Chattooga County, Hays State Prison Launch Dog Obedience Program

Chattooga County Animal Control and Hays State Prison are teaming up on a new initiative to benefit shelter dogs and inmates.

The program, developed in collaboration with Warden Joshua Jones of Hays State Prison and county officials, will give shelter dogs a better chance at finding homes by teaching them basic manners and skills.

According to Sole Commissioner Andy Allen, three to four dogs will be sent to the prison at a time, staying for six to nine weeks depending on their progress. Inmates will provide obedience training, teaching the dogs how to act, follow commands, and prepare for life in a home.

The initiative was inspired by the success of similar programs across the state, which showed benefits for both the dogs and the inmates. “It’s a good program for inmates. They’re learning how to handle dogs and how to train them, and it’s great for us. On the back end of having all these well-behaved dogs, we get dogs that are adoptable for the community,” Allen explained.

Some dogs may even receive specialized training to work with children or assist individuals with special needs. The county will provide bedding, food, grooming supplies, and veterinary care, with no additional cost to taxpayers.

Officials hope to expand the program to accommodate up to 10 dogs every six weeks. The contract with the prison runs through June 30, 2026, with the possibility of extension.