Job Title: / Training and Behaviour Advisor (TBA)
Reporting to: / Rehoming Centre Manager / RC Assistant Managers
Location: / Dogs TrustLoughborough Rehoming Centre
Revised: / March 2013
Summary
Responsible to the Rehoming Centre Manager (RCM) for assessing pre-intake and newly arrived dogs, designing and implementing trainingand behaviour modification programmes (BMPs) for dogs in our care. Also responsible for training Canine Carers to implementBMPs aand for advising members of the public in the handling and training of pre and post adoption dogs. The TBA is responsible for the day-to-day management and admittance of dogs to the TBA, Star and Sanctuary blocks. This role is part of the Management Team.
Duties
Dog assessment and monitoring
- To assess dogs waiting to be surrendered or arriving at the centre, identifying potential rehoming and behavioural problems.
- To monitor the welfare and behaviour of dogs resident at the centre, identifying any behavioural problems that occur.
- Design training programmes consistent with Dogs Trust policies, for those dogs requiring such training.
- With Assistant Manager Operation, create, monitor and instruct staff on care plans for dogs with specific health and welfare needs (following discussion and involvement with centre Veterinary Nurse if appropriate).
- Responsible for the day to day management of the TBA and Star and Sanctuary areas, including the health, welfare, exercise and presentation of the dogs, as well as the management of staff working in those areas.
- Responsible for management of dogs in those areas ensuring that kennel usage is maximized and whenever possible housing dogs in pairs, or more if compatible.
- Under the guidance of the RCM and working with the centre AOD and Operations Behaviour Team, discuss and evaluate suitable candidates for entry into the Star and Sanctuary blocks.
- Under the direction of the RCM advise Canine Carers in the implementation of training programmes for those dogs requiring such training.
- Train Canine Carers and volunteers in general dog handling skills as well as defensive handling techniques as per Dogs Trust policies.
- Train Canine Carers in the implementation ofbehavioural modification programmes to overcome behavioural problems with centre dogs and in ensure basic obedience training is undertaken with all centre dogs.
- Under the guidance of the RCM, design and implement weekly group staff training sessions.
- Present a professional and friendly approach to customers and visitors to the centre both face to face and on the telephone and ensure that queries are dealt with in a timely and efficient manner.
- As part of the rehoming process undertake pre-adoption talks and 1-2-1 with potential adopters.
- Ensure that adopters of dogs are properly briefed about the requirements of their dog, in particular the requirement for veterinary or behavioural disclaimers.
- Advise adopters on how to deal with behavioural problems that they may be encountering with their adopted dog.
- Assist and support volunteers working with or walking the dogs.
- Be thoroughly familiar with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Administrative Guidelines and Instructions (AGIs) and the policies of Dogs Trust.
- Undertake presentations, briefings and chair meetings as required and promote the work of Dogs Trust and the centre, through the media, the public, etc, whilst always protecting the image of Dogs Trust.
- Report to the RCM and maintenance operatives any defects or maintenance requirements in the centre.
- Work on a rota basis to include regular evening work plus overnight duties as required.
- Carry out any other duties as required by the Rehoming Centre Manager.
Person Specification
The successful individual should have a thorough knowledge of dog behaviour and welfare, along with good communication skills and ability and experience in handling difficult dogs.
They should have a thorough knowledge of learning theory and be able to apply it accordingly to each, individual dog. They should also understand the impact that aversive techniques have on the success (or failure) of behaviour modification programs as well as the impact on welfare for each individual dog. They should be proficient in reading canine body language, facial expressions and vocalizations in order to determine the temperament and emotional state of the dog.
They should be knowledgeable in canine ethology. They should understand attachment theory and the impact that psychosocial support has on each dog's welfare.
They should be competent in the appropriate and safe handling techniques for dogs of a fearful or aggressive nature. They should be aware of the complexities of fearful or anxious individuals and handle them appropriately. They should be competent in the appropriate handling techniques for dogs that are attacking another dog or person. They must appreciate that the person's health and wellbeing are of paramount importance.
They should have utmost regard for the welfare of each dog in the Rehoming Centre (RC) and be able to identify deteriorating or poor welfare and be able to rectify if possible. If the individual dog's welfare cannot be improved they must be completely impartial when considering euthanasia as an option.
They should be capable of dealing with both the Rehoming Centre staff and the public in a sensitive, effective and polite manner. They must be capable of devising, implementing and monitoring programmes to improve dog behavioural problems and have an ability to work on their own initiative.
Experience of working within a veterinary practice or working within a kennel environment and experience in dog training and/or rehoming would be useful. An animal care qualification or similar relevant academic study would be advantageous.
Experience of handling a variety of dogs and breed types is mandatory.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written with good organisational and interpersonal skills are essential. A self-motivator with huge amounts of energy, commitment and enthusiasm plus demonstrate the flexibility and empathy required when working with people and animals. They will have proven dog welfare, administrative and customer care skills with the ability to handle situations in the best interests of both the customer and the organisation.The candidate will be driven, positive and good humored and enjoy working in a close knit team.
The successful candidate must have a current driving licence.
A commitment to the aims and objectives of Dogs Trust is important.
The TBA will be a representative of Dogs Trust and therefore the image presented is important. A uniform is provided and must be worn during working hours.
In the interests of health and safety and to perform a physically active job, staff are required to maintain a suitable level of fitness to enable them to perform their job effectively and may be required to undergo periodic fitness assessments which will be provided by Dogs Trust.
About the role
The role of TBA is key in caring for and managing the dogs in centre.
The centre employs two TBAs and together the roles are responsible for the daily management of the TBA, STAR and Sanctuary blocks. The role involves working extensively with staff, volunteers and visitors either in an instructing, advising or supporting capacity.
It is a very practical role with extensive handling, mixing and training of dogs on a day-to-day basis. The TBA is responsible for raising and discussing behaviour concerns with the management team and canine carers and devising behaviour modification plans.
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