Dog Trainer -Independent Contractor - LIC Facility
hace 2 días
New York
Job Description Position Summary The Dog Trainer is an independent contractor who visits the SCR LIC facility two to three times per week, for two to three hours per visit, to provide force-free behavior support and training for resident dogs. This is a hands-on role: the trainer works directly with dogs in the kennels, play areas, and on the treadmill, and coaches staff and volunteers so that progress carries over between visits. The trainer's focus is on larger dogs, dogs with resource guarding, and fearful or under-socialized dogs, using Fear Free or comparable low-stress, positive-reinforcement methods. The trainer works in close coordination with the Adoption Center Manager and the Behavior team to help dogs become more comfortable, more adoptable, and safer to handle, and to support well-matched placements. Role: Training and Behavior Work with Resident Dogs • Conduct individual training and behavior sessions with resident dogs, prioritizing larger dogs, dogs with resource guarding, and fearful or shy dogs.• Use Fear Free, force-free, and low-stress techniques only, such as positive reinforcement, counter-conditioning and desensitization, and choice-based handling. Do not use aversive tools or methods, including prong, choke, or shock collars, leash corrections, or intimidation.• Build and carry out behavior modification plans for dogs with resource guarding (food, toys, space, or people), focusing on safe management, prevention, and gradual training that avoids confrontation.• Help fearful dogs build confidence and trust, including gentle handling, leash and harness comfort, kennel and car comfort, and new-person and new-environment exposure.• Teach and reinforce basic manners and adoption-readiness skills, such as leash walking, sit, settle, and polite greetings, to improve adoptability and everyday handling.• Use the treadmill for conditioning and exercise, including introducing dogs to it at a safe pace, assessing which dogs are good candidates, and helping to burn off energy for high-energy or large dogs.• Observe dogs for signs of stress, fear, pain, or escalating arousal, and adjust or stop sessions as needed to protect the dog and the people involved. Behavior Assessment and Placement Support • Evaluate dogs on request and provide concise behavior observations for adoption, foster, and medical teams.• Recommend management strategies and placement considerations, such as home type, experience level, and other pets or children, to support well-matched adoptions.• Flag dogs with significant safety, medical, or welfare concerns to the Adoption Center Manager and the appropriate leadership promptly. Staff and Volunteer Coaching • Model and teach staff and volunteers safe, low-stress handling and training techniques for larger, fearful, and resource-guarding dogs.• Train designated staff on safe, correct treadmill use and on the dogs approved for it.• Provide simple written or verbal plans for each dog (do's and don'ts, triggers, management tips) so that staff can follow consistent approaches between visits.• Support staff in preventing negative animal interactions in line with SCR SOPs and behavior guidelines. Documentation and Communication • Document each session in the designated SCR systems or logs, including the dog worked with, the goals, techniques used, progress, and any recommendations.• Share concise updates, and photos or videos where appropriate, with the Adoption Center Manager and the behavior team, in line with SCR privacy and brand guidelines.• Report any bites, injuries, or incidents immediately and complete SCR incident reports as required. Facility and Safety Standards • Follow all SCR SOPs, biosecurity and sanitation protocols, and safety requirements while on site.• Keep training areas and equipment (including the treadmill) clean, safe, and returned to their proper place after use. SCR reserves the right to adjust the scope of services based on organizational needs, by mutual agreement. Qualifications • Fear Free certification (such as Fear Free Certified Trainer or Fear Free Shelter Program), or an equivalent force-free certification or training background (for example CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, CBCC-KA, or IAABC credentials).• Minimum of 3 years of professional dog training experience, with demonstrated experience with larger breeds, resource guarding, and fearful or under-socialized dogs. Shelter or rescue experience strongly preferred.• Working knowledge of canine body language, stress signals, and safe handling of dogs with a bite risk.• Experience with treadmill conditioning for dogs, or willingness to be trained on SCR's equipment and protocols.• A philosophy and track record of force-free, positive-reinforcement training. Use of aversive tools or methods is not permitted.• Ability to teach and coach staff and volunteers in a clear, supportive way.• Strong written and verbal communication skills and reliable documentation habits.• Comfort working in a fast-paced, emotionally dynamic shelter environment while remaining professional and calm.• Current general liability insurance covering professional dog training, or willingness to obtain it before starting.• Service-oriented mindset and commitment to SCR's mission and values. Reporting Structure The Dog Trainer is an independent contractor and not an SCR employee. The trainer coordinates day to day with the Adoption Center Manager and works with the Founder of Dogs and the behavior, medical, adoptions, and foster teams as needed. SCR sets the goals and priorities for the engagement; the trainer determines the methods, techniques, and manner of performing the work, consistent with SCR's force-free standards and safety policies. Engagement and Schedule • Independent contractor engagement (1099-NEC), under a written independent contractor agreement.• Approximately 2 to 3 on-site visits per week, 2 to 3 hours per visit (roughly 4 to 9 hours per week). Specific days and times to be agreed upon with SCR, based on the trainer's availability and facility needs.• Contractor provides their own training tools and equipment (other than SCR facility equipment such as the treadmill), carries their own insurance, and is responsible for their own taxes.• A completed W-9 is required before the first payment. Compensation Suggested range: $50 to $51 per hour (independent contractor, paid by invoice), based on experience and certifications. At 4 to 9 hours per week, this works out to roughly $200-$450.