SCI Fayette Training Program

A New Leash on Life

Animal Friends partners with several programs and organizations within our community, including the D.A.W.G. (Developing Animals With Goals) Program at SCI Fayette Prison.

Through this collaboration, we send up to six dogs at a time to work one-on-one with select inmates. This provides an opportunity for our long-term residents, Humane Investigation hold dogs, and those in need of extra training or a break from shelter life to receive personalized attention and skills development.

Ways To Support

Rubicon, one of Animal Friends' dogs participating in our SCI Fayette Program.

Painting of DAWG program graduates on SCI Fayette County walls

Murals throughout the blocks at SCI Fayette that inmates painted in memory of DAWG program graduates.

When a dog is selected to join the SCI Fayette program, they are paired with one or two inmates who will work with them throughout their stay. The inmates help the dogs develop a variety of important skills, along with some fun tricks like "sit," "down," "touch," "place," "drop it," "spin," and "sit pretty." They also focus on teaching loose-leash walking to improve leash manners.

During their time at SCI Fayette, the dogs also enjoy a change of scenery, with plenty of opportunities for relaxation and enrichment activities. Most importantly, they receive lots of love and attention from their dedicated handlers.

To learn more about PA's Department of Corrections Puppy Programs click below.

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"D.A.W.G. provides the dogs with positive tools to make them more adoptable. The handlers take a great amount of pride in working with these dogs and staff at the prison are so happy to see the dogs walking around. It definitely is a stress reliever for them as well."