Power Paws Assistance Dogs, Inc

Organization Overview and Job Description

About the Organization

Power Paws Assistance Dogs, Inc. (PPAD) was established in 2001 as a 501(c)3 nonprofit agency. Accredited by Assistance Dogs International (ADI), PPAD is one of only two agencies in Arizona recognized for training service dogs for disabled children and adults, including veterans and various local or government agencies. The organization specializes in preparing dogs to assist individuals with PTSD, Type I Diabetes, mobility challenges, and those in facilities serving survivors of sexual or domestic abuse.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for training, evaluating, and classifying assigned dogs according to the training outline provided by the Director of Training and Placement (DTP).
• Collaborates with the DTP to develop criteria for volunteer dog handlers.
• Under the supervision of the DTP, develops, evaluates, and documents the Puppy Raising program.
• Creates and updates criteria for canine career changes or “Community Ambassadors,” which are dogs adopted by families.
• Instructs staff on the proper methods of basic dog care and obedience.
• Prepares and updates training manuals and materials for trainers, the International Association of Canine Professionals (ICAP) program (TBD), and Puppy Raisers/Sitters.
• Provides training to detention officers and staff for the ICAP and Prison Program (TBD).
• Reviews all training and kennel records to ensure proper utilization and effective training of dogs.
• Represents PPAD at community events, participates in public relations presentations to promote the organization`s mission, and performs demonstrations with dogs-in-training.
• Ensures dog safety is the top priority in all interactions.
• Working with special needs children and adults

Qualifications

• Five to seven years of training experience in a service dog or training facility.
• Professional experience in assisting with the training of at least 15–20 dogs, including service animals.
• Participation in 20–50 client dog trainings as a professional.
• Expertise in evaluating temperament and physical criteria for successful service dogs.
• Competence in all tasks assigned to Kennel Assistants, Apprentice Trainers, and Trainers Level I.
• Ability to produce effective working teams that meet or exceed ADI Standards, such as passing the Public Access Test, demonstrating appropriate behaviors, or performing specific tasks.

Interested?

Please send resume to leslie@azpowerpaws.org