K9 Adoptions Trainer

Determined to end Veteran suicide, K9s For Warriors is the leading nonprofit organization providing Service Dogs to military Veterans nationwide suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and/or military sexual trauma — at no financial cost to the Veteran. Founded in 2011 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, K9s For Warriors is committed to saving lives at both ends of the leash by primarily rescuing dogs and pairing them with Veterans in need. In order to continue the great work we’re doing, we’re looking to add a K9 Adoptions Trainer to our amazing team! 

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direction of the K9 Procurement & Placement Assistant Managers, the K9 Adoptions Trainer is responsible for implementing all elements of Behavior Modification, and Dog Training for the purpose of placing Dogs into permanent homes as pets and/or other positive outcomes.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

• Independently modify assigned dog behavior, train specific behaviors that would promote adoption for career changed dogs (Dogs not suitable for Service Dog work) from basic to advanced obedience in accordance with K9s’policies and procedures
• Identify additional behavior concerns and communicate them with the Adoption Team and future adopter
• Maintain detailed training, evaluation, behavior modification and medical records as per K9s’ policies and procedures
• Analyze and assess individual dogs; execute a tailored training program, and assist with their care and health
• Teach dogs to obey basic cues using positive reinforcement techniques that are best suited to each dog’s personality and attributes.
• Provide appropriate exposures to prepare career change dogs for adoption and successful in-home transition
• Teach adopters appropriate training methods to enforce and maintain behaviors and skills learned by their dogs while with K9s For Warriors.
• Implement appropriate training programs to address and resolve problem areas, including aggression, separation anxiety, hyperactivity, and mouthing.
• Determine appropriate off-site training locations
• Handle and train dogs appropriately in a public access setting 
• Administer canine medications 
• Coordinate, run, and supervise dog playgroups; evaluate dog’s stress levels, monitor rude or aggressive behavior; identify when and how to interrupt inappropriate play
• Liaise with kennel staff on assigned dog’s kennel behavior; coordinate dog procedure requests, feeding schedule and enrichment plans through Placement Management and Kennel Management; assist K9 Caretakers with cleaning kennels when needed
• Assist Adoption Team with identifying the ideal placement for dogs, initial dog adoptions, provide training assistance through transference 
• Contact adopters to troubleshoot and help them through any issues while the dog is still settling in their new home
• Participate in interdepartmental meetings to discuss the overall care, behavior, and training of our adoptable dogs
• Participate in meet and greets and adoption introductions to communicate proper dog training techniques, behavior modification and integration of their career change dog into home environments 
• Perform frequent cleaning of training equipment, vehicles, and campus training areas
• Participate in public adoption events and promotions of adoptable career change dogs
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor or management

COMPETENCIES

• Initiative
• Integrity 
• Planning and Organizing
• Interpersonal Skills 

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• H.S. diploma or equivalent
• 2 years of professional dog training experience specializing in behavior modification required
• 2 years of working with shelter dogs or relative experience is required 
• Certification through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) preferred
• Sound knowledge of dog training, behavior modification, and dog body language
• Strong dog handling skills
• A love for dogs
• Knowledge of common canine medical issues and practices 
• Willing to work with potentially aggressive dogs 
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks, and work independently with minimal supervision
• Good communication skills
• Valid driver’s license and meet policy requirements for company auto insurance

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Walk 3 to 5 miles per day on average
• Ability to train dogs in crowded environments on campus and in public
• Ability to exert a moderate to extensive amount of physical effort, including stooping, crouching, pushing, pulling, walking stairs, climbing, and lifting to fifty (50) pounds individually 
• Exposure to unpleasant odors, sounds, chemicals, loud noises, and inclement weather