Teaching young pups new tricks

RuffTRACK Limited
Empowering. Selfless. Giving.

Farmer Dave Graham leads a transformational youth re-engagement program based around working with animals as diverse as horses, alpacas, and poultry.

This innovative program has led to extensive reductions in youth crime in the region, re-engagement in education and skills-based training, and a huge decrease in family violence.

At the core of the program are 24 dogs, which each young person bonds with and trains in a wide range of activities which include sheep herding, K9 Ninja, DockDogs, and K9 Super wall.

"During the program, we see the youth tend to resort to forceful behaviour when working with the dogs, rather than rewarding the animal, and that creates a circle of frustration with their dog," says Dave. "Soon enough, though, they see how being kind is so much easier."

A pilot program last year involving six teenagers achieved a high success rate in turning participants' lives around; reducing their crime and anti-social behaviour and improving their wellbeing.

"My job is to lead them and guide them to make better life choices," says Dave.

"The mums talk about a reduction in negative behaviour, the schools report improved attendance and attitudes, and the police talk about less need for intervention. "Most of all, the community perception of these young people is changed to a positive one."

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. RuffTRACK Limited will be able to help more young people.

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here