Contractual, Remote GDMI/GDT

Contact at organisation: Kassel Matushak, OccuPaws Guide Dog Association

Phone: 6082198090

Email: kassel@occupaws.org

OccuPaws is seeking a remote contract Guide Dog Trainer (GDT) or GDMI to formally train a guide dog candidate to IGDF/OccuPaws standards.

This is a distributed training arrangement: the dog will live full-time with the Trainer (or with an approved host home arranged by the Trainer), and all formal training takes place in that home-setting and surrounding community rather than on-site, in Wisconsin. Training cycles are timed around Wisconsin’s weather to support our in-home placement model, and generally run: January – April, and April – August

The Trainer will:

• Formally train the dog through the stages of guide dog development to IGDF/OccuPaws standards
• Assess and document the dog’s progress and suitability for guide work
• Participate in regular video check-ins with OccuPaws’ lead GDMI for oversight, guidance, and quality assurance
• Maintain detailed training logs tracking exercises, progress, and any concerns
• Communicate promptly with the lead GDMI regarding any health, behavioral, or training issues

This role is well suited to an experienced, self-directed trainer who is comfortable working independently, values structured accountability (video check-ins and written logs), and wants to contribute to a well-established, mission-driven, all-volunteer nonprofit with a strong record with IGDF — without needing to relocate or travel.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience in formal guide dog training or comparable service dog training work
• Comfortable working independently in a home-based training environment
• Willingness and ability to participate in regular video check-ins and maintain thorough written training logs
• Suitable home/property setup for housing and training a guide dog candidate (or ability to arrange an approved host home)
• Familiarity with IGDF/ADI training standards

Depending on which dogs qualify for Harness Training, a Trainer may be contracted for a dog for one full cycle, or if the Trainer would like another dog for the next cycle, and availability, both consecutive cycles may be available. Candidates should be available for at least one full cycle, with the possibility of extending into the second.

This is a contract role, but for Trainers who work out well, OccuPaws anticipates an ongoing need across future training cycles; this can develop into a recurring arrangement but is not guaranteed.