PenPal

09/25/2026

Dear friends and family, I hope this letter finds you well and surrounded by care.

Every day, I walk into class thinking I’m going to teach my dog something new.

But somehow, before the class is over, the dog has taught me something instead.

They teach me patience when I want things to happen faster.

They teach me kindness when I need to slow down and understand.

They teach me that mistakes don’t have to be the end.

And they teach me about second chances.

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes.

Some have short tails.
Some have long tails.
Some carry scars you can see.
Others carry stories you may never know.

But every one of them has a story to tell.

And every once in a while, one of them tells me a story I will never forget.

Maybe that’s why I keep coming back.

Because I thought I was here to teach dogs.

But the dogs keep teaching me what love really means.

Love always starts when you’re ready to open your heart and your home to a dog who needs a second chance.

Sincerely,
your PenPal

09/23/2026

PenPal Partner & Organization Rules

These rules help keep training consistent and make sure every dog receives the same clear direction.

1. Respect the Training Plan

* The PenPal trainer in charge controls the training plan.
* Do not give PenPal trainers commands that are not being taught in class.
* Do not introduce your own training methods or commands.

2. Requests for Specific Training

* If your organization needs a dog to learn a specific behavior or task, speak directly with the trainer in charge.
* Do not ask a PenPal to train a specific task on your own.
* The trainer will determine when and how the behavior should be introduced.

3. Food & Treats

* Organizations and partners may not bring food or treats into the program for training.
* All training food and treats must come through the trainer in charge.
* Do not give treats directly to PenPal trainers for use during training unless approved by the trainer in charge.

4. Training Equipment

* Do not provide or request training equipment or tools for PenPals without approval from the trainer in charge.

5. Communication

* Questions, concerns, or special requests about a dog’s training should be directed to the trainer in charge.
* Please do not give instructions directly to PenPal trainers that could change the training plan.

6. Consistency

Every partner plays an important role in helping the dogs succeed.

One program.
One training plan.
One consistent message.

7. Participation

By participating as a PenPal partner or organization, you agree to follow these guidelines.

Failure to follow the rules may result in the organization or partner no longer being permitted to participate in the PenPal program.

09/23/2026

These are rules for trainers: Please don’t instruct any trainer or give them anything without approval from the class trainer.

PenPal Trainer Rules

1. Follow the Class Plan

* Teach only the commands approved for the current class.
* Do not add new commands without approval.
* Use the hand signals taught in class.

2. Ask Before Teaching Specific Tasks

* Do not teach a specific task or specialized behavior unless the trainer in charge approves it.
* If you have an idea for a dog’s training, ask first.

3. Food & Treats

* Only the trainer in charge may bring food or treats into the program for training.
* Do not bring your own treats or food.
* Do not accept food or treats for training from others unless approved by the trainer in charge.

4. Training Tools

* Do not use training equipment or tools unless approved by the trainer in charge.

5. Basic Commands First

* Dogs should demonstrate at least 90% reliability on basic commands in class before moving to specialized training.

6. Rescue & Organization Requests

* Rescues and organizations should not give PenPal trainers additional commands or training instructions.
* All special requests must go through the trainer in charge.

7. When Unsure, Ask

If you are not sure—stop and ask the trainer in charge.

8. Following the Rules

These rules are required for participation in the PenPal program.

Failure to follow the rules may result in removal from the PenPal training program.

One program.
One training plan.
One consistent message.

09/12/2026

Butter finds her forever home

We absolutely LOVE seeing another Pen Pal Program graduate find his forever home! 🥹💙

Butter started out as a shelter dog, but thanks to the time, patience, and connection built through our Pen Pal Program, someone got to know the wonderful dog underneath it all. And now… he has a family of his own! 🏡🐾

This is exactly why programs like Pen Pals matter. Sometimes all a dog needs is someone willing to spend a little extra time getting to know them.

Congratulations, Butter! Your next chapter starts now. ❤️

Another Pen Pal graduate. Another happy ending. Another reminder that every dog deserves a chance. 🐶✨

09/10/2026

With Seminole Animal Shelter – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

09/09/2026

🐾 WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR IN A DOG TRAINER?

Choosing a dog trainer is a big decision. According to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB), the methods a trainer uses can affect your dog’s welfare, behavior, and relationship with you.

🟢 GREEN FLAGS

Look for a trainer who:

✅ Uses reward-based training to teach desired behaviors.

✅ Uses food, play, toys, praise, or other appropriate rewards.

✅ Teaches your dog what TO do, rather than relying on punishment for what not to do.

✅ Sets the dog up to succeed through proper management and training.

✅ Pays attention to your dog’s body language and emotional state.

✅ Can explain why a particular training technique is being used.

✅ Continues their education and uses current, science-based information.

✅ Is willing to work with your veterinarian when behavior could have a medical cause.

✅ Knows when a behavior problem requires referral to a veterinarian or veterinary behavior professional.

🔴 RED FLAGS

Be cautious when a trainer relies on:

❌ Shock/electronic collars

❌ Prong collars

❌ Choke chains

❌ Leash corrections or jerking

❌ Hitting or physical force

❌ Intimidation or fear

❌ Yelling

❌ Alpha rolls or other physically confrontational techniques

❌ Punishment as the primary way of changing behavior

AVSAB’s current position recommends reward-based methods for all dog training and behavior modification and states that aversive methods should not be used.

🐶 BEFORE YOU HIRE A TRAINER, ASK:

“What happens when my dog gets something wrong?”

The answer can tell you a lot.

A good trainer should be able to explain how they will teach the dog a better behavior, rather than simply explaining how they will punish the unwanted behavior.

Your dog doesn’t need to be afraid of making a mistake to learn.

Teach. Reward. Build the relationship.

— Jonathan Cox
Penpal Oklahoma Prison Dog Training Program Instructor