Description

Under the direction of the Manager of Behavior and Training, the Dog Trainer (part-time) educates clients about dog behavior, care, and positive reinforcement training. Responsible for teaching public dog training classes at the East Bay SPCA Oakland and/or Dublin facility and providing individual private training sessions offered through the SPCA. Provides excellent customer service to clients.

Qualifications

• High school graduate; CPDT, CTC or equivalent credentials required.
• Proven experience teaching public dog training classes; one year minimum is preferred.
• Previous shelter work experience is highly desirable.
• Experience in the use of positive reinforcement methods, including appropriate use of humane training products is required.
• Requires well-developed interpersonal skills and the ability to work with people of varying background and cultures by adapting style and tactics to fit the audience.
• Must be comfortable speaking with members of the public, in front of groups, over the telephone, and communicating via email.
• Individual must be flexible, work well under pressure, be an active problem-solver, and possess a positive attitude.
• Competent animal handler.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office is required.
• Background check and drug screening required.
• Must have a valid CA driver's license and reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Teach public dog training classes on a weekly basis, including puppy and basic obedience classes. If applicable, teach advanced or specialty classes.
• Explain and demonstrate positive reinforcement training methods.
• Coach individual clients on training techniques, adapting style and tactics to meet the needs of individual clients and dogs.
• Communicate with clients enrolled in classes via phone and email in a timely and professional manner.
• Distribute class handouts to clients via email.
• Participate in coordinating public training class calendar.
• Communicate class roster changes to Behavior & Training Team, including the Director and class administrator(s).
• Counsel pet owners through private consultations in home and at the shelter.
• Provide client education and support as needed.
• Acknowledge and greet all clients in a professional and timely fashion, whether in person, email or telephone.
• Counsel pet owners via the East Bay SPCA behavior helpline for owned animals and follow ups on adopted shelter animals.
• May be asked to assist with behavior modification of shelter animals or assist in staff/volunteer education and training.
• Perform all other duties as needed.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in an animal shelter environment at Oakland and Dublin facilities with exposure to seasonal outdoor conditions.
• Must be comfortable handling dogs of all breeds, sizes and ages.
• Weekend work required; must be available to work evenings and holidays as needed.
• Animal contacts and related injuries, including bites and scratches, may occur.
• Noise exposure varies and often includes uncontrolled barking and other animal vocalizations.
• Animal waste contact, smells and visual exposure are prevalent
• Ability to lift a minimum of 35 lbs. alone and >35 lbs. with assistance, if necessary.
• Frequent walking, bending and stooping.