Nearly 250 dogs have been returned to the Humane Society of Marion County this year. But a free program at the shelter is working to turn that around.

  • Marion Humane Society has had 241 dog returns this year
  • New program offers free class to new dog owners

"They are not disposable if you get a dog or puppy. They are part of your family, and we want to work them into that," Operations Shelter Manager Kally Vail said.

Last month, the shelter started a program called Stand By Me to help keep dogs like Tyson in a home.

Tyson, 9, was among 241 dogs that were returned to the shelter.

"A couple came in and adopted him but brought him back because he ate their couch," Vail said.

The shelter also hired trainer Stephanie Roberts, who leads free classes to help fix the problems that cause dogs to be returned, like chewing and jumping.

"It's not just obedience, it's about building a relationship where the handler and the dog are communicating and the class gives them a language on which they both agree with," Roberts said.

The shelter is offering a new adopter class on the first Saturday of every month and a six-week group training class. During the class, dogs learn simple commands, such as sit, and some tricks like high-five.

Vail hopes this will keep more dogs from being brought back to the shelter.