Professional Assistance Dog Trainer

We’re looking for a calm, happy, highly experienced dog trainer with a strong interest in working with Veterans and First Responders with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Are you positive, open-minded and patient with a compassionate heart? Do you have a genuine affection for, and experience working with medium to large dog breeds?  Do you enjoy working as part of a furry and not so furry pack?  

As a professional trainer, you will be responsible for:

• • • assessing the suitability of dogs to join our assistance dog training program.
    • training assistance dogs to provide psychiatric support to individuals with PTSD and mobility issues.
    • working closely with fosters and handlers, assessing handler needs, and training dogs to perform specific tasks based on those requirements.
    • Advise fosters and handlers how to establish good habits and discourage problematic behaviour.
    • Working with and training junior trainers
    • Presenting your ideas and suggestions

PTSD Dogs Australia Ltd is a Not-for-Profit Charity solely dedicated to the rescuing, re-homing and training of suitable displaced and unwanted dogs to support and assist Australia’s First Responders and the Australian Defence Force (ADF) suffering from PTSD. We Rescue Dogs Who rescue Veterans and First Responders.

Job description

This is a full-time, ongoing position 8.00am – 4.00pm 5 Days per week. Occasional weekend shifts. Located on the Sunshine Coast, QLD with flexible work arrangements possible. Four weeks paid annual leave.

Tasks and duties

• • • Conducting assessments of handlers’ needs and determining appropriate training methods for assistance dogs.
    • Training assistance dogs from basic to advanced skills levels.
    • Training the dogs to perform psychiatric and mobility tasks.
    • Implementing positive reinforcement, games-based training techniques to ensure the dogs’ high level of skill and reliability in performing tasks.
    • Providing guidance and support to handlers in working with their assistance dogs.
    • Conducting regular training sessions with fosters and handlers, and follow-up visits to monitor the progress of the assistance dogs and address any issues or concerns.
    • Maintaining accurate records of training sessions, handler teams progress, and dog performance.
    • Staying updated on industry trends, best practices, and advancements in assistance dog training techniques.
    • Collaborating with pack members, including veterinarians and support staff, to ensure the overall well-being and success of the assistance dog & handler program.

Successful police clearance checks, and employment reference checks will be required. To be successful in this role, you will have:

• • • completed an accredited dog training qualification, Cert III minimum preferably Cert IV in Animal Behaviour & Training.
    • a minimum of 3 years’ experience as a professional dog trainer.
    • Have the skill to implement training strategies to enable behaviour modification.
    • experience in training dogs complex skills in a fun and rewarding manner.
    • excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively work with clients and team members in a positive and nurturing style.
    • patience, empathy, and a genuine passion for helping individuals through trauma-based care.

Respect           Compassion           Trust           Collaboration           Resilience