Pawsitive Change

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United States
Bakersfield, CA
Pawsitive Change

Our goal is to reduce inmate recidivism by providing them a viable skill, while at the same time saving dogs lives.

Marley's Mutts Pawsitive Change Program is a progressive and intensive rehabilitation program which matches death row dogs with inmates inside California State Prisons. Marley’s Mutts Pawsitive Change Program is a progressive and intensive rehabilitation program which matches death row dogs with inmates inside California State Prisons.

08/04/2025

The leash is an amazing tool during training but it will never fully replace engagement and connection. We teach our trainers the fundamentals of leash work but also shift them towards using more relationship and presence to guide the dogs. Building motivation and engagement through pace changes, voice and body movement. How adding just a little pep in their step can encourage the dogs to follow their lead.

We want these relationships to form. We’re building a bond that will make each of these men better trainers and open each dog up to future positive human interactions.

Convict (yes we know that’s an interesting choice of names but it’s his real name not one we gave) the beautiful shepherd pictured is mastering the art of connection in true shepherd fashion. Shepherds are very loyal dogs and this sweet boy is open to connection with just a little work. If you’re looking for a big beautiful shepherd with a little training on his resume please consider giving this gorgeous guy an adoptive home once he graduates.

08/03/2025

Kuranda beds are one of our biggest needs in Pawsitive Change. We use them in training and they also serve as a comfy place for our dogs to get a much deserved rest when they’re not working and training. These beds are sturdy, easy to clean and help us keep the dogs cool and comfy during their stay with us. We use them so much sometimes we need new beds. This is where you can help! You can donate, at a discounted price, a bed to one of our Pawsitive Change dogs.

Want to donate? Just head to our website, click “Donate” and then scroll until you see “Shelter Kuranda Beds” click and choose the bed you’d like to give. Our dogs appreciate these beds so much and your gift will benefit each pup who has the chance to participate in Pawsitive Change ❤️

08/02/2025

Who says training can’t be fun? Who says you can’t bring a little bit of that fun to prison?Games and fun build character and help strengthen determination. They also give the dogs a chance to practice basic obedience skills in a higher stimulus environment challenging the knowledge they already have and making them work a little harder to get the same result. You learn more when you’re having fun and these activities help both man and dog thrive! Insecurities turn in to the confidence they never knew they had.

And with that confidence, that determination they push themselves to be a better version of the individual that originally walked into those prison doors. That’s the beauty of Pawsitive Change and the 2nd chances it brings!

08/01/2025

We’ve been getting lots of comments about the heat and just want to reassure everyone that neither the dogs or their trainers are working in the direct heat of the day. Classes are typically held early in the morning to ensure a cooler temperature and if it’s too hot outside everyone goes inside to work.

Most prison settings don’t have many green spaces. You’re going to see concrete and you’re going to see dirt. What you’re not going to see is us allowing any of our dogs to work on those surfaces if it’s too hot. We know and understand the risks and will always keep both our dogs and the men who work with them safe and comfortable.

Pic of Falcor and his trainers enjoying some shade. This sweet boy has a potential family lined up once he completes his training but we have many Pawsitive Change pups still waiting for homes. Consider adopting one by going to the linktree in our bio or directly to our website to apply.

07/31/2025

Sometimes success is as simple as taking a walk and walk these guys do! As they walk their handling skills improve and the dogs learn to keep pace. Pulling reduces and confidence increases. These daily walks benefit both man and dog linking them as one and improving their overall communication. And as they walk they grow. The dogs are gaining an invaluable skill most adopters want and their handlers are learning to work as a team one step at a time.

We hope all of their hard work pays off and each dog earns the home they’re working so hard to find. Interested in adopting? Both Rachel and Convict (shepherds) are still available and waiting for just the right family. You can apply by going to the linktree in our bio or directly to our website.

07/30/2025

Not every Pawsitive Change dog finds their home right out of prison and Tucker has been waiting almost a year and a half to find his.

This beautiful boy is only about 30lbs, loves his canine friends and needs a family willing to build trust because he can be insecure at 1st. Once that trust is built he’s all in and will forever be your very best friend. Sadly dogs with insecurities linger and we know that’s why Tucker has yet to find his home. People want instantly social and Tucker needs time.

If you’re willing to give this sweet boy the time he needs to trust and build that love we’d love to hear from you. Please reach out directly to our adoption team [email protected] and let’s finally get Tucker in a home!

07/29/2025

Tiny Tim is jumping right into the ranks at Tehachapi State prison. Yes this little live wire has been added to the prison dog line up and we are super excited to watch him grow and add a little pint size fun to Pawsitive Change!

07/28/2025

Is there anything more majestic than the magnificent Moose! He’s big, he’s beautiful and he’s ready to meet you! He’s a happy friendly boy with a bit of a voice. He loves his people and he also seems to love the idea of a little bit of work. This makes him the perfect fit for Pawsitive Change at Tehachapi State prison! He’s task driven and would likely be happiest when he’s got something to do. We have a feeling this big boy is going to excel! Once he graduates we can totally see him doing some sort of job or canine sport. But Moose isn’t all work and no fun. He absolutely loves toys! He loves them all. Bring out the toys and his playful side comes out. Just a big ole boy doing all the fun things. What’s not to love about that!

Moose was one of the many dogs euthanasia listed at our county shelter. Medium and large dogs always seem to have the hardest time finding homes in the shelter system and with no solid adoption interest Moose was out of time. But we had a little bit of room at our rescue ranch and this big boy got his chance and has never looked back.

Moose may he large but he’s great on leash. Easy to walk and happy to go where ever you want to go. He’s did great in the playgroups at the shelter and we are slowly working on dog to dog introductions during his stay in prison. For his extra large stature he’s definitely a sensitive spirit and does best with a softer training approach. We’d love to see this boy find his home and it’s time to start looking because graduation day will be here before we know it. Want a big dog who likes doing big dog things? Then Moose may be just the dog for you!

07/27/2025

Is a calm dog a happy dog? You bet they are and our Pawsitive Change trainers use place work to teach our dogs the importance of calm. Both confident and insecure dogs benefit and Convict (pictured) is proof that moments of calm have a positive lasting effect.

While Convict is learning all he can with his prison trainers he’s still waiting for the perfect home. Interested? Just head to the linktree in our bio or go directly to our website to apply!

07/26/2025

I’m There’s always one ham in every class and Bruce, Bruce is that ham on C yard at Tehachapi State prison. Any training antics are quickly forgotten with one look at his adorable doofy face. We’re pretty sure he gives these looks just to get out of doing a bit of work. His trainers have confirmed that’s true, he’s been putting on the breaks during training walks 😂. Bruce you may be adorable but we’ve got a job to do and your participation is a key part of making sure each class is a success. So get back to work and we’ll squish and smooch that goofy face when you’re all done ❤️

07/25/2025

A sweet and gentle soul with just enough shyness to make him endearing meet Mozzi aka Rusty! He’s got those soulful eyes that pull you right in and wants nothing more than a few humans to love. Big humans, little humans, old humans, young humans he’s kind to them all. He wears his heart for the whole world to see and is ready to be your most devoted companion. And if things couldn’t get any sweeter Rusty is fantastic with other dogs and tested well with kitty friends too. We know we can give Rusty the confidence boost he needs so he’ll be headed in to Pawsitive Change at Tehachapi State prison.

Rusty, one of velvet hippos puppies, was adopted by a wonderful family over a year ago. That family sadly fell on hard times and lost everything. They were struggling to care for themselves and their small children which made it even more difficult to care for the furry members of their family. They desperately needed help and so we stepped up to help them by taking Rusty and their other dog, Convict, into our care. Both dogs are now getting their 2nd chance in Pawsitive Change.

Rusty misses having a home and family to love. Although shy his desire to have and receive love wins every single time. That’s what he wants the most. Just to belong as a member of a family. He was a great family dog. Affectionate, nonconfrontational, easy going. He thrives in a home environment and we are working hard to find him a new family to love and cherish. We’re hopeful his time in prison will boost his confidence and give him a few new skills to attract potential adopters. Would you give Rusty his 2nd chance? He’s so ready to meet and fall in love with you!

07/24/2025

Three more joining our Pawsitive Change crew and they’re going to call Tehachapi State prison A yard home for the next 3 months!

Please welcome Moose, Luna and Rusty! We can’t wait to watch them change and grow under the guidance of their trainers and see the positive impact they make on each of the men lucky enough to work alongside them. It’s going to be an amazing next 3 months!

Address

Bakersfield, CA

Telephone

+16615567261

Website

https://linktr.ee/pawsitivechangeprogram

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