Who we are

Training Dogs for a Second Chance — by People Living Theirs

Every year, over 3.3 million dogs enter shelters in the U.S., but only 1.6 million find a forever home. At the same time, 60% of formerly incarcerated individuals remain unemployed one year after release.

Dogs Train Home bridges these two challenges with one powerful solution.

🐾 The Reentry Support Program

How It Works:

  • Prepaid bus cards to get to jobs appointments.

  • One-time ticket home if halfway house is away from family.

  • Grocery store gift cards to cover meals while they get settled.

  • Parole Letters to help with travel or jobs.

  • Mentorship (optional) Check-ins with a mentor who understands the journey.

Why It Matters

The first 90 days after release are the hardest. A little help can mean the difference between falling back… or moving forward.

Cost of program for 1 month support - helping 1 person $350

Want to support a Reentry Support? Donate now!

🐾 Dog Training Work experience Program

How It Works:

  • Certified trainers — formerly incarcerated individuals with prison dog training credentials — are selected to work with rescue dogs.

  • Trainers are matched with a dog from one of our partner rescues.

  • We pay for 6 to 12 one-hour training sessions between the trainer and the dog.

  • Rescue commit to weekly sessions and agree to continue the training until the dog is adopted.

  • After adoption, two free transition sessions are provided to support the dog and their new family.

Our goal is to connect rescue dogs with new trainers — creating work experience, opportunities to showcase skills, meaningful connections, and the gift of a second chance for both human and animal. We believe that with the right support and tools, all life can thrive.

Cost of program for 6 session - helping 1 dog $480

Want to support a second chance? Donate now!

“We raise funds to train rescue dogs — and support people rebuilding their lives.”
— The DTH Team

Meet the Team

  • Meet the team

    The Team

    FOUNDERS

  • CEO Vix

    Vix

    CEO

  • VP Isaac of dogs train home

    Isaac

    Vice President

  • head trainer and mentor

    Melvin

    Head Trainer & Mentor

Our History

Dogs Train Home was first imagined by Vix Lyttle after an unexpected encounter with professional dog trainer Isaac DeLaRosa from PawSitiveDawg.com. Their paths crossed when Vix adopted Eli, a Doberman-Rottweiler mix who had been surrendered during the COVID-19 pandemic and was struggling in the shelter environment.

A generous good Samaritan stepped in and paid for Eli to receive training with Isaac while he was being rehomed. Inspired by the compassion shown by both the Samaritan and Isaac, Vix began to wonder: How could she help more dogs like Eli?

As Vix and Isaac stayed in touch and became friends, she learned that Isaac had previously been incarcerated and had earned his professional dog training certification through a prison program called Pawsitive Change.

If it hadn’t been for Isaac’s ability to train her large, overexcited, and misunderstood dog, Eli might have been surrendered again. That realization sparked a shared vision between Vix and Isaac: to create a program that helps rescue dogs while also supporting individuals returning home from prison — people who just need a chance to prove what they’re capable of.

And so, Dogs Train Home was born — an idea first sparked by Vix, and founded in partnership and purpose with Isaac.

In 2023, Isaac DeLaRosa officially joined the board of Dogs Train Home as Vice President, helping lead the mission to give both people and dogs a second chance. After Isaac joined the nonprofit, he could no longer train dogs directly due to a conflict of interest.

We began working with Melvin Jones as a recipient of the nonprofit — providing him with opportunities to train rescue dogs, shifting from a board and train model to a day training structure that allowed for more flexibility and greater reach.

In 2025, Melvin officially joined the nonprofit team, which meant he could no longer participate as a recipient. His passion, experience, and leadership made him a natural fit, and he now plays a vital role in shaping the future of Dogs Train Home.

With a strong and committed team, we’re now able to help even more individuals get that critical kickstart — and in turn, give rescue dogs the training, love, and second chance they need to find their forever homes.