it's just about time for him to start seeing the world from the other side of the bars with a family of his own.         Week 6 Jonas is so smart that his handlers are coming up with creative new ways to make training a super fun experience for him.  These week started with an obstacle course for him in the kennels to help build his leash walking skills. They staggered milk crates and have Jonas walk by their side while giving him the “with me” command. Jonas also has been doing really well with his “waits” and “stays.”  His handlers have been extending their distance from him and he will still follow-through with the commands. Jonas was treated to his own private movie this week...well, sort of.  He was standing on his handler's bunk looking out the window when he saw a baby groundhog outside eating an apple. He was so excited that he and his handlers watched the whole "episode" from start to finish.  We're sure he's checking the window every day for a "rerun."    Jonas handlers also came up with a fun new game for him to encourage his natural instinct to hunt and find things. They hide his toys all over the cell and Jonas just won’t give up until he finds each and every one of them! In addition to all of the new games and exercises this week, his handlers also appreciate the simple joys of living with Jonas.  They love to watch him run across the yard at top speed with his ears flapping in the breeze!  If happiness was something you could see, that's exactly what it would like.       Week 5 Jonas also has new handlers. One of them says, "he is very smart and can do most tricks when he wants to." Both of them have been working on his commands both inside and out in the yard. One of Jonas' handlers says "he really seems to love it out there!" That having been said, Jonas can get easily distracted when he's outside and doesn't always perform his skills as a result. One of his handlers took Jonas off-leash and tried to walk with him all the way around the yard. Jonas made it more than half-way, then decided that a good romp would be more fun. This will be one of Jonas' homework assignments for next week! Jonas loves to play fetch, and he's been able to do so a lot with his new friends! Jonas also rolled over twice for one of his handlers while he was outside. Yay! Jonas learned a new trick this week! Both of his handlers are concerned because Jonas whines and barks a bit when they are at work. They think that Jonas may be adjusting to both them and his new environment, but will consult with our trainer if it continues to be a problem. When his handlers are with him, Jonas will stay in his cell area rather than venture out on the block, even when their door is wide open. He easily does all of his skills while in their space. "All around...he's doing great." Jonas got a short furlough to attend CPAA's "Yappy Hour" event at Doc Holliday's this past week! He did really well, and seemed to enjoy meeting all of the different people and different dogs! He was a great little ambassador to the HOPE Program! Even though they have only lived with Jonas for a short time, both of his handlers think that he's a "wonderful and loveable dog!"      Week 4 Jonas continued to be a well-behaved soul this week! Jonas hasn't shown any aggression or bad behavior in the month that he's been in the program! He can be stubborn at times, especially if he wants to go smell a piece of grass, or a groundhog or rabbit catches his eye! Jonas focuses so hard on what has caught his attention, that sometimes his handlers need to make a loud noise to get his attention back to them. Jonas' "leave it" command is doing great as a result! Sometimes he looks back at what caught his attention, but he'll continue to walk with his handlers no matter what the interest! Jonas has been working with Cooper and the other big dogs this past week, and is finding his niche with them! Jonas really seems to like Georgie in particular! As a matter of fact, when they are in the yard together, Jonas will run up to the fence to greet someone, and Georgie will follow him! That's a great step for Georgie as well! Something that surprises his handlers about Jonas is that when two dogs are playing and barking at each other, he will run up and bark at them like he wants to play. When the other dogs turn their attention on Jonas, he will cower a bit. It's like he wants to play with his doggie-friends, but is afraid to do so at the last minute. When Jonas first entered the program, he wouldn't play without a toy. Jonas loves laying down under the covers with his handlers, and just to be with them. He will either ball up next to their legs, or stretch out next to them to fall asleep. Jonas "just really likes being close to you." So, since Jonas has a liking to being under the covers, his handlers decided to play with him while he is under them, and "he responds really well." Now, Jonas will play with his handlers when he feels like it and he will "growl and bark and hop around. It was a really cool transformation to see in him. He is really coming out of his shell when it comes to being frightened and yelping whenever he feels uncomfortable. He is always very eager to come to to new people and introduce himself to them. Once they start to pet him he will sit down between their feet." As a matter of fact, Jonas' handlers report that everyone who meets him, really likes him and says what a good dog he is! Jonas had his first big outing at Super Saturday at South Middleton Park on Saturday, and showed just what a peach he is! He accepted pets with gusto, and showed no fear at all! He's a cutie, that is just looking for his forever home. We HOPE that you find someone to share their covers with you soon, little guy!      Week 3 Jonas continues to do well with his training! His handlers are now using Jonas' favorite plush toy as a "reward" for completing the tasks they request of him. Jonas' handlers have also learned that he likes treats...of the soft kind! They also learned that Jonas really likes to sleep under the covers! He'll "dig himself a spot" whether in his crate or somewhere else in his space. Jonas prefers being covered up, and he also likes to hide under his handlers' beds for some alone time. Jonas' handlers say that "He's a great dog and could be placed in a home at any time."      Week 2 Jonas became even more comfortable with his new environment this week! He continued to exhibit a strong personality, confidence and his love of exploring the block. Jonas' handlers started to teach him the "speak" command this week, and he is picking up on it rather quickly! Jonas' "stays" and "waits" are still works in progress. His "leave its" are getting better, as is his no-pull walking. "With him being so small when he decides to dig in and go he can surprise you." Jonas also doesn't like when the other dogs approach him when he's in his crate. He will bark and growl at them, but his handlers will work with him to overcome this issue. A lot of Jonas' tier-mates have taken "a liking" to him because he will walk right up to them and sit at their feet for some pets! Jonas really isn't an outdoor-kind-of pup. When he has had enough of the doggie-yard, Jonas will go to the yard door and sit there until his handlers take him back to his living area. Unless there is a groundhog to get excited about [his handlers continue to watch him carefully when one appears], Jonas would rather be indoors. When Jonas IS inside, it's a different story! He loves to play fetch with his plush toy, run around and play tug! Jonas will growl and hop around when he gets really excited, but will calm down right away when told to do so! Jonas, you're doing great! Keep up the good work, and stay away from those groundhogs!      Week 1 Jonas entered the program on June 23, 2009, and he and his handlers have spent their time together getting to know one another. The first thing Jonas' handlers noticed about him is that he's "a small dog with a lot of personality! He's not afraid of anything except thunderstorms." Jonas also likes to be next to his handlers for comfort and security when they are indoors. He likes to sleep curled up in a ball, but will sit straight up when the slightest sound catches his attention! When his handlers take him outside, Jonas is just the opposite! He likes to run off and "do his own thing," but comes back to his handlers every few minutes to check in on them! Also, "for being such a small dog, he really can run fast!" Jonas is "extremely strong-willed which we understand is a trait of him being part dachshund as well as beagle." He also has a high "prey drive" that causes Jonas to get excited when he sees or smells the groundhogs that live around his housing unit. Jonas' handlers keep a watchful eye on him in the doggie yard as a result! Jonas came to the program knowing how to "sit," "lay down," and "shake hands." His recall "isn't all that bad" either! All Jonas' handlers have to do is kneel down, clap their hands, and Jonas will run up to them! His "no-pull" walking is Jonas' handlers main focus right now, and it may be a particular challenge, but they're up to it! Jonas if very good at taking verbal correction from not only his handlers, but others on the block! Actually, in addition to thunderstorms, Jonas doesn't like when his handlers make quick hand movements towards him. He lays down and yelps "like he is in pain." Obviously, something in his past has caused this reaction. Jonas' handlers are being very careful about this, and are working with him on this issue very slowly. Jonas also hasn't chewed up anything other than his toys! He's starting to understand that if he wants toys, he won't chew them up! As a matter of fact, one of Jonas' favorite things to do now is play fetch with his plush toys! His handlers will throw the toy down the block, and Jonas has a wonderful time chasing it and bringing it back to his new friends! When he has had enough of the game, Jonas will just stop going after his toys. Jonas also likes to have one of his toys between his front paws while laying on one of his handler's beds! He'll roll over on his back with the toy in his front paws so that he can bite it and make it squeak! Jonas did well meeting the other members of his pack! In a way, it was funny, because Jonas really took to the biggest dogs in the program! After a few days, however, Jonas and Rocco became play mates! Jonas is good at playing with his pack-mates, and understands "doggie body language" very well! Although Jonas likes the other dogs, his handlers say that he seems to prefer the company of people. In his handlers' humble opinion, Jonas is well-socialized and he interacts well with other dogs and other people. He likes to explore new areas when given the chance to do so. Jonas is really good in "crowds" and meeting new people. Jonas will sit for petting from strangers, but overall he's an independent pup who feels secure enough to venture out on his own. Given structure and attention, Jonas will allow his handlers to take the lead. Although independent, our newcomer will look to his handlers for guidance. Jonas' handlers know that with a little time, this pup will overcome his small issues and will make some lucky family a wonderful addition to their home.    UPDATE Jonas started his training this week.  He's a handsome, five year old dachshund mix.  He's smart as a whip and so eager to find a home of his own.  Jonas is available for adoption through Dachshund Rescue of North America.
	Hounds of Prison Education A Program of the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance