Shelter Dog Trainer

Job Description

Job Description

Salary :

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 Shelter Dog Trainer is responsible for assessing, training, and behaviorally supporting dogs in a shelter environment to improve welfare, adoptability, and appropriate placement outcomes. This role focuses on humane, evidence-based training and behavior modification to address stress-related and common shelter behaviors while promoting safety for dogs, staff, volunteers, and the public.

The Shelter Dog Trainer collaborates with shelter leadership, veterinary staff, and adoption teams to develop individualized behavior and enrichment plans and may identify dogs suitable for advanced training programs, adoption, foster placement, or alternative career paths.

Key Responsibilities :

Behavior Assessment & Training

• Conduct behavioral assessments for all incoming dogs, focusing on temperament, stress-related behaviors, handling tolerance, and adoptability.
• Develop and implement individualized training and behavior modification plans using LIMA-based, humane methods.
• Address common shelter behavior concerns including fear, reactivity, barrier frustration, leash skills, handling sensitivity, and kennel stress.
• Provide ongoing evaluation and adjust training plans based on length of stay, behavioral progress, and welfare indicators.
• Identify dogs who may be suitable candidates for advanced training programs or alternative placement pathways.

Welfare & Enrichment

Shelter Operations & Collaboration

Volunteer & Staff Support

Public Engagement & Professional Conduct

Training Philosophy & Compliance

Required Skills & Qualifications :

Minimum Skills :

Additional Qualifications :

Physical Demands & Work Environment :

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 partnershipschanging 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 .