Service Dog Trainer

About Liberty Dogs

Liberty Dogs is a nonprofit dedicated to empowering Veterans with disabilities through partnerships with professionally trained service dogs. Operating on a 27-acre campus in Reno, Nevada, Liberty Dogs offers a state-of-the-art training facility, onsite veterinary practice, dog housing, and on-campus accommodations where Veterans train alongside their future service dog partners.

Position Summary

The Service Dog Trainer advances dogs through the full continuum of task training, public access preparation, and placement with Veterans, applying evidence-based, relationship-centered positive reinforcement methods. This role requires deep knowledge of Veteran disabilities, strong behavioral assessment skills, and a commitment to data-informed decision-making throughout training and placement. The Trainer collaborates across departments, mentors apprentice trainers, and serves as a visible ambassador of Liberty Dogs' mission.

Key Responsibilities:

Dog Training and Assessment

• Conduct behavioral evaluations of dogs using objective tools (GDBart/BCL), maintaining thorough documentation to support organization-wide visibility and inform placement decisions.
• Train a string of assigned dogs through socialization, public access, and Veteran-specific task training, developing individualized training plans and adjusting based on behavioral data.
• Plan and execute off-campus socialization outings; identify and report behavioral or health concerns promptly and assist with grooming, husbandry, and veterinary coordination.
• Advise the Director of Canine Training on dog progress, class placements, and training concerns for assigned strings.

Veteran Team Training and Placement

• Make placement recommendations using objective behavioral data and Veteran profiles; contribute training-side insight during matching discussions based on temperament, task competencies, and public access readiness.
• Lead and participate in Placement Classes in conjunction with the Veteran Services Team, transferring comprehensive working knowledge to Veterans including handling, cue mechanics, reinforcement methods, public access protocols, and day-to-day dog care.
• Partner with Veteran Services throughout applicant interviews, selection, class preparation, placement, and follow-up to ensure training decisions reflect both Veteran needs and dog readiness.
• Support Placement Class graduation and communicate with professionalism and integrity in all Veteran interactions.

Collaboration, Documentation, and Standards

• Mentor apprentice trainers and collaborate cross-departmentally to ensure continuity as dogs transition into advanced training.
• Maintain detailed, timely records of training progress, behavioral assessments, and communicate consistently with fosters, volunteers, and puppy raisers to support training continuity
• Apply Liberty Dogs' program standards and ADI-informed best practices; follow infectious disease protocols and report significant incidents and concerns promptly.
• Represent Liberty Dogs professionally at public events, donor visits, and community outreach; contribute to a culture of accountability and mission alignment.

Qualifications:

Required

• Minimum three (3) years of professional service dog training experience with a recognized program, including psychiatric/PTSD, mobility, hearing, or autism dog placements.
• Minimum five (5) completed service dog placements with client-dog teams.
• Demonstrated experience with dogs exhibiting fear, anxiety, and stress-related behaviors; ability to develop and implement individualized training plans.
• Experience leading adult group instruction; strong knowledge of canine body language, learning theory, and humane training practices.
• Commitment to evidence-based, relationship-centered positive reinforcement methods.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and database documentation systems; strong written and interpersonal communication skills.
  
• This position requires regular operation of a company vehicle, generally 1–2 times per week. Candidates must have a valid driver’s license and meet Liberty Dogs’ requirements for driving company vehicles. 

Preferred

• Certification through ADI, CPDT-KA, KPA CTP, IAABC (CDBC or CBCC-KA), Fear Free, or equivalent; or certificate/degree from Bergin University, Karen Pryor Academy, Animal Behavior College, or comparable institution/program.
• Additional experience across assistance dog specialties or with a certifying therapy dog agency (Pet Partners, Therapy Dogs International).
• Degree or continuing education in Applied Behavior Analysis, Ethology, Animal Science, Psychology, or related fields.
• Knowledge of infectious disease protocols and disinfection standards; CPR/First Aid certification (canine and/or human).
• Veteran status is a plus.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

• Physical ability to walk 3-5 miles per day and safely handle dogs weighing 60-100 lbs; lift and carry up to 50 lbs regularly.
  
• Comfortable standing, bending, and moving for extended periods during the workday.
• Willingness to work in both clinical and kennel environments.
• Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, allergens, and sanitation chemicals

Why Join Libert Dogs?

At Liberty Dogs, we live by a simple truth: we take care of those who have taken care of our great nation. This role is your opportunity to do the most meaningful work of your career, preparing dogs for life-changing partnerships and changing lives, one Veteran and one dog at a time.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.