Puppy Program Trainer (Calgary) | Accepting Applications

OVERVIEW

Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS) is seeking an experienced Puppy Program Trainer to join our team in Calgary! 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  

PADS’ training philosophy is relationship–centered, and based on current, evidence-based training methods and follows a Least Invasive Minimally Aversive (LIMA) approach. We follow the 5 Domains Model of Animal Welfare, encompassing Nutrition, Environment, Health, Behaviour and Mental State, to ensure the well-being of the animals in our care. 

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Puppy Program Trainer is an essential part of PADS mission-related programs. The Trainer is part of an experienced, progressive team committed to helping and supporting one another, and to achieving positive outcomes for our dogs and volunteers. The Trainer independently performs the full spectrum of responsibilities of their position. Trainers teach volunteer puppy-raisers the skills they need to teach their puppies in the areas of skills, manners, and socialization. They work as an active part of the team and pursue ongoing learning at a minimum of 20 Continuing Education Units every 24 months. Trainers identify when a puppy should be released from training or graduated into Service Dog Programs. 

As an integral part of the overall PADS Team, the Trainer provides a point of support and information for volunteer puppy-raisers with questions regarding their puppy-in-training or who are experiencing training challenges with their PADS puppies. They are a source of comfort and calm in what can sometimes be stressful situations. 

 The Trainer works with a cohort of up to 25 puppies and the associated puppy-raiser and sitter volunteers. 

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Training [65%] 

• Teaches puppy classes 
• Conducts Walk & Talk assessments for every dog in cohort at 4, 8 and 13+ months of age  
• Provides one-on-one training sessions and support in person as well as virtually 
• Creates and implements training and behaviour modification plans 
• Conducts Adult GDBarts, as both a handler and an evaluator 
• Recognizes and assesses behaviours and traits required in PADS dogs 
• Reviews and maintains puppy reports and training information in dogs’ Salesforce records 

Curriculum & Content Creation [25%] 

• Supports with Curriculum development and review 
• Identifies gaps in Training support materials and assists in developing and implementing educational content for volunteers and staff, including but not limited to: written training plan templates, video tutorials, in person clinics and courses covering common challenges 
• Liaises with team members and relevant departments to ensure consistency and efficacy throughout the organization 

 Additional Responsibilities [10%] 

• Attends and participates in weekly meetings with team members, keeping up to date on progress of the dogs as well as department, organization and industry trends 
• Updates records in databases and platforms as needed  
• Liaises with internal and external stakeholders and educates the public about Assistance Dogs and the legal rights of people with disabilities who are partnered with them 
• Assist with PADS donor, volunteer and community engagement events, as required 

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office suite and ability to learn additional basic software programs and platforms  
• Demonstrated familiarity with adult education and teaching group classes 
• Demonstrated knowledge of canine development, behaviour, and training methodologies 
• Demonstrated ability in creating and implementing training and behaviour modification plans 
• Clear and receptive verbal and written communication style while conversing with PADS staff, volunteers, and the public at large 
• Valid BC Driver’s License, at a minimum level of Class 5 
• Access to a personal vehicle 
• Ability to work a flexible schedule when required 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma  
• Third-party certifications are considered a strong asset. These include, but are not limited to: KPA-CTP, CPTD-KA, Fear Free, BC SPCA AnimalKind, IAABC-CDBC 
• Experience working in the non-profit sector  
• Previous experience training dogs (personal or professional) is required 
• Demonstrated capacity to work in a busy and at times, noisy work environment 
• Working knowledge of adult education and demonstrated skill for teaching adults  

WORKING CONDITIONS & COMPENSATION

Physical Effort

• This job position involves some physical tasks and requires working outside in all conditions 
• Use of arms and hands, ability to grip a leash and administer treats 
• When on site, employees can lift 40 lbs. for a period of approx. 5 minutes and dogs who weigh up to 90 lbs. for a distance of 10 ft 

Physical Environment

• This position is in shared space and shares equipment with other employees at PADS’ facilities and other training locations 
• There is interaction and physical contact with puppies and dogs in training. There is occasional contact with certified dogs and clients 

Sensory Attention

• There is interaction and physical contact with dogs that are in the Puppy Raising Program as well as possible exposure to chemicals and other cleaning solutions
• Required to be visually aware of stress signals in dogs 
• Ability to hear if there is barking, growling, whining from the dogs 
• Dealing with dog bodily fluids on a regular basis 

Location: Calgary, AB
Employment Type: Full-time 
Work Arrangement:  Based at our Calgary Campus in a standard office setting, hybrid work a possibility.
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 by clicking the button below.  

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.