Field Trainer – Subcontractor

Position Overview

Thank you for considering field training for Can Do Canines! Here is more information on this opportunity and what we are looking for.

A Can Do Canines Field Trainer is a subcontract position working under the direction of a Client Services Coordinator (CSC) to provide direct instruction to a newly partnered assistance dog team. Can Do Canines provides five types of assistance dogs: Mobility, Diabetes, Hearing, Seizure, and Autism.   

Distance clients typically travel to Can Do Canines for a one-week, one-on-one training with their CSC. At the end of the week, the client is usually ready to return home along with their new assistance dog. During the week-long training, the CSC instructs the client in the use of the dog—its cue words, trained tasks, basic obedience and behavior, basic cares, navigating public outings, and much more. The team trains at the facility, as if it were the client's home, and also goes on outings in the community. While a lot is accomplished during this time, it would be unrealistic to assume that it is enough training and support for a new team. Therefore, Can Do Canines contracts with Field Trainers to continue the one-on-one training with the client in their home and community.

Some of the training you can expect to continue includes working on basic human-canine communication, fine-tuning skills within the home setting, and navigating home community and public access. Discussion-topic lists, timesheets, places to train, and other resources are provided for Field Trainers, as well as individual details as necessary regarding the team itself (personal information for both the dog and human).

Requirements to become a Can Do Canines Field Trainer include experience instructing in one or more areas of dog training and the willingness/confidence to work with individuals with disabilities. No prior assistance dog training is expected or required. If you can work with some disabilities but not others, that is fine. We consider each placement on an individual level and consider our capacity to complete the placement.

A working vehicle is a must. You can expect it to take 10-20 hours in person over 4-8 weeks per placement. Payment is made after the assistance dog team's certification.

Field Trainers and clients report directly to the team's CSC. CSCs will administer the team's Public Access Test (PAT) and home-based Skills Certification. Throughout the training process, the Field Trainer will be relied on to supply written and verbal reports and submit video documentation via our digital file-share process.