Service Dog Trainer
Kearneysville
Service Dog Trainer
Full Time • Kearneysville
Benefits:
- Competitive salary
- Health insurance
- Opportunity for advancement
- Paid time off
- Dental insurance
- Employee discounts
About the Role:
Veterans Moving Forward is looking for a passionate and skilled Service Dog Trainer to join our mission-driven team in Kearneysville, WV. In this rewarding role, you'll train service dogs that change the lives of veterans and their families — making a real difference every single day.
Responsibilities:
- Train dogs in basic and advance obedience using established training techniques
- Train dogs for tasks needed to assist veterans with physical and/or mental disabilities
- Identify and document any behavioral issues, create a plan to address them
- Lead training classes and/or private lessons for volunteer Puppy Raisers/Sitters
- Ensure training areas are clean and organized
- Feed, water, and walk the dogs as required
- Comply with and discuss instruction techniques as directed by the Director
- Socialize and train dogs in public settings
- Assess dog temperament, behavior, and suitability for service dog placement
- Develop and implement individualized training plans tailored to each dog's progress and veteran's needs
- Facilitate client team training sessions to pair veterans with their service dogs
- Maintain accurate training records, progress reports, and documentation for each dog
- Socialize dogs in a variety of public settings to ensure task reliability and public access readiness
- Collaborate with staff, volunteers, and veterinary professionals to support dog health and welfare
- Effectively manage canine volunteers and Kennel Assistants in basic commands and care of the dogs
- Create and maintain programmatic inventory
- Order food, supplements, etc. for canines
- Keep and maintain veterinary and health records
- Mentor and Guide Assistant Trainers
- Participate in fund raising and other public events
- Physically capable of performing duties that require regular bending, lifting, stooping, stretching, and lifting to 75 lbs.
Requirements:
Certification or Experience Equivalent is required
Certification or Experience Equivalent is required
- Prior experience in professional dog training, service dog training, or animal behavior
- Knowledge of positive reinforcement, operant conditioning, and behavior modification techniques
- Ability to work compassionately and professionally with veterans and individuals with disabilities
- Strong observational skills and ability to assess and document canine behavior accurately
- Physical ability to handle, work with, and manage dogs of various sizes and breeds
- Reliable, self-motivated, and committed to the organization's mission of serving veterans
About Us:
Veterans Moving Forward is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of veterans and their families by providing trained service dogs and therapy dogs at no cost. Our team is united by a deep respect for those who have served our country and a commitment to the healing power of the human-animal bond. Join us and be part of a community where your work truly matters.
Compensation: $40,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year
About Us
Veterans Moving Forward, Inc. (VMF), a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Loudoun County, Virginia, provides service, therapy, and emotional support dogs to Veterans with physical and/or mental health challenges, no cost to the Veteran or their family.
VMF’s services are available to any Veteran of any generation, who served honorably, has physical and/or mental challenges resulting from military operations and/or accident or disease experienced during or subsequent to military service, lives in the continental United States, Hawaii or Alaska, and can benefit from a service dog.
Our Mission
Provide service dogs, therapy dogs, and emotional support dogs to Veterans with physical and/or mental health challenges at no cost to the Veteran or their family.
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