Manager, Shelter Dog Training

Liberty Dogs•Reno, NV

2d•$80,000 - $105,000•Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for the overall management and success of a service dog training program that utilizing shelter dogs. The role involves managing and developing a team of Shelter Dog Trainers (hiring, scheduling, coaching), overseeing the canine training lifecycle (from behavioral assessment to graduation), and ensuring high-quality training standards that address the unique needs of rescue dogs.

Requirements

Proven ability to supervise, coach, mentor, and evaluate dog trainers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development.
Experience in managing work schedules, overseeing assignments, and conducting regular team meetings to ensure successful communication and coordination.
Demonstrated experience in human resources functions, including hiring, discipline, recognition, and termination.
Skilled in setting programmatic goals and priorities, monitoring progress, and developing staff competence to optimize performance.
Service Dog or advanced and proven competition level dog training such as obedience, rally, agility etc.
Deep expertise in positive reinforcement and modern training methodologies, including advanced custom task training for service animals.
Specific knowledge of behavioral assessment, rehabilitation, and management of dogs from shelter environments (e.g., managing potential fear, anxiety, or trauma-related behaviors).
Ability to evaluate, assess, and provide prescriptive feedback on trainer performance and dog progression.
Comprehensive understanding of the standards and ethical practices required for service dog training and public access.
Proficiency in compiling, analyzing, and presenting detailed monthly reports on programmatic goals, and training progression to leadership.
Skilled in overseeing and reviewing data entry and documentation related to dog progress, graduation files, and program metrics.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills necessary to effectively consult and coordinate with veterinary, foster, Veteran programs, and adoption departments.
Bachelor’s degree in Animal or Business-related field or equivalent experience.
Commitment to science-based, positive reinforcement training.
Comfortable teaching individuals and groups of volunteers, with excellent documentation and organizational skills and proficiency in Excel, Salesforce, DaySmart, and other scheduling software.

Nice To Haves

Professional certification from a recognized dog training/behavior organization (e.g., IAABC, CCPDT, ADI) is preferred.
3-5 years of experience in a leadership or managerial role within a shelter program preferred.

Responsibilities

Hiring & HR: Works with the Shelter team to hire, evaluate, recognize, discipline, and terminate Shelter Dog Trainers.
Supervision & Coaching: Supervise, coach, and train staff; provide continuing education; manage work activities to develop staff competence.
Scheduling & Administration: Oversees work assignments and staff schedules; reviews and approves timesheets.
Goal Setting: Set goals and priorities for the team.
Training Management: Oversee and review trainer-entered data, provide training strategies (including custom task training), and proactively manage dog progress in the program.
Quality Control: Provide one-on-one and group training support (assessments, evaluations, skill demonstrations, public outings).
Policy & Procedure: Stay up to date and enforcement on all policies and procedures.
Canine Logistics: Oversees canine assignments for appropriate workload distribution; coordinates with Foster Program Manager on dog arrival from partner shelters.
Foster Trained Program: Oversee and supports private and group service dog in training classes that are volunteer based.
Graduation Prep: Review trainer documentation, prepare files, and compile all documents for dogs transitioning to class/graduation.
Alumni Support: As needed, support Veteran graduates and their dogs with post-graduation concerns in conjunction with the Veteran Graduates Coordinator.
Career Change: Determine when a dog needs to be released (career changed) and assist the Adoption Programs Manager with behavioral assessments and support for adoptable dogs.