Canine Development Assistant

Contact at organisation: Kristine Wallace, Guide Dogs of America

Phone: 8188336439

Email: kdwallace@guidedogsofamerica.org

Job Purpose: Evaluate and support puppies’ progress as they develop and ensure dogs are properly prepared for recall into formal training.

Essential Functions:

• Evaluates behaviors of individual puppies and dogs as assigned or otherwise identified.
• Develops behavior modification plans for puppies/dogs as needed.
• Personally applies or assigns the plan and recommended techniques.
• Evaluates, tracks, and timely reports on the success of such plans.
• Supports the puppy socialization program.
• Identifies and monitors individual puppies that display problematic behaviors.
• Participates in the development of dog handling manuals and videos or other educational or instructional materials.
• Conducts hands-on training workshops for raisers and leaders to improve their understanding of our socialization and training standards.
• Implements approved training and behavioral protocols by educating Area Leaders and Puppy Raisers in their use.
• Evaluates and monitors progress of puppies relating to desirable physical and temperament traits.
• Prepares written requests for releasing dogs from the program.
• Travels to Area Leader and Puppy Raiser homes or other locations for meetings, classes, trainings, outings, evaluations, drop-off/pick-ups, or other needs.
• Has the flexibility to accommodate a schedule that may include weekends, nights, and early morning meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Essential Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Ability to bend and kneel to the floor for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs., and up to 80 lbs. with assistance.
• Ability to push, pull, and reach overhead.
• Ability to handle and control a large breed dog.
• Visual acuity required to see and read dog’s reaction to environment and distractions, ability to read forms, documentation, and computer screen.
• Hearing ability required to interact with dogs, trainers, students, and volunteers.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in all types of weather.
• Ability to work in a kennel environment with multiple canines and tolerate elevated noise levels.

Qualifications:

• 18+ years of age.
• High school graduate or GED.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in dog obedience or handling, knowledge of behavioral modification techniques, and the corresponding ability to read and evaluate Puppy Raisers and Area Leaders in order to give them appropriate guidance.
• Prefer degree in Animal Science.
• Basic understanding of canine health care.
• Proven ability to effectively teach others in individual and group settings.
• Excellent interpersonal, presentation, teaching, analytical and public speaking skills.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft, Excel and Outlook.
• Work well as part of a team and in a team environment.