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“God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.”
Romans 12:6
My name is Tom Abraham.
I started this organization not by choice but rather by chance. My primary passion has always been dogs, Service Dogs – in specific, German Shepherds for Military/Law Enforcement purposes.
About 15 years ago I approached an individual who attended the same church as me, he was working at a Youth Detention facility at the time. My hope was to place one of my trained dogs there as a part of their security measures, he happened to be the ‘Chaplain’ at that particular facility. My plan was to show the jail how a K9 could be advantageous to their system. I was to do this by way of a ‘Dog Demonstration.’ To make a long story short, I was granted permission to do so with only one stipulation at hand which was to include a positive message to the youth who were there and incarcerated at the time.
Dog in hand I was off to my very first “Dog Demonstration”. The demo involved disciplines such as scent work, tactical obedience and of course some bite work which involved one of the prison staff members wearing a protective arm and getting bit by my German shepherd dog! This of course was very well received by the incarcerated youth who were now in a roar of cheers and applauding. Following the demonstration the youth had many well thought out questions for me in regards to Service dogs and their training. I answered their questions with enthusiasm recognizing their keen interest in the working dog aspect..
On the drive home that day my thoughts were running deep, something had changed inside of me, and I guess the best way to describe it would be to say that I knew I had found my ‘Calling’ for my life. To date, our Organization works with youth - the majority of which are affiliated to Guns and Gangs.
What's the purpose of a dog demonstration?
Its fun, informative and a great way to spread a positive message. By drawing on parallels and similarities between youth and dogs, the message really hits home!
How long does a demonstration take?
Generally it would take about 45 minutes which includes question and answer period.
Where can it be held?
Any place, any venue that youth are involved in. Example: Detention centers, schools, probation, Camps etc
What does the dog demonstration entail?
It entails specific disciplines that the dogs have been trained in for military purposes
It educates youth in regards to different aspects of the discipline the dogs are trained in specific to military tactics.
A break down of the training process (who, what, why, where and when).
A puppy who is currently in training is usually part of the demonstration.
Who is it for?
Generally speaking the K9 demonstration is geared towards youth in order to spread a positive message or for adults as an awareness segment in regards to the needs of youth today.
Those agencies or organizations who deal with youth between the ages of 12-18.
Youth themselves who are between the ages of 12-18
How much does it cost?
There is no fee, it is FREE of charge, unless special arrangements have been made.
Who are these K9s?
These K9s are trained by Civil K9 for purpose of special ops, military or law enforcement agencies.
If you need more information please contact us. info@civilk9.org or call 519-836-9007
The Civil K9 Youth Services School Program was initiated for the purpose of connecting youth and uniformed men - dressed in 'Civies'. By doing so youth are able to connect with Emergency Service Personnel on a positive note while building on community relations, restorative justice, and mitigating a path away from Guns and Gangs.
One of the key aspects to this program is to connect with youth who are impoverished, In Conflict with the Law, or Gang affiliated, in an effort to ‘make that connection’ or to ‘build that bridge’ and to help youth understand their value as individuals, strengths and to nurture a positive relationship with those in authority. By doing so we are able to help kids immediately as well as curtail negative stigmatism towards Police and make future interactions potentially positive.
To date the program has proven to be very successful throughout the region of Peel, the Greater Toronto Area and our nation on a whole. If you wish to inquire about this program for your organization, please contact us.