Service Dog Trainer For A Nonprofit

Your Hearing Dog Inc supplies specially trained service dogs to the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. YHD is searching for a professional Service Dog Trainer.

A hearing service dog trainer is a specialized professional who trains dogs to assist individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. They are responsible for a wide range of tasks, from selecting and socializing puppies to placing them with clients and providing follow-up support.

START DATE is ASAP.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Dog Selection and Training:

• Assessing the temperament and suitability of dogs, often from puppies, for service work.
• Providing comprehensive training in obedience, public access, and specific tasks.
• Teaching dogs to respond to sounds, such as doorbells, fire alarms, telephones, and a person's name.
• Ensuring the dogs meet established standards for service dogs, often set by organizations like Assistance Dogs International (ADI).

Client Interaction and Support:

• Assessing the needs of clients and matching them with a suitable hearing dog.
• Providing one-on-one and group training sessions for clients to ensure a successful partnership.
• Offering ongoing support and follow-up to ensure the dog continues to perform its tasks effectively.

Administrative and Professional Duties:

• Maintaining accurate records of dog training progress and client interactions.
• Collaborating with other professionals, such as therapists or other dog trainers.
• Staying up-to-date with relevant laws and regulations, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Acting as an ambassador for the organization at public events and fundraising activities.

Education and Certification:

• A high school diploma or GED is a basic requirement.
• Many successful trainers have formal training or a degree in animal behavior, zoology, or a related field.
• Completing a recognized apprenticeship program or a specialized service dog trainer school is highly recommended.
• Professional certifications from organizations like the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) or the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) can be a significant advantage.

Experience:

• Proven experience in dog training is essential.
• Experience working with people with disabilities, particularly deafness, is highly beneficial.
• Prior experience in dog handling, managing teams, or assisting with dog training classes can be a good starting point.

Personal Attributes:

• Patience and Empathy: You must be patient and compassionate, as training can be a long process and you will be working with people who have unique needs.
• Strong Communication Skills: You need to be an effective communicator to teach clients and volunteers, as well as to collaborate with colleagues.
• Physical Stamina: The job can be physically demanding, requiring you to work with and handle dogs.
• Problem-Solving Skills: You must be adaptable and able to troubleshoot behavioral issues or other challenges that arise during training.

This is an independent contractor position and you will be issued a year-end 1099 for tax purposes.