Assistant Dog Trainer *1 Year Professional Dog ...

The Assistant Dog Trainer plays a key role in delivering training support and behavior-based enrichment for dogs while also assisting with daily animal care needs. This position is ideal for someone passionate about behavior, enrichment, and providing exceptional care to dogs in the shelter environment. This position supports training initiatives for staff, volunteers, and the public while also contributing to the Furry Friends behavior and enrichment.This is an *amazing opportunity to work on a team of expert canine behaviorists and under the direction of our Shelter to Service Dog Trainer*, a highly skilled professional who has trained service dogs for over 20 years. You will gain invaluable experience handling dogs while directly contributing to our life-changing behavior and training initiatives.A full job description will be provided at the time of working interview./*/*Please note: This position requires at least one year of paid professional experience training dogs. This is a 5- day per week full-time position, with an early morning start time.*KEY RESPONSIBILITIES** Assist in implementing and reinforcing training protocols for shelter dogs, including basic manners and behavior modification plans.* Help facilitate structured playgroups and assist in managing playgroup dynamics according to Furry Friends’ established protocols.* Support behavior evaluations and handling level assessments for new dogs.* Assist with staff and volunteer training sessions, such as Dog Walking 101 and 102.* Provide behavior support and education to adopters and potential adopters, including on-site counseling.* Support the Shelter to Service Dog Training Program and other training-focused outreach efforts as directed.* Other duties as assigned*REQUIREMENTS:*Minimum 1 year of professional dog training experience.Strong handling skills with all sizes and temperaments of dogs.Compassionate and non-judgmental communication style when interacting with staff, volunteers, and the public.Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and prioritize competing demands.Comfort with physical demands of the role: lifting up to 60 pounds, working on your feet for extended periods, and exposure to outdoor elements.Willingness to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as scheduled.*WORKING CONDITIONS:*Strenuous physical activity in all weather conditionsAbility to handle dogs in excess of 60lbs.Work requires exposure to extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, unpleasant odors, cleaning solutions, and loud noisesFrequent exposure to dogs of all sizes and temperaments, and varying medical conditionsExtended periods of standing and sittingThis position involves a regular amount of repetitive motion of hands and wristRequires close and distance visionThe employee is often required to stand, climb or balance; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawlJob Type: Full-timePay: $18.00 per hourBenefits:* Dental insurance* Employee discount* Health insurance* Life insurance* Paid time off* Vision insuranceSchedule:* Day shiftWork Location: In person

Created: 2025-08-12