#177 | Da'Von Patterson | The Prison Pup Program

Da'Von Patterson on training service dogs in prison with Canine Support Teams, and finding purpose and second chances. Da'Von Patterson is a powerful example of transformation, resilience, and the human capacity for change. After being sentenced to 38 years in prison, Da'Von's life took an unexpected and defining turn while incarcerated at the California Institute for Men. Through Canine Support Teams' Prison Pup Program, he became involved in the training of service dogs, an experience that would reshape his sense of purpose, responsibility, and connection. He discovered patience, empathy, trust, and the discipline required to care for another life. The program became a catalyst for personal growth, grounded in faith, mentorship, and accountability, offering Da'Von a path forward when few believed one existed. Today, Da'Von's story reflects the broader mission of Canine Support Teams: changing lives through service, partnership, and second chances. His journey highlights the profound impact that service dogs can have, not only for Veterans and individuals with disabilities, but also for those entrusted to help prepare these dogs for their future roles. Da'Von Patterson's life stands as a reminder that redemption is not defined by where someone begins, but by the choices they make when given the opportunity to grow. His story continues to inspire conversations about rehabilitation, purpose, and the transformative power of compassion. To learn more about Da'Von: https://caninesupportteams.org/about-us Chapters 0:00 Welcome Da'Von Patterson 2:30 LA sports without the crowds 5:04 Max, the family dog 7:36 Caring for the dogs during Covid 10:06 Dogs as therapy in prison 12:38 What counts as a service animal 15:09 How service dogs help people with polio 17:43 Teaching Bliss on the fly 20:14 Animal programmes in prisons 22:45 Joining the programme 25:18 Helping veterans get dogs 27:54 Shelter dogs that turn out great 30:30 Reading a dog's personality 33:02 Meet them where they're at 35:37 Expressive dogs 38:14 His first write-up 40:46 Nothing is hidden in prison 43:16 Walking straight 45:50 Earning his place in the programme 48:26 The aha moment 51:01 Learning to train, not just care 53:34 Won't the dog only listen to its trainer? 56:08 Living by the rules 58:43 Knowing you have value 1:01:13 Dedication pays off 1:03:48 How veterans qualify 1:06:20 The outside programme 1:08:54 A service dog conference in Missouri 1:11:27 How clients find CST 1:13:59 A dog that changed a client's life 1:16:37 Responsibility and maturity 1:19:11 Friends now working good jobs 1:21:48 Loyalty and opportunity 1:24:21 Maintaining the training 1:26:55 Avoiding institutionalisation 1:29:26 More programmes like this 1:32:00 How the program changed people The Ryan Pyle Podcast is ad-free by choice. If you enjoy these conversations, you can buy me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/ryanpyle Ryan's TV series are streaming around the world. Follow the Podcast X: https://x.com/RyanPylePodcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/ryanpylepodcast Follow Ryan Pyle YouTube: https://youtube.com/@ryanjpyle Instagram: https://instagram.com/ryanpyle X: https://x.com/RyanPyle Facebook: https://facebook.com/ryanpyle https://www.ryanpyle.com