Tipton Academy is proud to be associated with CARES. CARES stands for Canine Assistance Rehabilitation Education Service but what it means to us is boys have the opportunity to train, love and care for a dog. It has turned into a very positive experience because the boys learn quickly that their moods and behaviors are reflected in the dogs they are training. The boys also learn responsibility by taking care of their dog's every need. While at

Tipton Academy the dogs are trained to help disabled people. The dogs are taught to wait while their handler goes through a door so if the handicapped person is in a wheel chair the dog will know how to wait for them. The dogs are also trained to behave while eating in a public place. When the dogs are adequately prepared the boys have the opportunity to assist their new owners as they learn to use their new friend.

It is exciting to watch the changes that occur in a boy when he is given a dog to train.  Many boys have never had a pet.  When the boy accepts the responsibility of the dog he also has to see that it is fed and taken out for breaks.  He is required to clean up after the dog if there are any accidents.  This is major milestone for a boy that has previously been irresponsible and unable to take care of himself.

The boys learn quickly that the dog’s moods and behaviors will mirror their own.  If a boy gets all worked up over something the dog will become upset and difficult to work with.  This privilege is granted to boys that have a desire to train a dog and pass a dog handlers class.  It is one of the components that makes Tipton Academy a unique and special program.