Lead K9 Trainer

Job Description

Job Description

K9s For Warriors is the nation’s largest provider of service dogs to veterans suffering from the invisible wounds of war, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Our unique, in-house program helps change the lives of American heroes by pairing them with a battle buddy, who was likely a rescue dog and then teaching him or her to utilize that dog to mitigate the symptoms of their wounds. In order to continue the great work we are doing, we are in need of a Lead K9 Trainer to join our amazing team!

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direction and supervision of the Assistant K9 Training Manager, the Lead K9 Trainer is responsible for independently implementing all elements of assistance dog training, including reading dog body language, training procedures, environmental awareness, application of learning theory and related modalities, use of training equipment, training of K9s For Warriors (K9s) skills, dog evaluation, assessment, and reporting. The Lead K9 Trainer is also responsible for coordinating the assigned team’s activities, monitoring dog training progress, ensuring the team’s training documentation is accurate and complete, and informing the Assistant K9 Training Manager of any challenges or delays.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Review the team’s training logs, behavior plans, enrichment forms, and class dog summaries for accuracy and completeness; document training times into spreadsheet
• Assist in the compilation of sponsor updates, class dog summaries, and class dog bios
• Create weekly public access plans including locations and main objectives for each location.
• Establish Team training objectives and public access goals, home manners, and dog photo practices and develop weekly schedule
• Coordinate meetings between K9 Trainers and Assistant K9 Training Manager to discuss concerns in training or career changes for service dogs in training
• Independently modify dogs’ behavior, and train specific basic, intermediate, and advanced Service Dog tasks in accordance with K9s’ policies and procedures
• Maintain detailed training, evaluation, behavior modification, and medical records per K9s’ policies and procedures
• Analyze and assess dogs; execute a tailored training program, and assist with their care and health
• Provide public access exposure to Service Dogs in training that include shopping centers, restaurants, sporting events, crowded city environments, parades, etc.
• Participate in team training activities, including impulse control, time outs, quiet kennels, temperament testing, group walks, and continuing education sessions
• Coordinate, run, and supervise dog playgroups; evaluate dog’s stress levels, and monitor for rude or aggressive behavior; identify when and how to interrupt inappropriate play
• Liaise with kennel staff on assigned dog’s kennel behavior; coordinate dog procedure requests, feeding schedule and enrichment plans through K9 Training Management and Kennel Management; assist K9 Caretakers with cleaning kennels when needed
• Assist Warrior Trainers with identifying the correct Service Dog for each veteran, and provide training assistance through transference
• Provide a positive example regarding work ethic, attitude, professional ethics, knowledge of policies / procedures, interpersonal interactions, and mutual respect.
• Provide exceptional, courteous, and compassionate customer service to the public, volunteers, and other staff members at all times.
• Perform all other duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

COMPETENCIES

PHYSICAL DEMANDS