Meet Pepper, adopted from Paws in Prison last May by dog dad Cody. Cody tells us, "I have had Pepper(originally named Diva) for 6 months now, and she is definitely comfortable in her forever home and being spoiled every day. Pepper came to me shortly after the loss of my girl Blue, who I adopted from Paws in Prison back in 2012. Pepper is just the sweetest girl who absolutely loves every person and animal she meets. In fact I think she loves dogs a little more than people! She loves rides in the truck and now expects a pup cup every time we leave the house. I’m so thankful to everyone involved at Paws in Prison and would like to wish everyone a Happy Holiday season."

You'll have to go to the end of this newsletter to find out Pepper's DNA!

Although sometimes it seems like your dog is barking at nothing, dogs bark for many different reasons. You will be far more effective at curbing your dog’s barks if you can learn what your dog is saying. For example, if your dog barks at people, it could be out of excitement to see them, anxiety about an intruder, or frustration they can’t get close enough to say hello. These are all totally different emotions and motivations for barking. A bored dog needs something to do. An Anxious dog needs to build up confidence. Identifying the the cause of the barking will help you target your approach to deal with it effectively.

Although ignoring their barking for attention is effective, it can frustrate your dog. Encourage silence by teaching your dog an alternative method of earning your attention. That might be lying at your feet or sitting quietly and making eye contact with you. The choice is up to you. Simply cue the behavior you want when your dog is asking for attention, then when they comply, reward them with cuddles, praise, and the company they seek. My dog Sprout has learned that when he jumps up on me, I turn my back on him. When he jumps down, he gets praise and scratches behind his ears. Now he rarely jumps up on me.

Simply teach them that silence earns rewards. Whenever your dog is barking, wait for them to take a break, even if it’s just for a second. As soon as they stop barking, give them a delicious dog training treat. Wait for a silence each time before presenting the treat. Once you can predict when your dog is about to stop barking, give a cue like “quiet” or “stop” right beforehand, then treat them when they comply. After enough repetitions, your dog will learn it pays to stop barking at your request. Patience, patience, patience!

Many dogs bark out of frustration because they lack restraint and are easily distracted. If that sounds like your dog, then it will help to teach your dog more self-control. Obedience training gives your dog a sense of control over their environment by teaching them that they can get what they want by giving you what you want. Although Paws in Prison dogs have had basic obedience training, the prison environment can make teaching impulse control difficult. Additional training after adoption may be necessary.

Barking can be a problem for dogs left on their own. Out in the yard that can mean barking at every squirrel and falling leaf. Dogs will bark at their canine neighbors, perhaps looking for company or to defend what they see as their territory. To discourage your dog from barking at other dogs and those walking by, don’t leave your dog outside on their own for long periods of time. Potty breaks are fine, but don’t think lots of alone time in the backyard is a substitute for mental stimulation and physical exercise.

Some dogs bark to defend their territory from what they think are intruders. Whether it’s barking at the mail carrier or at a dog walking by with the owner, your dog is trying to warn these people to stay away. Unfortunately, that’s a self-rewarding behavior: your dog barks at the mail carrier and what do you know, they walk away. Of course, they were going to leave anyway, but from your dog’s point of view, their barks did the job. That makes this a very hard habit to break. The most effective solution is to block your dog’s view of people and animals going past your home. If your dog can’t see the “intruders” they won’t feel the need to bark.

Do Not Use Shock Collars! Lastly, please DO NOT use punishment to stop your dog's barking, such as electric shock collars. Yes, it may give you the behavior you desire, but punishment has harmful effects on the physical and mental health of your dog. And it’s no more effective than positive reinforcement techniques such as those listed above. If you need more help, please seek the help of a Professional Dog Trainer before using such tools.

This 7 minute video goes into more detail on how to stop your dog's barking.

This has been a banner year for adoptions at Paws in Prison! To date in 2023, we have 39 completed adoptions! That’s 39 homes that are happier because of Paws in Prison adopted dogs. Even more remarkable is that we had 5 adoptions between November 13th through 26^th. We are beyond grateful to these adopters and all those who have helped along the way.

It has been an honor and a labor of love being on the Friends of Paws in Prison board these last 4 years - from writing grants, to fundraising, managing the website and, most importantly, keeping you informed by sending out a total of 41 monthly newsletters to help you stay connected to us! Saying goodbye is never easy, but it has been such a privilege to serve as the Friends of Paws in Prison board Vice President.

I've especially loved getting to know many of the Lockhart Ladies and heard their stories about who they were and who they are now. Also what a joy to see adorable pups get saved from shelters then ending up adopted into loving homes. However it is time for me to move on to other endeavors.

We're sorry if we omitted any names from those of you who helped us in any capacity in the month of NOVEMBER, but we do not always know the names of our Paws in Prison angels!

Monthly Donations, no matter the size, help us know what we can count on each month. Thanks to the following folks who give recurring monthly donations:

Did we miss thanking you? We don't always know the names of our giving angels (Benevity and Facebook don't send us names).

Please let us know who you are by sending an email to: