Mixed-Up Mutts Dog Training Program

The Mixed-Up Mutts dog training program rescues homeless dogs from animal shelters, that may otherwise be considered to unruly to adopt out. These are dogs that have a good temperament and friendliness, but are in desperate need of obedience training. They then match the dog up with a prison inmate, that is certified in dog training, at the Westville Correctional Facility in Northwest Indiana for 4-8 weeks.

This program is providing a second chance for dogs that may otherwise end up euthanized, and some great rehabilitation for prisoners at the same time. For the few dogs that are still unable to find a good home after training, they are kept at the correctional facility, which usually has about 30 dogs at any time.

What the prison inmates have to say about this program:
"Most of all, the dog has taught me to trust and love again, also to smile."

"This makes me happy and working with and having a dog makes each day better. I feel I’m doing something to help and not just wasting my life in prison."

"Not only am I training dogs, I am learning patience, how to care and how to love again."

"Along with feeling better about myself and what I’m doing, the dogs give lots of love and hope. It has really helped me and taught me so much that I never knew, and taught me patience."

"I feel I am doing something that is helping these dogs and society in general."

If you're interested in helping, Mixed-Up Mutts are always looking for volunteers who live around Indiana to transport animals, work at adoption events, and even professional dog trainers to donate time working with the inmates. If you don't live in the area you can also help out with raising public awareness, fundraising, or even donating through the Mixed-Up Mutts website. Here are the Mixed-Up Mutts currently up for adoption.