Canine Behavior Specialist
Scope of Position: The Canine Behavior Specialist assists with management of the canine population through participation in daily rounds, performance of behavior assessments, implementation of behavior modification plans, training and enrichment. Additional responsibilities include assisting with the training and support of canine care employees, volunteers and consultations for staff, adopters and fosters as needed.
Reports to: Canine Behavior Supervisor
Duties and Responsibilities:
Canine Population Management: 25%
- Support screening and counseling with surrender requests
- Population monitoring through daily rounds
- Assist with incoming transfers
- Adjust color assignments for dogs to align with volunteer roles
- Assign kennel placement based on needs of individual dogs
- Enter behavior information into shelter database
Canine Behavior Assessments: 25%
- Determine a color assignment for each dog to align with volunteer roles
- Interact with dogs in the kennel areas and exercise yards
- Review staff and volunteer comments on individual dog interactions
- Make recommendations for placement, foster, rescue or euthanasia as appropriate
Implement Behavior Modification and Enrichment Plans for Shelter Dogs: 25%
- Identify dogs in need of additional behavior support
- Assign behavior modification protocols to meet the specific needs of individual dogs
- Provide additional enrichment plans for at risk dogs, including but not limited to:
- Dog-dog play dates or small group play
- Parallel walks
- Play yard enrichment sessions
- Assist with training and support of canine behavior modification volunteers
- Track individual dog progress and record it
- Provide behavior support for dogs in the shelter and foster parents
Assist with Development and Maintenance of Training Programs: 25%
- Host training classes on a variety of topics for dog care employees, volunteers and long- term fosters, including but not limited to:
- Canine Body Language
- Skill Building with Shelter Dogs
- Defensive Handling
- Arousal and Reactivity
Assume additional responsibilities as assigned
Qualifications/Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in an animal behavior field preferred
- Must have a minimum of two years of experience in canine training and positive reinforcement, force free behavior modification techniques
- National certification from Karen Pryor Academy or Victoria Stillwell Academy force free and position training a plus
- Must possess a thorough understanding of canine behavior, canine body language and learning theory
- Must have well developed written and verbal communication skills
- Must be friendly, energetic and a quick learner that enjoys a fast-paced environment
- Must possess or acquire a thorough understanding and dedication to the philosophies of animal welfare at Faithful Friends Animals Society
- Must have good computer skills
- Must have good communication skills to teach employees, volunteers and customers and to be able to promote teamwork
Competitive compensation package offered.
About Faithful Friends Animal Society: Faithful Friends Animal Society (FFAS), a privately funded, nonprofit animal welfare organization, is Delaware's premier no-kill shelter and sanctuary serving the state and surrounding communities. Since its founding, FFAS has led Delaware's advocacy to create an animal welfare system that is focused on saving lives. FFAS continues to be Delaware's safety net shelter, serving 17,000 pets and 24,000 people annually through rescue/adoption and outreach services including a low-cost veterinary clinic, free pet food bank, and the state's only pet lifeline resource hotline for pet caretakers in crisis. FFAS is committed to caring for hard-to-adopt animals, including those with special needs, and does not euthanize animals to free up space for others in need. For more information, visit www.faithfulfriends.us
