Assistance Dog Training Manager

Medical Detection Dogs; England; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A charity focused on assistance dogs is seeking an experienced manager to oversee training operations. You will guide a team of dog trainers to ensure high standards of dog welfare and training. The ideal candidate has experience in assistance dog organizations and strong skills in management, communication, and organization. Benefits include health cover, sick pay, and a generous holiday policy.

Benefits

Sick Pay

Health Cover

26 days holiday

5% Employer Pension Contribution

Life Assurance

Free On-site parking

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing a Dog Training team.
• Track record in dog training matters and welfare.
• High IT literacy and report writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the Assistance Dog training team.
• Support the training and development of Assistance Dog Trainers.
• Ensure compliance with health and welfare policies.

Skills

Dog training team management

Stakeholder communication

Teaching and instructing

Time management

Education

Experience in Assistance Dog Organisation

Understanding of ADUK and ADI regulations

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)

Job description

Overview

The welfare of our dogs is very important to us. We have a no-kennel policy, and all our dogs live in the homes of volunteers until they are about 20 months old. We are committed to providing quality training and support for all our dogs and the volunteers who look after them. This role involves working collaboratively across teams and managing stakeholders to streamline the process of training and placing Assistance Dogs.

Responsibilities

• Puppies
  • To liaise with the Dog Supply Advisor on puppy intake
  • To support and guide the Puppy Assistance Dog Trainers, with all aspects related to socialising and training of puppies from 8 weeks of age to approximately 16 months of age, including observing and supporting in:
  • Puppy classes
  • 1-2-1 training sessions
  • Home visits
  • Writing up Behaviour Modification Plans
  • Any other ad hoc training support
  • To ensure training records are up to date
  • To work alongside the Head of Department on the Advanced Trainer pick up schedule, ensuring dogs are put into advanced training at an appropriate standard
  • To oversee and carry out MDD internal puppy assessment programme - Behaviour Check List (BCL)
  • To ensure all puppies in the socialising scheme follow MDD Health and Welfare policies and procedures
  • If and when required, to stay away from home, supporting Puppy Assistance Dog Trainers with their puppies and volunteers who are based in our regional areas
  • To offer support to dogs and/or volunteers when needed in the absence of the allocated trainer
• Advanced Dogs
  • To support and guide the Advanced Assistance Dog Trainers and when needed, to support with the training of their advanced group of dogs. This will include:
  • Observing dogs in all areas of development
  • Giving practical advice and support
  • Assisting in writing up training plans
  • Any ad hoc training support
  • To carry out the final assessments of dogs in advanced training
  • To oversee the preparation of and to deliver in accordance with the instructor pick-up schedule for the MAAD programme dogs within advanced training
  • Support the Advanced Assistance Dog Trainers with potential matches for a particular client and dog, and to report this progress regularly to the relevant senior staff
  • To offer support to dogs and/or volunteers when needed in the absence of the allocated trainer
• Staff Development
  • To work alongside our Assistance Dog Programme Training and Development Coordinator with the training and development of Trainee Assistance Dog Trainers and support in upskilling less experienced Trainers
• Puppy Socialiser Recruitment
  • To monitor and when necessary, highlight to the Head of Canine Supply, Training and Welfare, a shortage of Puppy Socialisers and Temporary Fosterers
  • When required, assist in the recruitment of new volunteer Puppy Socialisers
• Other
  • To liaise with the Health and Welfare Coordinator on any health issues regarding puppies and dogs within the Assistance Dog Training Scheme
  • To liaise with the Instructor Manager on any dogs that are entering or currently in the Medical Alert Assistance Dog (MAAD) programme
  • From time to time, you may be required to have a dog living with you for additional training for a set period
  • Highlight to the Head of Canine Supply, Training and Welfare in a timely manner, if you feel a dog is not reaching the appropriate standard or may be more suitable for another role. Detailed, evidenced reasons why, must be supplied
  • To oversee the rehoming of withdrawn puppies and dogs from the Socialising Scheme
  • To support the Head of Canine Supply, Training and Welfare with the quarterly Trustee reports
  • Update the Harlequin CRM database in a timely fashion to ensure accurate and up to date training, veterinary and health records
  • Support the charity's fundraising, communications and volunteering teams as required
  • Share best practice with colleagues across the charity
  • To be familiar with ADUK and ADI regulations, ensuring that you adhere to these standards with regards to behaviour, obedience, welfare, and branding
  • To liaise with and provide support for volunteers who may operate as part of the Medical Alert Assistance Dog department or charity as a whole
  • Other tasks or ad hoc duties agreed with your line manager required to ensure the successful running of the charity

Qualifications and Experience

• Role requires someone with previous experience in managing and/or leading a Dog Training team within an Assistance Dog Organisation, to take responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Assistance Dog training team.
• The successful candidate will ensure that the team of Assistance Dog Trainers develop our puppies and dogs in advanced to training to ensure they receive the highest standard of socialisation and training, thereby maximising their chances of becoming a Medical Alert Assistance Dog. They will also play a role in the training and development of less experienced members of the team.
• Ability to manage and support a highly driven team of dog trainers.
• Ability to demonstrate high quality judgement and a proven track record in relation to dog training matters, welfare and safety, and communication with a wide range of stakeholders.
• ADUK and ADI regulations; Basic theory of practical dog training; Law in relation to dogs; Knowledge of medical conditions relevant to puppies between 8 weeks and 2 years of age; Dog and human psychology; Health and safety implications of dog and puppy socialiser handling; Experience of assisting with the training and development of less experienced colleagues.
• Strong teaching and instructing skills; ability to plan work, stay organized, and manage time effectively for yourself and others; high IT literacy and report writing skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• You should be supportive of the charitable aims of Medical Detection Dogs and capable of working as part of a team, with the ability to motivate yourself.
• Adaptable, open to change, and able to contribute ideas; respectful communication; cooperation; honesty; fairness.

Benefits

• Sick Pay
• Health Cover
• 26 days holiday, increasing with service
• 5% Employer Pension Contribution
• Life Assurance
• Free On-site parking

Other requirements

• Hold a full UK Driving Licence
• Provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the UK
• Undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
• Work some evenings and weekends