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Giving Shelter Pets a New Leash On Life

About the Program

Launched in 2024 in partnership with the Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women (LCIW), New Leash On Life (NLOL) pairs shelter dogs in our care with incarcerated women for hands-on training and socialization. Dogs in the program develop adoption-ready behaviors and skills, while participants gain valuable hands-on experience in canine care and training.

Throughout the six-week program, each participant works one-on-one with a shelter dog, focusing on basic obedience, socialization, and positive behavior reinforcement. This close partnership helps the dogs develop the skills and confidence they need for a successful transition into a loving adoptive home.

In addition to benefiting the dogs selected for this program, each incarcerated trainer gains transferrable skills they can use to earn a professional dog training certification, opening doors to future employment and personal growth beyond their time in the program.

How the Program Works

Dogs carefully selected from our shelter population are transported to LCIW and paired with an incarcerated participant for six weeks of daily, one-on-one training. Under the guidance of our staff trainer, these pairs build essential skills and confidence, preparing each dog for a successful adoption.

During the six-week program, each dog is evaluated throughout training to monitor progress and identify areas for additional support. As dogs progress, they earn Bronze, Silver, or Gold certification, celebrating each milestone on their journey to adoption.

Once completing the program, dogs graduate and become available for adoption.

Meeting Our NLOL Scholars

Dogs currently enrolled in the New Leash On Life program are viewable on our Adoptable Animals page throughout the program’s duration. Each dog is available for adoption and can go home after successfully completing the program. To identify a NLOL program scholar, look for the yellow star on their photo and “NLOL” in their name.

Make a Difference Today

Programs like New Leash On Life are made possible by compassionate supporters. Your gift helps provide shelter dogs with the training, enrichment, and support they need to take meaningful steps toward finding a loving home.

Will you help give a shelter dog a new leash on life today?

Meet Our New Leash On Life Trainer

Kevin Duggan is the Manager of Behavior, Training, and Enrichment at the Louisiana SPCA, where he oversees programs designed to improve the welfare, adoptability, and overall quality of life for shelter animals. His work focuses on implementing enrichment strategies, developing behavior modification plans, and providing education and training for staff, volunteers, and community members to support both pets and their families.

Duggan began his professional training journey while working through reactivity challenges with his own dog, an experience that inspired his long-term commitment to helping dogs and their owners navigate behavioral challenges. In 2012, he founded All Dogs Go to Kevin, where he worked extensively with pet owners to address training and behavior concerns.

He is an Honors Graduate of the Academy for Dog Trainers, a respected program in the field of canine behavior and training. Duggan lives with his wife, Kelly, their sons, Dexter and Julian, and their rescue dog, Cypress.