Dog Rescue - Junior Dog Handler

Junior Dog Handler

Location: Ossining, NY

Employment Type: Full-Time

About the Organization

For the Love of Dogs Rescue is an enrichment-based canine care and learning organization where dogs and humans learn, grow, and thrive together. Set in a farm environment designed for observation, movement, decompression, and meaningful enrichment, our work goes beyond basic care by focusing on trust, emotional wellbeing, individualized support, and calm, respectful handling. We seek team members who are curious, teachable, emotionally aware, and committed to learning the language of dogs while contributing to a thoughtful, coordinated culture of care.

Role Purpose

The Junior Dog Handler is a developmental handling role responsible for supporting direct dog interaction, enrichment execution, and behavioral observation within For the Love of Dogs Rescue’s structured care environment. This role marks the transition from foundational care to active dog handling, with a focus on calm presence, consistency, safety, emotional awareness, and learning to understand canine communication through observation and guided practice.

Core Responsibilities

• Safely handle and walk well-socialized and moderately reactive dogs according to established protocols
• Support enrichment routines including structured play, co-walks, decompression activities, and individualized engagement
• Assist in executing daily care, feeding, cleaning, and environmental routines that support predictability and stability
• Maintain a clean, organized, and calm environment that helps dogs decompress and self-regulate
• Observe and report behavioral patterns, stress signals, progress, and changes in dog presentation
• Support Professional Dog Handlers during group sessions, transitions, and higher-level handling work
• Document daily activities, observations, and relevant updates using internal systems to support team communication and consistency
• Approach each dog as an individual, adapting to their pace, needs, and readiness under guidance

Handling Expectations

• Apply timing, calm presence, breath awareness, and intentional movement during interactions
• Recognize early signs of stress, escalation, disengagement, or environmental sensitivity
• Reinforce desirable behaviors, especially calm states, using guidance and dog-specific strategies
• Follow structured protocols for dog movement, transitions, enrichment, and interactions
• Slow down during transitions, allow space, and support dogs in making better choices
• Ask questions, accept coaching, and adjust handling based on feedback and observation

What This Role IS

A transitional developmental role for individuals building practical dog handling skills, behavioral awareness, emotional regulation, and consistency within a structured, mission-driven canine care environment. This role is ideal for someone who wants to grow through hands-on learning, observation, teamwork, and guided exposure to enrichment-based care.

What This Role IS NOT

This is not an advanced behavioral role, not a role for independent work with high-risk dogs, and not a fit for individuals who rely on forceful, reactive, ego-driven, or fear-based handling. It is also not suitable for someone unwilling to follow structured protocols, receive coaching, document observations, or work collaboratively within a shared system of care.

Required Qualities

• Deep affection, respect, and appreciation for dogs
• Strong interest in dog behavior, enrichment, and canine communication
• Calm, patient, emotionally aware, and observant presence
• Consistency, reliability, accountability, and attention to detail
• Willingness to learn, receive feedback, and follow structured guidance
• Effective communication, documentation habits, and team collaboration
• Ability to remain flexible while supporting routine, safety, and predictability

Growth Expectations

Candidates typically remain in this role for a minimum structured period before advancing. Readiness for growth is demonstrated through consistency, safe handling judgment, calm presence, accurate observation, reliable documentation, coachability, and a developing understanding of canine behavior and individualized care.

Physical Requirements

Ability to handle dogs safely, lift up to 50 lbs, stand for extended periods, walk across farm and outdoor environments, and work in various weather conditions while maintaining calm, safe, and attentive handling practices.

Pay: $20.00 - $24.00 per hour

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20 - $24