Want to know more about the Florida Department of Corrections' inmate dog training programs?

The Dog Obedience Programs below are partnership programs between the Florida Department of Corrections and various community rescue groups and animal service agencies. These partnerships are intended to increase the adoptability of shelter dogs and provide inmates with job skills beneficial upon release. During the training period, dogs receive socialization and are taught basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and walk by your side without pulling on the leash. All dogs are housebroken and crate-trained and have up-to-date shots. They've been spayed or neutered, and many are microchipped.

Some programs train the dogs to become therapy or service dogs and are trained for up to 18 months. Costs for the dogs vary depending on program type (service dogs, etc.) and length of training. To locate the program closest to you see the county listing below and contact the service provider for information about dogs available for adoption.

BAKER COUNTY

Barking Out Loud Rescue and Baker Re-Entry C.O.R.P.S Program
C.O.R.P.S mission is to increase the adoptability of shelter dogs by teaching them basic obedience, manners and proper socialization. By giving dogs essential skills our aim is to not only get them adopted but to keep them in their fur-ever home. In addition, C.O.R.P.S improves the lives of inmates in the program by teaching them skills and responsibilities that are beneficial upon release. To learn more about our dogs, the program or would like to adopt visit us on Facebook: Baker RE-Entry C.O.R.P.S Program. Contact info@correctionsfoundation.org for program Officer and adoption information.

BRADFORD COUNTY

Barking Out Loud Rescue and Lawtey Correctional Institution
C.O.R.P.S mission is to increase the adoptability of shelter dogs by teaching them basic obedience, manners and proper socialization. By giving dogs essential skills our aim is to not only get them adopted but to keep them in their fur-ever home. In addition, C.O.R.P.S improves the lives of inmates in the program by teaching them skills and responsibilities that are beneficial upon release. To learn more about our dogs, the program or would like to adopt visit us on Facebook: Lawtey Correctional C.O.R.P.S Program. Contact info@correctionsfoundation.org for program Officer and adoption information.

GILCHRIST COUNTY

Cuffs and Collars
Lancaster Correctional Institution and Gilchrist County Animal Services. The program is designed to increase adoptability of selected dogs at the Gilchrist County Animal Shelter. During the eight-week training period, professional dog trainers volunteer their time to teach inmates how to train dogs in socialization techniques and basic obedience. The inmates learn to train the dogs to the standards of the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizens Program. At the end of their training, the dogs take a test consisting of 10 skills needed by well-mannered dogs such as: accepting a friendly stranger, sitting politely for petting, walking through a crowd, etc. The adoption fee is $50. For more information about Cuffs and Collars, please "like" Cuffs and Collars Facebook page. For adoption information please contact Susanne Hoffman at 352-222-1216 or Ericka Hudson, Gilchrist County Animal Services at (352)-463-4084

GLADES COUNTY

Magic City K9
Magic City K9 works with Everglades Re-Entry Center and Everglades Correctional Institution to provide our South Florida community with trained dogs. Dogs graduating from this program will fill many roles, from wonderfully trained family pets to sophisticated assistance dogs. Our program is versatile and unmatched!

The most unique aspect of our program is that we save dogs, both purebred and mixed breed, from Miami-Dade Animal Services, and other local animal rescues. Each dog is hand-selected and temperament tested by a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant. Our program is truly the last chance for many of the dogs that gain admission. For more information or to view our adorable trained dogs please visit www.magiccityk9.org. You can also find us on Facebook @MagicCityK9 or call 305-245-5014.

HARDEE COUNTY

Hardee Hero Hounds at Hardee Correctional Institution
Hardee Hero Hounds at Hardee Correctional Institution offers an 8 to 10- week basic obedience program for dogs in conjunction with the Greyhound Advancement Center (aka Canine Advancement Center). We currently partner with Bay Area Greyhound Adoptions, Humane Society of Lake County and Pet Rescue by Judy who sponsor dogs in our training program. If you would like to adopt one of our obedience trained grads, please connect with one of our adoption group partners:

Through our boot camp training, we provide basic obedience and behavioral modification to dogs that are already in homes: https://www.greyhoundadvancementcenter.org/video-check-out-our-boot-camp

Our greyhound and canine graduates become companion dogs, therapy dogs and service dogs. Our basic obedience program allows dogs the greatest opportunity to be adopted. Most of our graduates have the ability to pass the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test upon graduation. The CGC is the training equivalent used in therapy dog certification. Our inmate trainers have also trained dogs who have become service dogs (PTSD, Hearing, Asperger's, etc.) and Emotional Support Animals (ESA).

Our inmate trainers joined this program because they love dogs and wanted to do something productive with their time. While the inmate trainers become responsible for someone other than themselves we are teaching them viable dog training skills and improving personal and professional skills. The lessons taught to the greyhounds and shelter dogs are lifelong lessons, help keep them positive and prepare the inmate trainers with re-entry. We now see successes for our trainer graduates, including a number in dog-related businesses.

In conjunction with the State of Florida Occupational Credentialing Program, the Greyhound Advancement Center certifies inmate trainers as dog trainers upon completion of the necessary training requirements for Basic Handler, Basic Obedience, Intermediate Dog Trainer and Advanced Dog Trainer. Together with the help of our volunteers, we are able to make a difference in the lives of the greyhounds, shelter dogs, the inmate trainers and the families adopting greyhounds.

Our program needs financial support including donations of dog food, training treats, and grooming supplies. If you would like to support the Hardee Hero Hound program succeed through adoption, financial donations or supplies, please contact the Greyhound Advancement Center: greyhoundadvancement@gmail.com. Our organization is run by volunteers who do not get paid. For more information about our program, please call 941-376-0305 or visit our websites: www.greyhoundadvancementcenter.org & www.canineadvancementcenter.org

HAMILTON COUNTY

Hamilton Hounds Program - New Leash on Life
New Program with the Humane Society of Valdosta/Lowndes County and Hamilton Correctional Institution. www.humanesocietyofvaldosta.org

The Humane Society of Valdosta/Lowndes County has been working tirelessly for years to end pet overpopulation in South Georgia and put a stop to unnecessary euthanasia in the Lowndes County Animal Shelter. One of the main issues is overcrowding and pets labeled as "unadoptable." The HSVLC is excited to announce the beginning of a new program, Hamilton Hounds- New Leash On Life that hope to help both of these issues. The Hamilton Hounds program aims to help dogs have a better chance of getting adopted by providing basic training so they are ready for life in a "furever" home, while giving inmates experience with dog training skills and emotional support that can be used once they are released. "There are so many dogs that enter the Lowndes County Animal Shelter that need some help learning how to be the best dog they can be. This program will allow us to help that special group while also not taking away space in our foster homes to save others." -Tori Grindle, an invaluable volunteer for the HSVLC.

Through a partnership with the Humane Society of Valdosta Lowndes County and the Humane Society of Hamilton County/North Florida PAWS, inmates are placed in a 10 week course which provides shelter dogs with basic obedience training through a train the trainer program. Inmates are taught how to properly care for and teach otherwise unadoptable dogs basic obedience. At the conclusion of the course, the dogs are then adopted by citizens from surrounding communities, with many receiving certifications for Canine Good Citizenship which will allow further training for therapy or support roles. The program currently as a 100% success rate.

HIGHLANDS COUNTY

Heel Together - Avon Park
HEEL TOGETHER is a program started by Highland County Sheriff's Department Animal Shelter at the local jail. Seeing the success with those participants led the HCSO to a second location and partner with FDC's Avon Park Work Camp This program transforms the life of the canine, as well as the life of the inmates who work with them. It teaches the inmates teamwork, leadership, and quality trade skills, which in turn, makes them more employable, reduces recidivism, and ultimately makes our communities safer. In addition, it transforms the canine's life, by bringing it from a lonely kennel/kill shelter to an open environment with plenty of socialization and exercise. The basic skills the canines learn makes them more adoptable to community families and they spend much less time in shelters and more time living their best life. The program was established in January 2019. Like other canine programs, the dogs live with their assigned handlers (two per canine) full time and the inmates can earn up to four levels of dog training certifications. The cost to adopt at this time is $125 which includes all shots, sterilization, training, microchipping. Interested families should contact the Highlands County Sheriff's Department directly at (863-) 402-6730. Avon Park has been featured on the following: Heel Together Video AVPCI and On The Road Channel 10.

MARION COUNTY

WOOF (Women Offering Obedience and Friendship)
WOOF (Women Offering Obedience and Friendship) at Lowell Correctional Work Camp, has two parts - One giving basic obedience to shelter dogs and the second part- training service dogs for wounded veterans. Both halves come together to make an exciting program! The service dogs are trained for Patriot Service Dogs. Learn more about the work Patriot Service Dogs does at https://www.patriotservicedogs.org.

The F.I.D.O. Project (Florida Inmates & Dog Obedience)
This partnership unites the Marion Work Camp with Marion County Animal Services in Ocala.

Each class lasts approximately two months. Inmates teach their assigned shelter dogs basic obedience, socialization, and a few fun tricks. The men learn patience, dog behavior, and basic health, and how to successfully work as a team. As the classes progress, potential adopters will be invited to meet and greet events and are required to submit an application.

For more information on this beneficial program, please visit marionfl.org/fido.

MADISON COUNTY

Barking Out Loud Rescue - B.A.R.K Program
Madison Correctional Institution has partnered with Barking Out Loud Rescue and created B.A.R.K (Behavioral and Rehabilitative K-9's). B.A.R.K's mission is to increase the adoptability of shelter dogs by teaching them basic obedience, manners and proper socialization. By giving dogs these essential skills our aim is to not only get them adopted but to keep them in their fur-ever home. In addition, B.A.R.K improves the lives of inmates in the program by teaching them skills and responsibilities that are beneficial upon release. To learn more about our dogs, the program or would like to adopt visit us on Facebook: Madison C.I. BARK Program. www.barkingoutloudrescue.org

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

Prison Pup Programs - New Horizon Service Dogs
Dade Correctional Institution and Homestead Correctional Institution. In conjunction with New Horizons Service Dogs Inc., each have an inmate program to train service dogs to assist persons with disabilities, veterans and children with autism. Training lasts anywhere from six months to 18 months depending on the skills required and when complete, dogs are able to assist owners in standing and balance, getting in and out of bed, turning on light switches, opening and closing doors, retrieving dropped items, calling emergency phone numbers and more. Dogs are also trained to assist returning veterans with both battlefield injuries and PTSD. Some of our dogs are trained by inmates to ultimately assist children with autism. The Prison Pup Program is an inmate vocational program where inmates can earn vocational certificates in dog grooming and training while simultaneously preparing dogs to assist persons with disabilities. For more information visit New Horizons Service Dogs at https://newhorizonsservicedogs.org/prison-pup-home-raising

OKEECHOBEE COUNTY

New Horizons Service Dogs
Sago Palm Work Camp (Okeechobee Correctional Institution) inmate program to train service dogs to assist persons with disabilities, veterans and children with autism. Training lasts anywhere from six months to 18 months depending on the skills required and when complete, dogs are able to assist owners in standing and balance, getting in and out of bed, turning on light switches, opening and closing doors, retrieving dropped items, calling emergency phone numbers and more. Dogs are also trained to assist returning veterans with both battlefield injuries and PTSD. Some of our dogs are trained by inmates to ultimately assist children with autism. The Prison Pup Program is an inmate vocational program where inmates can earn vocational certificates in dog grooming and training while simultaneously preparing dogs to assist persons with disabilities. For more information visit New Horizons Service Dogs at https://newhorizonsservicedogs.org/prison-pup-home-raising

ORANGE COUNTY

Hounds with Hearts
Hounds with Hearts at Central Florida Reception Center offers an 8 to 10- week basic obedience program for dogs in conjunction with the Greyhound Advancement Center (aka Canine Advancement Center). We currently partner with Bay Area Greyhound Adoptions, Humane Society of Lake County and Pet Rescue by Judy who sponsor dogs in our training program. If you would like to adopt one of our obedience trained grads, please connect with one of our adoption group partners:

Through our boot camp training, we provide basic obedience and behavioral modification to dogs that are already in homes: https://www.greyhoundadvancementcenter.org/video-check-out-our-boot-camp

Our greyhound and canine graduates become companion dogs, therapy dogs and service dogs. Our basic obedience program allows dogs the greatest opportunity to be adopted. Most of our graduates have the ability to pass the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test upon graduation. The CGC is the training equivalent used in therapy dog certification. Our inmate trainers have also trained dogs who have become service dogs (PTSD, Hearing, Asperger's, etc.) and Emotional Support Animals (ESA).

Our inmate trainers joined this program because they love dogs and wanted to do something productive with their time. While the inmate trainers become responsible for someone other than themselves we are teaching them viable dog training skills and improving personal and professional skills. The lessons taught to the greyhounds and shelter dogs are lifelong lessons, help keep them positive and prepare the inmate trainers with re-entry. We now see successes for our trainer graduates, including a number in dog-related businesses.

In conjunction with the State of Florida Occupational Credentialing Program, the Greyhound Advancement Center certifies inmate trainers as dog trainers upon completion of the necessary training requirements for Basic Handler, Basic Obedience, Intermediate Dog Trainer and Advanced Dog Trainer. Together with the help of our volunteers, we are able to make a difference in the lives of the greyhounds, shelter dogs, the inmate trainers and the families adopting greyhounds.

Our program needs financial support including donations of dog food, training treats, and grooming supplies. If you would like to support the Hardee Hero Hound program succeed through adoption, financial donations or supplies, please contact the Greyhound Advancement Center: greyhoundadvancement@gmail.com. Our organization is run by volunteers who do not get paid. For more information about our program, please call 941-376-0305 or visit our websites:

www.greyhoundadvancementcenter.org & www.canineadvancementcenter.org

PUTNAM COUNTY

T.A.P.S - Teaching Animals & Prisoners Skills
Located at Putnam CI this canine obedience training program was established as a partnership between The Florida Department of Corrections and Clay County Animal Services. For questions and to adopt please www.claycountygov.com/departments/animal-services

TAYLOR COUNTY

N.I.T.R.O Program
N.I.T.R.O's (Nothing's Impossible Taylor Rescue) mission is to increase the adoptability of shelter dogs by teaching them basic obedience, manners and proper socialization. By giving dogs essential skills our aim is to not only get them adopted but to keep them in their fur-ever home. In addition, N.I.T.R.O improves the lives of inmates in the program by teaching them skills and responsibilities that are beneficial upon release. To learn more about our dogs, the program or would like to adopt visit us on Facebook: Taylor Correctional Institution N.I.T.R.O Program. www.barkingoutloudrescue.org

UNION COUNTY

ROCK (Rehabilitation Of Castaway K-9's) Hounds
This is a partnership with the Florida Department of Corrections (Union Correctional Institution) and Lake City Humane Society. In a 10-week program, inmates provide basic obedience and socialization training to castaway canines. This program started in August of 2013 and has had a great success rate. The inmates training the dogs are 55 and older, and the majority of them are Veterans who served in Vietnam and suffer from PTSD and other mental conditions related to the war. This program has been beneficial to all who encounter the dogs, especially the Veteran inmates. The dogs live with their assigned inmates full time and have increased the morale and environment of the institution for staff and inmates. For more information, please visit their facebook page 'UCI Rock Hounds' or contact https://www.lakecityhumane.org

RMC Paw Camp
Through a partnership with Lake City Humane Society RMC Paw Camp is a basic dog training program that began in March 2015. The goal is to provide a re-entry program for inmates, while giving abandoned dogs another chance at a forever home. This is a ten-week program that trains former shelter dogs in basic obedience. For more information please, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/RMC-Paw-Camp or www.lakecityhumane.org/rmc-paw-camp

VOLUSIA COUNTY

Pups N Pals and Paws of Freedom
Pups N Pals is operated at Tomoka Correctional Institution in partnership with Halifax Humane Society and the Orlando VA with our "Paws of Freedom" offshoot program, where we give companion dogs to veterans who suffer from PTSD, depression, or anxiety. Up to twelve dogs spend seven weeks training with the inmates to learn basic obedience, 'heel', 'sit', 'down', and 'come' commands. The goal is to place healthy, spayed/neutered dogs in forever homes, as well as to give inmates skills that they list on their resumes. All dogs are given the AKC Good Citizen Test, and upon passing, the trainers are presented with an AKC certificate noting that they have passed. The new owner who adopts a dog is offered a free seven-week training course by the Halifax Humane Society, in order to become familiar with what the dog has been taught. For further information about the program or adopting a dog, contact: Halifax Humane Society, (386)274-4703, or Tomoka Correctional Institution Work Camp, (386)254-2676. You can also connect with our Facebook page via www.halifaxhumanesociety.org/prison-pups-pals


Bureau Chief

Gwen Brock

  • Bureau of Education
    • Academic Education
    • Career & Technical Education
    • Community Transition Services
    • Canine Obedience Training
    • Higher Education in Prison (HEP)
    • Library Services