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A new scheme where prisoners train dogs abandoned at shelters is changing lives – both for the people and the animals.

Inmates at a prison in America can get matched up with a dog awaiting adoption, and the pair then spend two months looking after each other 24/7.

When the dogs first arrive, they often have no training and are nervous because being in a shelter is a strange environment.

But after the dogs have spent a few days just chilling out and settling in, the prisoners start teaching them tricks like sit, stay and roll over.


MORE: 8 scientifically proven reasons why having a dog is good for you

Shelter dogs and prison inmates are paired for bonding exercises (Picture: CNN)

Once the dogs are trained, they stand more chance of finding a family to adopt them so it’s great news for the animals.



But it turns out looking after a dog and helping them also benefits the inmates – as anyone who has looked after a pet themselves probably won’t be surprised by.

Susan Jacobs-Meadows, executive director of Canine CellMates, said: ‘Most of these guys gave up believing that there was very much of value to them a long time ago. But when that dog loves them and trusts them that starts to change how they feel about themselves.’

MORE: Abandoned dog ‘shuts down’ after being returned to animal shelter by adopted family

The prison inmates and dogs are together 24/7 (Picture: CNN)

Some of the prisoners at Fulton County Jail in Atlanta out saw similarities between the animals and their own situations, CNN reported.

One man said: ‘The bond that me and Fred have… He came to a place where he was going to be put to death and I came from a place that was on the bad side.

‘If Fred can have an opportunity to go to a good home and he can change, that makes me want to change the environment that I’m in. That means I can do better also. ‘

Prisoner Joseph Baker added: This programme has changed me – it has taught me to have responsibility and how to have patience.’

Dogs can change lives (Picture: CNN)