Watch Dogs

ALL ABOUT OUR WATCH D.O.G.S. PROGRAM

WATCH D.O.G.S. is a national innovative program focusing on the prevention of violence in our childrens' schools by using the positive influence of fathers and father-figures for a two-fold purpose: (1) to provide an unobtrusive fathering presence in schools, and (2) to be a positive and active role-model for students at their school. 

WATCH D.O.G.S. Across America® is a non-profit organization which began in 1998 by Jim Moore, immediately after the Jonesboro, Arkansas, middle school shooting tragedy. WATCH D.O.G.S. operates for the objective as stated in its motto: To turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers.

Who are Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads Of Great Students)?

Watch D.O.G.S. are fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and other father-figures who volunteer for at least one day each year at an official WATCH D.O.G.S. school. During the day, Watch D.O.G.S. may read and work on flash cards with kids, play at recess, eat lunch with their child, watch the school entrances and hallways, assist with traffic flow, mentor students, and any other assigned activities where they actively engage with not only their child(ren), but other students as well. Their mere presence offers additional security at the school during the day! On the day of their participation, the participants are given a brief review of their involvement and they wear an official WATCH D.O.G.S. Across America® t-shirt or vest identifying them as Watch D.O.G.S..

Program benefits

The benefits of the program are many, according to WATCH D.O.G.S. Founder Jim Moore.

• Schools gain an extra set of eyes and ears. The presence of a father or father-figure enhances a sense of security at the building for students and staff and helps create an environment conducive to learning.

• Students gain a positive male role model. Many students do not have a father-figure present in their home and these students benefit when a positive male role model is present.

• Fathers get a glimpse of their childs everyday world and learn about the increasingly complex challenges and decisions todays youth are facing. As a result, they can learn to relate better to their child and hopefully connect with them.

• Fathers gain a greater awareness of the positive impact they can have on their childs life in three critical areas including: academic performance, self esteem, social behavior