Warrior Canine Connection – Boyds, MD
Warrior Canine Connection is a nonprofit organization with a unique and highly
effective service dog training model we call Mission Based Trauma Recovery. In short,
active duty Service Members and Military Veterans with combat related stress are
engaged to help us train Golden Retrievers and Labradors to be service dogs. By
learning to train service dogs, these Warrior Trainers are given a chance to develop
practical skills such as patience, positive reinforcement, emotional regulation, and
effective communication skills, while simultaneously helping to prepare the dog to
assist a fellow injured Veteran in the future. Our service dogs learn up to 90
commands during a comprehensive, two-year training process. After those two years
of training, the dogs are professionally matched with a disabled Veteran who has
mobility impairments or psychological injuries.
As a Warrior Canine Connection Breeding and Puppy Development Assistant, the
Employee will be responsible for assisting with breeding, training, socialization and
well–being of WCC puppies. The employee will also provide one-on-one instruction
and teach small group classes to Warrior Trainers, as well as to puppy parents, third
parties, and community volunteers. The employee is expected to work collaboratively
and perform all duties and responsibilities in a timely and professional manner.
This is a full-time position with occasional weekend/evening hours.
This is a job that will truly make a difference in the world, and in the lives of the
individual Veterans and Service Members we work with every day.
What the job involves:

• Work with the other breeding team members to develop a production plan to

ensure enough broods/studs in the colony to produce the needed number of pups
entering training each year.

• In collaboration with the breeding team, collect and enter data regarding the health

and temperament of breeding stock and neonates.

• In collaboration with the breeding team, regularly communicate key health and

temperament metrics of program dogs, including recommendations for addressing
concerns, to program leadership.

• Provide socialization, experiences and training to young puppies at the facility.
• Lead or assist in small group classes for our volunteer Warrior Trainers, puppy

parents, and volunteers.

• Be an active member of a team whelping litters of future service dogs.
• Assist with overall care of broods and neonates currently at the facility. Maintain

records accordingly.

• Assist with volunteer management and communication.
• Monitor and evaluate the puppies as they progress through training and

socialization stages; enter data and complete required forms and reports in a timely
manner.

• Assist with logistics of pups as they enter WCC puppy parent program.
• Assist with care and management of WCC broods/studs in caretaker homes.
• Maintain a clean, safe environment for the dogs and humans at the program site.
• Comply with or exceed Assistance Dog International minimum standards and

ethics.

• Participate in staff meetings, professional development and community awareness

activities.

• Participate in programs, trainings, and clinical supervision as required by WCC or

the host facility rules.

• Maintain detailed records, enter data, and complete required forms and reports in a

timely manner.

• Maintain and monitor supplies and equipment for the breeding and puppy

department inform manager, or designated supply coordinator, when additional
supplies and equipment need to be ordered.

• Communicate any emergency canine health problems directly to the Director of

Dog Programs and your primary supervisor as soon as they are identified. Nonemergency issues should be communicated to your supervisor.

• Transport program dogs, as directed, to receive veterinary care and provide

support for exams such as eye and cardiac check
Preferred Experience, Skills, Background:

• A clear understanding of the general care and wellbeing of broods, studs and

neonates.

• An understanding or desire to understand canine reproduction, ovulation timing

and stud/brood management and care.

• An understanding or desire to understand industry standard medical

clearances.

• Ability to properly interpret treatment plans and prescriptions and administer

medications

• Understanding of kennel procedures and strict disease control
• Physical stamina to be on your feet bending, lifting, scooping, and hosing
• Ability to work weekends, evenings, overnights and holidays
• Detail oriented and demonstrably strong work ethic – this can be demanding work.
• Friendly, calm, mature, patient, and professional demeanor with excellent

communication skills.

• Desire to work with Veterans and the knowledge, skills, and ability to effectively

interact and work with Veterans who have experienced combat trauma and/or
psychological health or physical injuries.

• The ability to work independently with minimal supervision – you must learn

quickly.

• Ability to prioritize work tasks - organization skills and time management are

critical.

• Ability to instruct people with a variety of backgrounds and skill levels in

the WCC training methodology and best practices for service dog training.

• Ability to learn and manage a variety of administrative processes.
• Basic computer skills and competency in Microsoft Office applications in order

to maintain dog records, training charts, puppy evaluations, etc. Salesforce
experience is a plus.

• Possess a valid driver’s license, working vehicle and insurance.

Compensation and Benefits:
Exceptional compensation package including salary, medical, dental, and retirement
benefits for full-time employees.
To Apply:
To apply for this position, please provide a cover letter and resume to
HR@warriorcanineconnection.org Attention: Hiring Manager.
Warrior Canine Connection is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants
will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic
origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Job Type: Full-time