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About the Role

The Dog Trainer is an independent contractor responsible for providing force-free behavior support and training for resident dogs at the SCR LIC facility. This role involves direct work with dogs, coaching staff and volunteers, and focusing on dogs with specific behavioral needs using positive reinforcement methods.

Responsibilities

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.
Build and carry out behavior modification plans for dogs with resource guarding.
Help fearful dogs build confidence and trust.
Teach and reinforce basic manners and adoption-readiness skills.
Use the treadmill for conditioning and exercise.
Observe dogs for signs of stress, fear, pain, or escalating arousal, and adjust or stop sessions as needed.
Evaluate dogs on request and provide concise behavior observations for adoption, foster, and medical teams.
Recommend management strategies and placement considerations to support well-matched adoptions.
Flag dogs with significant safety, medical, or welfare concerns to the Adoption Center Manager and appropriate leadership promptly.
Model and teach staff and volunteers safe, low-stress handling and training techniques.
Train designated staff on safe, correct treadmill use and on the dogs approved for it.
Provide simple written or verbal plans for each dog so that staff can follow consistent approaches between visits.
Support staff in preventing negative animal interactions in line with SCR SOPs and behavior guidelines.
Document each session in the designated SCR systems or logs.
Share concise updates, and photos or videos where appropriate, with the Adoption Center Manager and the behavior team.
Report any bites, injuries, or incidents immediately and complete SCR incident reports as required.
Follow all SCR SOPs, biosecurity and sanitation protocols, and safety requirements while on site.
Keep training areas and equipment clean, safe, and returned to their proper place after use.

Requirements

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.
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.
Independent contractor engagement (1099-NEC), under a written independent contractor agreement.
Contractor provides their own training tools and equipment (other than SCR facility equipment such as the treadmill).
Contractor carries their own insurance.
Contractor is responsible for their own taxes.
A completed W-9 is required before the first payment.

Skills

Force-free behavior support and training
Positive reinforcement methods
Fear Free techniques
Low-stress handling
Resource guarding behavior modification
Fearful dog confidence building
Basic manners training
Adoption-readiness skills
Treadmill conditioning
Canine body language interpretation
Stress signal identification
Safe handling of dogs with bite risk
Staff and volunteer coaching
Written communication
Verbal communication
Documentation
Biosecurity protocols
Sanitation protocols
Safety requirements

Location

SCR LIC facility

Work Type

Independent contractor
On-site visits

Experience Level

Minimum of 3 years of professional dog training experience
Demonstrated experience with larger breeds, resource guarding, and fearful or under-socialized dogs
Shelter or rescue experience strongly preferred

Education Level

Fear Free certification (such as Fear Free Certified Trainer or Fear Free Shelter Program)
Equivalent force-free certification or training background (for example CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, CBCC-KA, or IAABC credentials)

Salary/Compensations

$50 to $51 per hour (independent contractor, paid by invoice)
Roughly $200-$450 per week (at 4 to 9 hours per week)

About the Company

SCR reserves the right to adjust the scope of services based on organizational needs, by mutual agreement.
Service-oriented mindset and commitment to SCR's mission and values.