Puppy Training Coordinator

Liberty Dogs•Reno, NV

1d•$70,000 - $85,000•Onsite

About The Position

Liberty Dogs™ is a premier Service Dog training program dedicated to empowering Veterans with disabilities to lead more independent and fulfilling lives. Our 27-acre campus includes a training facility, dog housing, an administrative building, and accommodations for Veterans. The Puppy Training Coordinator is crucial for the early development of future service dogs, responsible for coordinating and supporting volunteer puppy raisers, overseeing puppy health and training benchmarks, and collaborating with staff to ensure successful puppy development. This role demands strong communication, a deep understanding of canine behavior, a collaborative spirit, and a passion for the Liberty Dogs mission.

Requirements

Minimum 3–5 years of experience working with puppies or dogs in a training or development setting; experience in the Service Dog industry highly preferred.
2+ years of experience in program coordination or supervisory role.
Proven understanding of canine development, behavior, and learning theory, especially as it relates to working dogs.
Strong understanding of canine behavior and positive reinforcement training.
Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and stakeholders.
Experience working with and supporting volunteers; strong public speaking and teaching skills.
Ability to remain calm under pressure and approach challenges with a solutions-oriented mindset.
Able to work independently and in a team setting.
Be goal oriented, self-starter with willingness to go beyond prescribed work and time schedules.
Valid driver’s license and ability to travel as needed for home visits, acquiring puppies, and events.
Willingness to work occasional evenings or weekends based on program needs.
Proficiency in record-keeping software and general computer literacy including Microsoft suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook), social media, databases, internet navigation, and research.

Nice To Haves

Degree or certification in animal science, canine training, psychology, or related field.
Certification from a recognized dog training organization (e.g., CPDT-KA, KPA, IAABC).
Prior experience raising or training service dogs or working with Assistance Dog programs accredited by ADI or IGDF.
Must have a passion for animals, show empathy and compassion for Veteran clients, and support the mission of the Liberty Dogs program.
Canine Good Citizen Evaluator.
Certification as an ADI Instructor.

Responsibilities

Assist with recruitment, screening, and onboarding of volunteer puppy raisers and short-term foster sitters.
Provide training, resources, and support to puppy raisers throughout the 16–18 month raising period.
Educate staff, puppy raiser families, and volunteers on the principles of LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) in dog training to ensure adherence to accreditation and organizational standards.
Monitor puppy development and behavior through regular check-ins, training classes, and training logs/notes.
Maintain accurate records of each puppy’s progress, health care, and behavioral observations.
Develop targeted training plans for puppies needing additional support.
Facilitate and lead puppy classes, outings, and training workshops focused on socialization, obedience, and exposure.
Coordinate the intake, placement, and transition of puppies into and out of the Puppy Program.
Collaborate closely with veterinary partners, staff trainers, and breeding departments to align health, training, and programmatic goals.
Monitor and document all medical concerns, coordinate veterinary appointments, and manage health records in collaboration with puppy raisers.
Support puppy raisers in addressing behavioral or training challenges using positive reinforcement methods.
Make informed decisions regarding each puppy’s performance during evaluations, utilizing available data, observations, and knowledge of criteria, and be able to objectively explain decisions.
Assist in assessing puppies for acceptance into the breeding program, advanced training, or redirection into career change programs.
Train puppy raiser teams to meet the highest standards set by Liberty Dogs and Assistance Dog International (ADI).
Drive puppy raiser recruitment and retention within the program.
Develop and update puppy-raising curricula, manuals, and protocols in alignment with industry best practices.
Identify and track potential issues within the puppy raising program, developing remedial training protocols for foreseeable behavioral challenges.
Assist in organizing appreciation events, educational seminars, graduations, matriculations, and recruitment initiatives involving puppy raisers and the community.
Provide puppy raiser families with best practices for supporting Veteran recipients.
Deliver information, answer questions, and drive the mission forward during Liberty Dogs presentations and lectures.
Successfully manage conflict in demanding situations and maintain a calm demeanor.
Interact with co-workers efficiently and courteously to ensure a cooperative team environment among departments, promoting smooth and efficient operations.
Attend regularly scheduled team meetings to ensure successful team communication.
Be a role model for Liberty Dogs when working with dogs, Veterans, staff and volunteers.
Exhibit skill, sensitivity, and tactfulness when dealing with Veteran recipients.
Attend educational training/seminars as recommended or approved.
Participate in disaster preparedness and response activities related to Veterans, staff, and dog needs.
Understand infectious disease controls defined by the organization, communicate them, and take action to protect dogs, Veterans, staff and volunteers.
Present a positive and professional image of Liberty Dogs to the public.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Community Puppy Programs Manager, and the VP of Canine Programs.