Assistant Dog Trainer Jobs in Reno, NV (NOW HIRING)

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:

The Puppy Training Coordinator plays a critical role in the early development of future service dogs. This position is responsible for the coordination, education, and ongoing support of volunteer puppy raisers, oversight of puppy health and training benchmarks, and collaboration with training staff to ensure puppies progress successfully through the early stages of development. This is a high-impact role requiring strong communication skills, a deep understanding of canine behavior, a commitment to working collaboratively with staff and volunteers, and a passion for building partnerships that uphold the Liberty Dogs mission.

Key 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.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the LIMA principles in dog training to ensure that all puppy raiser teams adhere to accreditation and organizational standards. Educate staff, puppy raiser families, and volunteers on the principles of LIMA.
• 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.

Additional Duties:

• 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.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• 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.

Additional Great Qualifications:

• 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.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

• Must be able to lift 50 lbs. and carry 20 feet multiple times per day with appropriate support or equipment.
• Comfortable standing, bending, and moving for extended periods during the workday.
• Willingness to work in both clinical and kennel environments.
• Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, allergens, and sanitation chemicals

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.