Puppy Program Trainer (Calgary) | Accepting Applications

OVERVIEW

Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS) is seeking an enthusiastic Puppy Program Trainer to join our team! At Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS), we’re dedicated to changing lives, one dog at a time. We’re hunting for a passionate and skilled individual to join us as Puppy Program Trainer, helping us fulfill our mission of providing assistance dogs to our waiting clients. 

ABOUT US

At PADS, we foster a constructive, cooperative, and welcoming team setting.  Our commitment is to cultivate an empowering environment for our team. We value a sustainable work-life balance and believe that work should be fun! We approach challenges with a growth mindset, striving for improvement and innovation. As a Puppy Program Trainer, you’ll embody PADS’ core values, including a commitment to compassion, transparency, and the ethical treatment of dogs.  

ABOUT OUR TRAINING PHILOSOPHY  

We are invested in dog welfare and employ ethical training practices based on the Five Domains Model of Animal Welfare. You will learn and apply training techniques that prioritize the physical and emotional well-being of the dogs. Our training practices are evidenced-based and relationship focused.  

ABOUT THE POSITION

As Puppy Program Trainer you will oversee a cohort of puppies and volunteer puppy-raisers & sitters, as well as onboard volunteers and facilitating the adoptions of dogs released from the program. Your cohort of volunteers will include novice dog handlers and skilled volunteers with years of experience, providing you with the opportunity to develop close working relationships and grow skills together.  

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Teaching and Training:  

• Teach and support volunteer puppy raisers through common behaviour struggles and basic obedience skills. 
• Apply humane and effective training techniques.   
• Develop and implement behaviour modification and training plans.  

Assessment and Support:  

• Perform assessments of dog and puppy-raiser progress, with consultation from your supervisor for more complex cases.  
• Follow up on training plans to ensure consistency and effectiveness.  
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date digital records of training plans, progress, and observations.  
• Review monthly puppy reports, respond to email inquiries, and provide training support via email.  

Volunteer Onboarding & Coordination: 

• Onboard volunteer puppy raisers & sitters in the Calgary region. 
• Facilitate and oversee puppy-sits for your cohort  
• Collaborate with Adoptions Team in the Release dog process 

Interpersonal & Communication Skills:  

• Work effectively with volunteers, staff, and the public, building relationships based on trust and mutual respect.  
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.  
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to listen actively and empathize with others.  
• Show a sense of humour and adaptability to the evolving needs of the organization.  

Time Management:  

• Exhibit strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.  

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• Commitment to canine welfare and ethical training practices.  
• Eagerness to develop adult education skills.  
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and complete data entry and administrative tasks in a timely manner.  
• Knowledge of canine development, training methodologies, and behavior.  
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to listen actively and empathize with others.  
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office suite and ability to learn additional basic software programs and platforms such as Salesforce and Constant Contact.  
• A positive attitude and a sense of humour are highly valued!  
• Preference for experience teaching group classes and developing behaviour modification plans.  
• Third-party certifications, such as, but not limited to, KPA-CTP, Fear Free, BC SPCA AnimalKind Accreditation, or Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (IAABC) are considered a strong asset.  

WORKING CONDITIONS & COMPENSATION

Location: Calgary, AB
Employment Type: Full-time 
Work Arrangement: Hybrid in-person/remote position with indoor and outdoor work. 
Hours: Monday to Friday, 7.5 hours per day, with the requirement of working one evening per week, and occasional additional evenings and weekends. 

Compensation: $55,000 to $60,000 based on a 37.5 hour work week. A benefits package is available after the 3-month probation period.  

BE YOU. WITH US.  

We serve communities that are greater and stronger because of their diversity. What makes YOU different is worth both celebrating and cultivating.   

PADS is committed to equality across race, gender, age, religion, identity, ability, and experience. We invite you to bring your whole self to our team, helping us to change lives, one dog — and person — at a time.   

DOES THIS SOUND LIKE A GOOD FIT?

If you are a dedicated individual with a passion for helping others and a desire to grow your skills in a supportive environment, we encourage you to apply!  Submit your CV and cover letter via the form below before December 19, 2025.  

Accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process. Applicants are invited to make required accommodations known in advance.      

We thank all applicants for their interest and will contact only those applicants selected for further consideration. Please note that submissions will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and therefore early submission is encouraged. The position is available immediately.    

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