Director of Dog Training

Santa Barbara Humane is seeking a Director of Dog Training to grow and manage our County-wide public dog training program aimed at keeping dogs happy and healthy in their homes. This is an exciting opportunity to develop and teach classes and oversee a team of qualified trainers committed to providing positive-reinforcement based dog training and behavior advice. A qualified candidate will be an effective, innovative, and compassionate instructor who brings a strong business sense and proven ability in marketing and program management. Complete job description available upon request.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities: Dog Training 

• Develop and implement strategies to offer a wide range of dog training classes as part of SB Humane’s Safety Net Program. 

• Develop class curriculum and trainer materials based on positive-reinforcement dog training techniques; conduct group and private training classes and seminars; provide pet owners with training class information and written, visual or verbal advice on animal behavior issues, training methods, and training equipment aimed at enhancing the human-animal bond and preventing dog relinquishment.

• Manage SBH Dog Trainers, recruit and manage contract trainers, coordinate schedules to ensure class coverage; provide training on class curriculum, and ensure consistency in class content and methodology. 

• Proficiently utilize software system(s) to manage client inquiries, develop and post upcoming classes, process class registrations, attendance, and retail sales; track and report on grant utilization, and produce statistics as-requested. 

• Manage class participation to ensure client satisfaction and human/animal safety, address client concerns in a positive, solution-based manner; represent SBH in a professional manner at all times; solicit feedback from registrants to ensure continual process improvement. 

• Maintain retail inventory at SBH off-site training locations; provide guidance and recommendations on shelter retail and animal-training equipment; process retail sales.

• Work closely with Manager of Animal Behavior and Behavior Team on adoption follow-up and owner-surrender referrals; develop training plans aimed at dog surrender-prevention; counsel dog owners on behavioral euthanasia as-appropriate and work closely with Clinic staff to ensure compassionate and safe service. 

Primary Duties & Responsibilities: Department Management 

• Work closely with the Philanthropy & Outreach Department ( P&O) on marketing plans and production of written, electronic, and video content related to animal behavior & training; ensure brand consistency; assist with grant submissions and reporting; attend donor and fundraising events as-assigned. 

• Serve as liaison between SBH and the local dog training and veterinary community. 

• Stay abreast of industry standards and make recommendations for improvements to shelter and public training programs; attend staff meetings; participate on committees as assigned. 

• Provide welcoming, informative, courteous and non-judgemental customer service on and off campus; maintain knowledge of SBH programs and services in order to identify and offer solution-based recommendations, such as financial assistance, TNR, retail, dog training, pet surrender, and pet pantry. 

• Proactively promote SB Humane programs and services and encourage charitable support for the organization.

• Practice and promote Fear Free™ animal handling and positive-reinforcement training techniques. 

• Actively integrate volunteers by providing a welcoming work environment; practicing

mentorship, training, and advancement opportunities; and offering feedback on volunteer performance.

• Follow workplace safety protocols, working in a safe manner at all times and proactively ensure the safety of co-workers, clients, and volunteers. Take immediate action to prevent or address safety concerns.

• Coordinate off-site training center(s) janitorial and maintenance schedule with Facilities Department. 

• Assist with development of and work within the confines of the departmental budget.

• Achieve benchmarks in the number and variety of classes offered, number of participants,  and departmental financial goals.  

• Keep supervisor  apprised of client, staff, volunteer, or animal concerns.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: 

• Post-graduate degree in animal behavior, education, or learning theory preferred. 

• Minimum three to five years in a dog trainer position with proven ability at managing a business in a related field. 

• Ability to effectively supervise SBH employees and contractors assigned to Dog Training Department. 

• Certificate in Dog Training, CPDT-KA® preferred; animal training and behavior knowledge including theory of positive reinforcement, and animal training techniques.

• Must be able to work with people from a variety of backgrounds who may have different approaches to dog training or animals due to cultural traditions.

• Effective verbal, written, and group presentation communication skills; able to convey instructional information.  

• Position requires regularly working weekends and evenings. 

• Valid California driver’s license and insurable driving record.