Guide Dog Trainer

Contact at organisation: Neil Wallis, Hundeskolen Veiviseren

Phone: +47 99308103

Email: Neal@veiviseren.org

Guide Dog Trainer – Norway
Do you want to take the next step in your career as a Guide Dog Trainer and join our team at Hundeskolen Veiviseren -Norway´s largest guide and service dog school for a 12-month assignment? Also, with the possibility of extension or permanent position?
Hundeskolen Veiviseren is one of two guide dog schools owned by Norges Blingeforbundet (The Norwegian association for the blind and partially sighted) Norges Blindeforbundet is one of Norway´s leading charities, dedicated to the achievement of independent living and wellbeing of its clients and members. Both schools are IGDF members. Together both schools supply 70% of Norway’s guide dogs. Hundeskolen Veiviseren is in the rural community of Ås, in the southeast of Norway approximately 30 minutes south of Oslo. We have just completed and moved into a new modern Assistance dog training & kennel facility.
By working at Hundeskolen Veiviseren, you will gain a wealth of experience with an organization that has an experienced international staff that has a deep and wide experience base training guide dogs to the high and exacting standards set by the Norwegian government. An organization that keeps quality, effectiveness, and service excellence at the forefront of all activities. We also train and place 60% of Norway’s service dogs.

The job
To be a member of our guide dog training team with the primary focus of training allocated dogs through the complete process from initial testing to a certified guide dog, clear for client delivery. We will provide the additional training necessary for you to successfully train all the disciplines required to certify a guide dog in Norway.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITIES

• Carry out preliminary assessment of dogs.
• Prepare selected dogs according to the pre-determined programme to ensure that dogs are supplied within desired time frame and quality.
• Identifies temperamental and behavioural issues and ensures the application of appropriate solutions. Highlights all health issues and promptly refers them to be reviewed. Early identification and recommendation of dogs that should be withdrawn from the program.
• Adapts pre-determined programme and implements individual training programme for all dogs allocated to them.
• Assist other staff members when necessary, and assists in training for new staff, students, puppy walkers, Apprentice GDTs’ and others as required.
• Maintains accurate and up to date records for dogs in their charge. Maintain regular & appropriate communication with puppy walkers and administrative staff to update on the dog’s progress.
• Reports and documents all accidents and incidents relating to dogs in their charge in line with current Health and Safety policies.
• Working as part of a Team to support each other and to support from time to time fundraising and other departments in the organization.
• Assist with staffing to events held by client support clubs and organizations.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATIONS
Essential
Job specific skills – Skilled in dog handling and analysing dogs temperament to provide a successful outcome for each dog.

• Ability to demonstrate an understanding of dog psychology and behaviour modification.
• Ability to successfully embrace and solve problem behaviours.
• Flexibility is required in adapting existing procedures to meet current need.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Excellent employment record.

Previous relevant experience – Experience of dog handling skills and knowledge demonstrating successful delivery of an outcome.

• Practical experience working with dogs within a training environment.
• Knowledge of Guide dog training and methods, staff training and instructional techniques and canine behaviour.
• Computer Skills in MS Office and MS Teams etc.

Qualifications/ Training – Guide Dog Training Qualification/Certificate of Higher Education in Canine Assistance Dog training or an IGDF equivalent qualification.

• Education- Minimum High school graduation or equivalent, But a 2 or 4 year degree preferred.
• Clean driving license and ability to drive manual transmission.
• We expect all our people to demonstrate commitment and actively participate in continuous professional development (CPD).
• Dog training experience outside of Guide Dogs. Comfortable with dogs in the workplace/ office.
• Proof of identity, Valid passport, and eligibility to work in Norway.
• Special conditions: Overtime, weekends and travel required from time to time.