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Rehabilitation & Training for the Underdogs
Purpose 4 Paws
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Structure. Trust. Purpose.
Purpose 4 Paws (P4P) is more than a dog training facility — it's a mission to transform lives on both ends of the leash. We provide behavioral rehabilitation for rescue dogs and purpose-driven employment for individuals facing barriers like incarceration, addiction recovery, or homelessness.
Operating at the crossroads of healing and skill-building, P4P helps dogs and humans grow stronger, together.
Rebuilding Lives Together
Our Process
At P4P, every dog is paired with a human handler who commits to a daily routine of care, training, and mutual accountability. Together, they follow a structured path guided by four core principles:
- • Compassionate leadership over dominance
- • Daily routines create lasting change
- • Healing is mutual between human and dog
- • Progress, not perfection, is the goal
This isn't just a kennel — it's a camp for redemption.
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Dog Arrives, Human Enrolls
Dogs come to us from trusted rescue partners or Sentinel Project. People come to us from all walks of life — veterans, returning citizens, those seeking stability. Each day starts with a reset: clean kennels, clean slates, and clear expectations.
Intake includes:
- • Medical & behavioral screening for dogs
- • Emotional & readiness screening for handlers
- • Orientation to daily routines and responsibilities
02
Train Hard. Heal Deep.
Daily life at P4P is immersive and intentional. Each dog-handler team builds skills and trust over time through structured tracks:
- • Basic obedience & leash work
- • Emotional regulation & anger management
- • Crate training, recall, and enrichment
- • Logging, feedback, and mentorship support
Participants also attend job readiness sessions and develop transferable skills in care, communication, and accountability.
03
Graduation & New Beginning
Every team has a goal: prepare for reentry and rehoming. We support both dogs and humans as they transition to what's next.
Graduates leave with:
- • Training certifications (dog & handler)
- • Job referrals or internal mentorship opportunities
- • A journal of growth and milestones
- • Continued access to the Loyal Guardian Foundation community
The end of the program isn't the end of the journey — it's a stronger start.
Your Questions, Answered
Where are you located? +
We are located at 17383 US Hwy 64 Somerville, TN.
Who qualifies to participate as a handler? +
We prioritize veterans, formerly incarcerated individuals, and those committed to personal growth.
Do you train dogs for adoption or service? +
Both. Some return to rescue, others move into service programs like Veteran K9 or VRT.
Do you offer other services to the public? +
Yes we do. We offer boarding, training and rehabilitation to anyone who needs it. Different fees apply. Contact us for more information.
Can people volunteer or support? +
Yes — we welcome volunteers and sponsor partners. Contact us to get involved.