K9 Adoptions Trainer

K9s For Warriors Inc; Ponte Vedra Beach (FL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

K9s For Warriors in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL seeks a K9 Adoptions Trainer to implement behavior modification and training for placing dogs into permanent homes as pets or other outcomes. You will train dogs to obedience using positive reinforcement and maintain detailed records.

Under the Adoption Team's guidance, you will tailor training plans, assist adopters, and coordinate care across teams. This role requires hands-on dog work, compassion for Veterans, and dedication in a nonprofit setting.

Qualifications

• 2 years of professional dog training experience specializing in behavior modification required
• 2 years of working with shelter dogs or related experience required
• CCPDT certification preferred
• Sound knowledge of dog training, behavior modification, and dog body language
• Strong dog handling skills
• A love for dogs
• Knowledge of common canine medical issues and practices
• Willing to work with potentially aggressive dogs
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks, and work independently with minimal supervision
• Good communication skills
• Valid driver’s license and meet policy requirements for company auto insurance

Responsibilities

• Implement behavior modification and dog training for the purpose of adoption or other positive outcomes
• Modify dogs' behavior from basic to advanced obedience per policy
• Maintain training, evaluation, and medical records as required
• Analyze dogs and tailor training programs; assist with care and health
• Teach adopters appropriate training methods to enforce behaviors
• Coordinate training locations and supervise dog playgroups
• Assist adoption team with matching dogs to best placements
• Support kennel staff and participate in adoption events
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor

Skills

Initiative

Integrity

Planning and Organizing

Interpersonal Skills

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

About this position

Determined to end Veteran suicide, K9s For Warriors is the leading nonprofit organization providing Service Dogs to military Veterans nationwide suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and/or military sexual trauma — at no financial cost to the Veteran. Founded in 2011 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, K9s For Warriors is committed to saving lives at both ends of the leash by primarily rescuing dogs and pairing them with Veterans in need. In order to continue the great work we’re doing, we’re looking to add aK9 Adoptions Trainer to our amazing team!

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direction of the K9 Procurement & Placement Assistant Managers, the K9 Adoptions Trainer is responsible for implementing all elements of Behavior Modification, and Dog Training for the purpose of placing Dogs into permanent homes as pets and/or other positive outcomes.

Independently modify assigned dog [DD(1] [JS(2]behavior, train specific behaviors that would promote adoption for career changed dogs (Dogs not suitable for Service Dog work) from basic to advanced obedience in accordance with K9s’policies and proceduresIdentify additional behavior concerns and communicate them with the Adoption Team and future adopterMaintain detailed training, evaluation, behavior modification and medical records as per K9s’ policies and proceduresAnalyze and assess individual dogs; execute a tailored training program, and assist with their care and healthTeach dogs to obey basic cues using positive reinforcement techniques that are best suited to each dog’s personality and attributes.Provide appropriate exposures to prepare career change dogs for adoption and successful in-home transitionTeach adopters appropriate training methods to enforce and maintain behaviors and skills learned by their dogs while with K9s For Warriors.Implement appropriate training programs to address and resolve problem areas, including aggression, separation anxiety, hyperactivity, and mouthing.Determine appropriate off-site training locationsHandle and train dogs appropriately in a public access settingAdminister canine medicationsCoordinate, run, and supervise dog playgroups; evaluate dog’s stress levels, monitor rude or aggressive behavior; identify when and how to interrupt inappropriate playLiaise with kennel staff on assigned dog’s kennel behavior; coordinate dog procedure requests, feeding schedule and enrichment plans through Placement Management and Kennel Management; assist K9 Caretakers with cleaning kennels when neededAssist Adoption Team with identifying the ideal placement for dogs, initial dog adoptions, provide training assistance through transferenceContact adopters to troubleshoot and help them through any issues while the dog is still settling in their new homeParticipate in interdepartmental meetings to discuss the overall care, behavior, and training of our adoptable dogsParticipate in meet and greets and adoption introductions to communicate proper dog training techniques, behavior modification and integration of their career change dog into home environmentsPerform frequent cleaning of training equipment, vehicles, and campus training areasParticipate in public adoption events and promotions of adoptable career change dogsPerform other duties as assigned by supervisor or management

COMPETENCIES

• Initiative
• Integrity
• Planning and Organizing
• Interpersonal Skills

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• H.S. diploma or equivalent
• 2 years of professional dog training experience specializing in behavior modification required
• 2 years of working with shelter dogs or relative experience is required
• Certification through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) preferred
• Sound knowledge of dog training, behavior modification, and dog body language
• Strong dog handling skills
• A love for dogs
• Knowledge of common canine medical issues and practices
• Willing to work with potentially aggressive dogs
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks, and work independently with minimal supervision
• Good communication skills
• Valid driver’s license and meet policy requirements for company auto insurance

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Walk 3 to 5 miles per day on average
• Ability to train dogs in crowded environments on campus and in public
• Ability to exert a moderate to extensive amount of physical effort, including stooping, crouching, pushing, pulling, walking stairs, climbing, and lifting to fifty (50) pounds individually
• Exposure to unpleasant odors, sounds, chemicals, loud noises, and inclement weather
• Sunday-Thursday, 7am-3:30pm, flexibility for events and training sessions required

Salary Information

$20.48 - $23.56Hourly Wage