Manager, Shelter Dog Training

About the job

Honoring Veterans with disabilities by providing new levels of independence with professionally trained Service Dogs

Job Title: Manager, Shelter Dog Training Program

Reports to: Manager, Shelter Dog Programs

Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt

About the Organization

Liberty Dogs™ is a premier Service Dog training program whose goal is to empower Veterans with disabilities to lead more independent and fulfilling lives - enhancing their well-being through the unconditional support that Liberty Service Dogs provide. Located on a 27-acre campus, it includes a training facility, dog housing, an administrative and multipurpose building, and accommodations for Veterans staying on campus to train with their Liberty Service Dogs.

Position Summary

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.

Key Responsibilities:

Staff Management & Development

• 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.

Dog Program & Training Oversight

• 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.

Post-Program Support & Exit Strategy

• 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.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

Leadership and Management Skills

• Staff Development: Proven ability to supervise, coach, mentor, and evaluate dog trainers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development.

• Team Leadership: Experience in managing work schedules, overseeing assignments, and conducting regular team meetings to ensure successful communication and coordination.

• HR Functions: Demonstrated experience in human resources functions, including hiring, discipline, recognition, and termination.

• Goal Setting: Skilled in setting programmatic goals and priorities, monitoring progress, and developing staff competence to optimize performance.

Canine and Training Expertise

• Advanced Dog Training: 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.

• Shelter Dog Expertise: Specific knowledge of behavioral assessment, rehabilitation, and management of dogs from shelter environments (e.g., managing potential fear, anxiety, or trauma-related behaviors).

• Program Quality Control: Ability to evaluate, assess, and provide prescriptive feedback on trainer performance and dog progression.

• Service Dog Standards: Comprehensive understanding of the standards and ethical practices required for service dog training and public access.

• Reporting: Proficiency in compiling, analyzing, and presenting detailed monthly reports on programmatic goals, and training progression to leadership.

• Data Management: Skilled in overseeing and reviewing data entry and documentation related to dog progress, graduation files, and program metrics.

• Cross-Departmental Coordination: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills necessary to effectively consult and coordinate with veterinary, foster, Veteran programs, and adoption departments.

Education and Experience

• Certification: Professional certification from a recognized dog training/behavior organization (e.g., IAABC, CCPDT, ADI) is preferred.

• Experience: A minimum of 2 years of experience in a leadership or managerial role within a shelter program, 3-5 years of experience in a leadership or managerial role within a shelter program preferred.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Animal or Business-related field or equivalent experience.

• Training Philosophy: Commitment to science-based, positive reinforcement training.

• Skills: Comfortable teaching individuals and groups of volunteers, with excellent documentation and organizational skills and proficiency in Excel, Salesforce, DaySmart, and other scheduling software.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

• Frequent Physical Activity: Regularly required to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb stairs, and balance. Must perform various physical motions with hands, arms, shoulders, and legs while testing, transporting, and training dogs in kennels, play yards, and training areas.

• Lifting & Handling: Must regularly lift and move up to 50 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds (e.g., dog food and supplies).

• Animal Handling: Requires daily handling and manipulation of multiple dogs in training, including those up to 100 pounds, both on- and off-leash.

• Equipment & Tools: Must be able to manipulate and use all necessary equipment for dog care and training (e.g., leashes, harnesses, clickers, medical supplies).

• Work Environment: Will work in proximity to cleaning agents and disinfectants and must be able to follow proper usage and storage instructions.

Compensation: $80,000 - $105,000

Why Join Liberty Dogs?

At Liberty Dogs Foundation, we live by a simple truth: We take care of those who have taken care of our great nation. This role is your opportunity to shape a program that will set a national standard in Veteran wellness and service dog partnerships—changing lives, one Veteran and one dog at a time.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law .