Certified Dog Trainer, Behavior Modification

Oregon Humane•Portland, OR

1d•$28 - $30•Hybrid

About The Position

Founded in 1868, Oregon Humane is the Northwest's oldest and largest animal welfare organization with one of the highest adoption rates in the nation. We are working toward our vision of a world where all animals are treated with compassion, kindness and respect. With campuses in Portland and Salem, Oregon Humane is an Oregon-based nonprofit that relies on donor support for its adoption, education, medical and humane law enforcement programs. Visit oregonhumane.org to learn more about how we’re creating an ecosystem where all of us – animals and humans – feel safe, valued and part of something bigger. The Training & Behavior department consists of two teams, one which focuses on public training classes for canines and felines and one which focuses on providing behavior modification programs for canines and felines housed in our Behavior & Rehabilitation Center. Both teams focus on helping animals and people by providing expert care and education. Through their work we prepare the animals to succeed, find them new homes and continually support them on their new journey with the goal of enhancing the bond between owner and pet. Additionally, the T&B department provides training, education and programs to staff and volunteers on subjects such as body language, tools of the trade, enrichment, handling etc. Working under the guidance of the Canine Behavior Modification Manager, carries out behavior modification plans/protocol for the dogs residing in the BMod Center at the BRC. Performs pre- and post-adoption consultations and training sessions with the public for graduates of the program. As well as providing training and coaching to staff, volunteers, and students to provide assistance with the behavior modification program. Presents and promotes the program wherever needed including but not limited to media broadcasts, public presentations, tours, and more.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED equivalent
3 years animal shelter experience or equivalent
Certified Professional Dog Trainer able to maintain professional certification as a condition of employment.
2 years work experience as an instructor in dog training classes or doing private trainings.
Have a solid working knowledge of Behavior Modification, Learning Theory, Marker training, body language, and enrichment techniques.
Able to demonstrate high degree of independence, initiative and organization.
Open to new and improved methods of animal behavior training and willing to continually expand knowledge base.
Excellent animal handling skills and knowledge of breeds, behavior, care and housing, common health problems and disease symptoms.
Able to exercise sound judgment and maintain a professional demeanor during all interactions with the public, partner agencies, donors, staff and volunteers.
Proficiency using the Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills - able to communicate with a diverse population in a consistently informative, respectful and professional manner.

Nice To Haves

5+ year(s) hands-on experience with dogs with complex behavioral needs.

Responsibilities

Hands on implementation of Behavior Modification, training, and enrichment for all dogs in the BMod program in the BRC and in OH locations.
Develops, recognizes, and motivates with hands-on training and coaching for staff, volunteers, students, and the public in relation to our BMod program.
Perform pre and post adoption support with phone consultations, showings, dog to dog introductions, trainings, and adoptions for interested clients.
Present training curriculum in a happy, enthusiastic, engaging, and informative manner.
Assist clients in establishing realistic training and behavior goals and address issues of client non-compliance in a professional manner.
Works closely and smoothly alongside the Animal Care, Admissions, Customer Care, and Shelter Medicine teams.
Maintains accurate and complete records of the training and behavior services provided.
Manage people, dogs, and the environment for everyone’s safety.
Keeps up to date about emerging trends in animal behavior and learning theory.
Recommends alternative options (transfer to a rescue, behavior foster, euthanasia etc.).
Role models professionalism, mutual respect, and has a positive attitude during all interactions.
Maintains and builds positive relations between all OH departments
Assists with donor related events, tours, and PR situations when needed.