Service Dog Trainers

Our all-volunteer service dog training staff gives qualified dog handlers/trainers an opportunity to fulfill their passion of working with special dogs and with persons with disabilities while being employed in other careers. It is a passion. . . and one that is very demanding, yet fulfilling!

Because we do not utilize Puppy Raisers, our volunteer trainers each start with a pup at approximately 8 weeks and work with their pups for 2 years, teaching basic obedience, socialization and advanced service dog tasks. Once the dog is ready to be matched, the trainer becomes an active part of the interview process then actually leads the 5 month transition training period and provides key follow up support for the team throughout the working life of the dog.

Qualifications

• All potential apprentice trainers must have experience in training basic obedience skills with more than one dog as well as experience in resolving basic behavioral problems with a variety of dogs.
• All potential apprentice trainers must have some experience in teaching dogs using operant conditioning techniques.
• Because the dogs live in the homes of the trainers, it is essential to have an appropriate home environment to work with a young pup through 2 years of age.
• All trainers must live in San Diego County and be able to take their canine trainees to work and/or other places on a frequent basis.

Benefits:

Because we are a small program and only place dogs locally, each apprentice trainer has an opportunity to work closely with other experienced operant conditioning trainers and will receive close mentoring. Apprentice trainers will learn to shape essential service dog tasks which will be used on a regular basis with the partner once matched. Each trainer will be actively involved in the interview process and will be the lead instructor during the transition training period for her specific pup. Trainers will also have the opportunity to learn about a variety of disabilities and will be challenged many times to customize skills to make the new partner's life easier.

For More Information:

Follow this link to learn more details about our Service Dog training program.

If, after reading the details document mentioned above, you feel you would qualify and have the time to devote to this opportunity, give us a call at 858-279-7297 or send us an email at paws@pawsteams.org. You will be asked to submit a resume.