Regional Manager, Puppy Raising

International Guide Dog Federation. International; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Dogs Inc is seeking a Regional Manager to provide training, coaching, and support to volunteer puppy raisers, ensuring puppies develop the skills required for advanced training. The role emphasizes teaching, guiding, and building relationships with volunteers while coordinating with the Puppy Raising team.

The position involves campus-based or hybrid work arrangements, with regular in-person engagement and travel within the assigned territory, and eligibility for evenings and weekends work to

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in dog training, animal behaviour, and/or volunteer coordination.
• Strong understanding of positive reinforcement training techniques.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Local travel required for in-person training and club support.

Responsibilities

• Train and support volunteer club leaders and puppy raisers per established protocols.
• Conduct assessments, evaluate progress, document findings, and adjust training plans.
• Collaborate with Senior Regional Managers and other Puppy Raising team members.
• Maintain training records and report on puppy development to club leaders.

Skills

Dog training

Volunteer coordination

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Evenings/weekends

Job description

Contact at organisation: Christie Henry, Dogs Inc

Description

The Regional Manager provides training, coaching, and support to volunteer puppy raisers to help puppies develop the skills and behaviours needed for Freshman Orientation. This position conducts group and individual training, evaluates puppy progress, collaborates with volunteer leaders, and promotes compliance with established training standards. Although the role includes hands-on work with dogs, it is primarily focused on teaching, guiding, and building effective relationships with volunteer puppy raisers.

Work Location

This position may be performed through a campus-based or hybrid arrangement, as approved by the organization and based on business needs. Regardless of the approved work arrangement, regular in-person engagement and travel throughout the assigned territory are essential components of the position. Residence within one hour of Palmetto, Florida, is required for this position.

Travel & Schedule

If local to the region, regular local travel throughout the assigned territory would be required. Occasional overnight travel may also be required based on business needs. The position must be available to work evenings and weekends as needed to support puppy raisers, club meetings, training sessions, and organizational events.

Business-related travel expenses are reimbursed in accordance with Dogs Inc policy.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Puppy Training and Development

Provide training, education, and direct support to volunteer club leaders and puppy raisers in accordance with established training protocols.

Conduct Walk & Talk assessments, evaluate puppy progress, document findings, and adjust training plans as appropriate.

Develop individualized training strategies to address behavioural or developmental challenges.

Provide guidance on early socialization, foundational skills, behaviour modification, and preparation for advanced training.

Monitor puppy development and identify concerns requiring additional intervention or collaboration with other program teams.

Exercise independent judgment when recommending training approaches and determining the appropriate level of support for individual puppies and raisers.

2. Volunteer and Club Engagement

Participate in puppy club meetings, orientations, training sessions, and community events.

Serve as an ongoing training and educational resource for volunteer club leaders and puppy raisers.

Build and maintain positive relationships with volunteers through regular communication, coaching, training, and follow-up.

Encourage engagement and collaboration among puppy raisers through interactive training sessions and check-ins.

Monitor puppy clubs for alignment with organizational policies, program expectations, and established training standards.

Address volunteer questions and concerns and elevate significant issues when appropriate.

3. Collaboration and Program Support

Collaborate with Senior Regional Managers and other Puppy Raising team members to promote consistent and effective training practices.

Communicate with the Training and Genetics and Reproduction teams, as appropriate, to share behavioral observations, puppy-developments information, and program updates.

Maintain accurate and timely puppy-training records and submit reports needed to support program evaluation and decision-making.

Provide monthly reports regarding dogs in training on campus to club leaders for distribution to puppy raisers.

Participate in team meetings, ongoing professional development, and organizational training.

Support tours, guest visits, fundraising activities, and other mission-related events as requested.

Perform other duties as assigned to support the needs of the department and organization.

Qualifications

2+ years of experience in dog training, animal behaviour, and/or volunteercoordination.

Strong understanding of positive reinforcement training techniques.

Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.

Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Local travelrequiredfor in-person training and club support.