Canine Behavior Supervisor

Faithful Friends, Inc; New Castle (DE); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation package

Job summary

Faithful Friends, Inc in New Castle, Delaware is seeking a Canine Behavior Supervisor to evaluate shelter dogs and implement behavior modifications. The role involves overseeing training for the canine care team, creating behavior plans, and making recommendations for dog placements.

Ideal candidates will possess a Bachelor’s degree in animal behavior, extensive experience in canine training, and strong communication skills. A competitive compensation package is offered.

Qualifications

• At least three years of experience in canine training and behavior modification.
• National certification in force-free training is a plus.
• Strong communication skills for teaching and promoting teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and evaluate shelter dog behavior and make placement recommendations.
• Develop behavior modification and enrichment plans for individual dogs.
• Monitor the emotional and physical needs of the dog population.

Skills

Canine training

Positive reinforcement techniques

Effective communication

Canine behavior understanding

Education

Bachelor’s degree in animal behavior or related field

Job description

The Canine Behavior Supervisor is responsible for the evaluation of shelter dogs and making recommendations for placement, foster, rescue, or behavior euthanasia if appropriate. They monitor the shelter dog population to ensure the needs of individual dogs are met, and implement behavior modification, training, and enrichment plans. Additional duties include overseeing training and support for the canine care team and volunteers.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee Canine Population Management:
  • Population emotional and physical needs monitoring through daily rounds
  • Develop partnerships with rescue groups and facilitate outgoing rescue placements
  • Assist the Dog Foster Care Coordinator and team with foster dog placements or in-home behavior support when needed
• Oversee Canine Behavior Assessments and Intake Screening Process:
  • Determine a color assignment for each dog to align with volunteer roles
  • Interact with dogs in the kennel areas and exercise yards
  • Review staff and volunteer comments on individual dog interactions to use for placement, training and enrichment need adjustments
  • Make recommendations for placement, foster, rescue or euthanasia as appropriate
• Develop Behavior Modification and Enrichment Plans for Shelter Dogs:
  • Identify dogs in need of additional behavior support
  • Create individualized plans to meet the needs of individual dogs
  • Facilitate and develop a schedule for out-of-kennel enrichment opportunities, including but not limited to:
  • • Dog-dog play dates or small group play
    • Parallel walks
    • Play yard enrichment session
    • Assist with training and support of canine behavior modification volunteers
    • Track individual dog progress and record it
    • Ensure that monthly dog behavior reports are completed and communicated with the team
• Assist with Consultations:
  • Foster parent counseling and hands‑on support when needed
  • Adoption counseling and 90‑day post‑adoption hands‑on support
  • Dog surrender screening and counseling support
• Assume additional responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in an animal behavior field preferred
• Must have a minimum of three years of experience in canine training and positive reinforcement, force‑free behavior modification techniques
• National certification from Karen Pryor Academy or Victoria Stillwell Academy in force‑free and positive training a plus
• Must possess a thorough understanding of canine behavior, canine body language and learning theory
• Must have well developed written and verbal communication skills
• Must be friendly, energetic and a quick learner that enjoys a fast‑paced environment
• Must possess or acquire a thorough understanding and dedication to the philosophies of animal welfare at Faithful Friends Animals Society
• Must have good computer skills
• Must have good communication skills to teach employees, volunteers and customers and to be able to promote teamwork

Benefits

Competitive compensation package offered.