Certified Dog Trainer

The members of the Training & Behavioral Department will report to the Head Trainer and that department will report directly to the Chief Shelter Operations Officer. This department is responsible for working with behavioral dogs in the shelter, creating training plans, providing training information to fosters/adopters for animals in foster and adoptive homes, etc. The functions of this job include but are not limited to:

o Entering all behavioral notes into Shelterluv.

o Evaluating shelter dogs to identify any problem behaviors.

o Developing suitable training plans and sharing them in the shelter and in Shelterluv.

o Improving shelter/foster dogs adoptability by ensuring they are receiving the proper handling, training and enrichment they need to thrive.

o Monitoring and tracking progress of dogs during training sessions.

o Maintaining accurate records of training sessions and client interactions.

o Understanding the needs of the animal as well as the foster/adopter and teaching clients appropriate training methods to enforce and maintain behaviors and skills learned by their dogs during training sessions.

o Communicating in a professional manner with fosters/adopters/shelter staff.

o Teaching basic commands using positive reinforcement training.

o Developing and providing training opportunities for volunteers and staff.

o Providing direction and support to volunteers and staff on the basics of handling skills, positive reinforcement training, etc.

o Communicating the needs of dogs with the Adoption Team.

o Conducting play groups and reporting progress of dogs to the Adoption Team and in Shelterluv.

o Providing dog training services to clients, including basic obedience training, behavior modification, and specialized training programs.

Requirements:

o Knowledge of dog training techniques as well as animal behavior and body language.

o Patience, enthusiasm, and eagerness to learn.

o Demonstrate ability to handle and work with dogs of all sizes, ages, and breeds in a safe and humane manner.

o Physical stamina to stand, walk, bend, and lift heavy objects (up to 50 pounds).

o Excellent problem solving, organizational, & time management skills.

o Excellent communication & interpersonal skills to effectively interact with clients and their dogs.

o Customer service skills to provide a positive experience.

o Certified (CCDPT, CCPDT-KA, etc.) Must provide proof of certification.

o Minimum of 2 years of canine behavior/training experience; experience within an animal shelter preferred.

o Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

o Comfortably working with dogs needing behavior modification from anxiety to aggression.

o Basic computer/social media skills.

In addition to the basic shelter staff responsibilities listed below:

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides adequate food and water to companion animals daily.
• Cleans and disinfects companion kennels and cages daily.
• Reports companion animal health or temperament abnormalities to Head Trainer and the Vet Clinic Staff.
• Ensures that kennel environment is safe for animals and people.
• Walking and exercising companion animals in our care.
• Guiding/assisting volunteers daily.
• Reports improper handling of companion animals to the Head Trainer.
• Ensures all companion animals in our care have a safe and enriching environment.

Safety

• Follows all safety guidelines to ensure a safe work environment.
• Takes immediate action to address any safety concerns or noncompliance of safety rules that could put an employee, volunteer, clients, animal, or the organization at risk.
• Will be responsible and respectful of all personal protective equipment (PPE).

Cleaning and Kennel/Shelter Maintenance

• Distributes clean products and supplies throughout shelter (washing dishes etc.).
• Operates laundry machines and organizes laundry used in shelter; distributes bedding throughout shelter.
• Restocks animal areas with supplies and equipment; maintains clean and well stocked workplace.
• Provides quality service to clients, volunteers, and colleagues.
• Attends and participates in Stray Rescue of Saint Louis training programs as assigned; may attend training opportunities to facilitate advancement within the organization.
• Performs any other special projects as assigned by the Head Trainer or the Chief Shelter Operations Officer.