H.A.L.T: Humans and Animals Learning Together

H.A.L.T: Humans and Animals Learning Together H.A.L.T provides a therapeutic intervention for at-risk adolescents through dog obedience training. Sessions are held in the spring and fall.

Founded in 1987, we are a 501(c)(3) non-profit program benefiting adolescents and dogs whose purpose is to provide therapeutic intervention for at-risk teens through dog obedience training. Through a series of classes, volunteer instructors help student trainers teach basic obedience commands to dogs selected from a local animal shelter. Dogs that participate in the program are available for adopt

ion, and each dog is placed in their forever homes after graduation. Suitable dogs are selected by the HALT program and medically and behaviorally screened. They are given a standard series of inoculations, neutered or spayed, micro-chipped, and boarded at the class site. Student trainers are adolescents from residential centers for the treatment of things like substance abuse, behavioral or alienation problems. They are selected by the staff of their agency and are transported to the class site for the classes. The student trainer commits to one four-week course, meeting two times per week. Up to four agencies furnish student trainers to work with the group of dogs, training on different days. The teens get an opportunity to develop a positive sense of accomplishment, self-worth, and pride. They are given the chance to improve specific living skills such as assertiveness, patience, staying on task, communication, and commitment. They get the opportunity to have positive experiences with dogs as pets, and the satisfaction of knowing they've saved a dog's life by participating in the program. They also learn about different career opportunities in animal-related fields, responsible pet ownership, the reason for pet overpopulation, and the importance of spay and neutering our pets. As of fall 2022, HALT has successfully worked with more than 1500 adolescents and placed over 400 rescued dogs into new adoptive homes. The program is solely made up of volunteers, many of whom have been a part of the program almost since its beginning. In addition to looking for new homes for the dogs that go through our program, we are always looking for volunteers to help with classes and adoption events, and donations to fund the program.

From our rescues to yours - happy National Rescue Dog Day!
05/20/2026

From our rescues to yours - happy National Rescue Dog Day!

05/09/2026
05/09/2026

This is how you teach a doggie to fetch. Lyles is pretty smart and is catching on quickly. We are looking for someone to adopt or foster our sweet boy. Let us know if you're interested and we'll arrange a meet! Thanks for your time and training, Down & Dirty Dogs, Inc. and Zoom Room Dog Training

05/08/2026

Our friends at Down & Dirty Dogs, Inc. got Lyles out and about today, ending with a visit to Zoom Room Dog Training. And he did great working on fetch. But I love this video of him getting distracted but then back on track.

We'll have him out and about in Oak Ridge tomorrow morning. Let us know if you want to meet him and we'll be glad to coordinate.

Lyle is still looking for a forever home or temporary foster. For now he is camping out at Ideal Veterinary Hospital in ...
05/06/2026

Lyle is still looking for a forever home or temporary foster. For now he is camping out at Ideal Veterinary Hospital in Oak Ridge who kindly provide Boarding for any HALT doggies still waiting for a home at the end of our session. Let us know if you'd like to meet him!

Flanagan and Lyles had a great time together and meeting people today at the Knoxville Track & Field Club beer run. Than...
04/26/2026

Flanagan and Lyles had a great time together and meeting people today at the Knoxville Track & Field Club beer run. Thanks East by Orange Hat Brewing for hosting us!

Looking for an active, smart, and FUN companion? Meet Lyles! 🐾💨This handsome 1 year old Lab mix is about to graduate fro...
04/25/2026

Looking for an active, smart, and FUN companion? Meet Lyles! 🐾💨

This handsome 1 year old Lab mix is about to graduate from 4 weeks of basic obedience training with HALT – Humans and Animals Learning Together! 🎓 He's now looking for a family ready to continue his education and keep up with his youthful spirit. 💖

Here’s why Lyles is special:
✨ He’s bright! Lyles is incredibly quick to pick up new commands and has been eager to learn every step of the way.
⚾ He loves to play! His favorite activity is tossing squeaky toys high in the air and chasing after them with pure joy.
🐕 He has a big personality! This is one dog who will fill your life with happiness and fun. He’s the perfect blend of athletic and affectionate.

Lyles will thrive in an active home where he can get plenty of exercise and be a true, close companion to his family. 🏡❤️

Interested in making Lyles a part of your life?
📩 Send us a message or visit haltdogs.org to learn more!

Not ready to commit to an adoption? We sure would like to at least get Lyles into a foster home and out of the boarding facility!

While Owens and Lewis have multiple home visits going on this weekend, our two black doggies are languishing without any...
04/24/2026

While Owens and Lewis have multiple home visits going on this weekend, our two black doggies are languishing without any prospects. They are really smart, young, friendly pups, they would make great house guests or permanent family members.

For now, we'd really like to find them fosters. Anyone willing to give it a try?

Meet Flanagan: The Brainy Beauty with a Heart of Gold! 🐾If you’re looking for a dog that’s always one step ahead, meet F...
04/22/2026

Meet Flanagan: The Brainy Beauty with a Heart of Gold! 🐾
If you’re looking for a dog that’s always one step ahead, meet Flanagan! This 1.5-year-old Lab mix isn’t just "good" - she’s brilliant.

Flanagan is so sharp that she often anticipates exactly what’s coming next in her training sessions. She’s currently working on her "patience" skills, learning to wait and listen for her trainer’s cue before jumping into action. It’s this level of intelligence that makes her such a joy to work with!

Why Flanagan is the Perfect Match:
The "Genius" Factor: She is incredibly intuitive and thrives when she has a job to do or a new trick to learn.

The Energy Switch: She is the ultimate "active home" companion. She loves to play, run, and explore, making her a great partner for hikers or backyard fetch enthusiasts.

The Lap Dog Heart: Once the playing is done, Flanagan has a "magic switch." She transforms from an athlete into a professional cuddler who just wants to sit on your lap and be near you.

The Look: As you can see in her photos, she has the most expressive "smile" and a soulful gaze that tells you she’s truly tuned in to her people.

"She anticipates what will be asked of her, but is also learning to wait to see what her trainer will ask before doing what's next."

Flanagan is looking for a family that will keep her mind busy and her heart full. Could that be you?

Ready to meet your new best friend? She will be at on Sunday afternoon for the Beer Run series. Or get ahead of the crowd and put in an app at haltdogs.org.

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Knoxville, TN

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