Apprentice Puppy Instructor | Applications Open
Application Deadline: Thursday, June 19, 2025PUPPIES ARE JUST ONE OF THE JOB PERKS!
We’re an organization driven by passionate people – that happens to include puppies – that grow up to change lives every single day. We expect excellence from ourselves and our team, but we have fun too. Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS) breeds, raises and trains fully certified assistance dogs. Our service (mobility & PTSD) and hearing dogs provide life-changing independence to those with disabilities other than blindness. Our accredited facility dogs work with community professionals, such as teachers, RCMP and psychologists to help support wellness in our community.
We’re proud to be the first fully accredited member of Assistance Dogs International in Canada.
OVERVIEW
Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS) is seeking an enthusiastic Apprentice Puppy Instructor to join our team! This role is designed for individuals eager to develop their skills in dog training and adult education. This position is part of a comprehensive apprenticeship program, with the intention for the successful applicant to advance through the PADS Puppy Raising Instructor Apprenticeship, aiming to become a Puppy Raising Program Instructor.
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 an Apprentice Puppy Instructor, 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 an Apprentice Puppy Instructor, you will work closely with experienced Puppy Program Instructors to oversee a cohort of puppies and raisers. This involves learning to teach basic skills in puppy classes and one-on-one settings, as well as performing assessments of dog and puppy-raiser progress. 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:
- Assist in teaching skills at puppy classes.
- Learn and apply humane and effective training techniques.
- Begin to teach and train basic skills in one-on-one sessions with puppy raisers under supervision.
- Participate in the development of behaviour modification 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.
Program Development & Dog Welfare:
- Develop an understanding of PADS’ training standards and best practices, with an emphasis on dog welfare and ethical training practices.
- Contribute to a culture of collaboration and communication.
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.
Growth in the Role:
- This role is the initial step in the PADS Puppy Raising Program Apprenticeship, a multi-year program designed to develop well-rounded trainers with a solid understanding of training principles and an appreciation for human learners.
- You will receive hands-on mentorship and instruction, along with required learning modules, to help you develop your skills and progress.
- Your supervisor will continue to consult on complex behavior challenges and attend assessments and one-on-one sessions where additional support is needed.
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-CPTD, Fear Free, BC SPCA AnimalKind Accreditation, or Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (IAABC) are considered a strong asset.
WORKING CONDITIONS & COMPENSATION
Location: Burnaby, BC
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: $48,750 starting salary 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 below before June 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.