Guide Dog Trainer – Career Information

Guide Dog Trainer: A fascinating and rewarding career... But is it for me?

Role of the Guide Dog Trainer

Guide Dog Trainers are responsible for all aspects of assessment and training required to produce fully trained Guide Dogs. Guide Dog Trainers ensure Guide Dogs are ready for placement, under the supervision of a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor, with a vision impaired handler. Guide Dog Trainers are also capable of being deployed in associated fields of Guide Dog training; including breeding programs, puppy development and kennelling.

Background

Guide Dog Trainers are trained through a cadetship program designed to comply with the standards issued by the International Guide Dog Federation. This is a worldwide organisation that promotes goodwill, information sharing and uniformity of standards among Guide Dog organisations.

Cadet Guide Dog Training Program

Cadetships are offered by various organisations throughout the world in accordance with staffing needs and opportunities. Guide Dog Trainer cadetships are not currently offered by Guide Dogs Tasmania, however, for those interested in obtaining a cadetship, many other organisations provide training for cadets.

Guide Dog Trainer Cadetships are normally offered over a period of 18-24 months, comprising both practical and theoretical tuition.

Practical component

The major components of practical training include temperamental assessment, Guide Dog training, canine husbandry, canine development, puppy raising, canine behaviour, basic breeding skills, and practical kennel experience. Cadet Guide Dog Trainers are expected to become proficient and knowledgeable in diet, grooming, health checking and general care of guide dogs.

Cadet Guide Dog Trainers are normally allocated groups of dogs to be assessed and trained, under varying levels of supervision. With each successive group of dogs, the Cadet Guide Dog Trainer is required to demonstrate more independence in training their dogs. It is required that an adequate number of Guide Dogs be trained, both under supervision and independently, to meet the requirements of the training organisation and International Guide Dog Federation.

Theoretical Component

Theoretical subjects are tested by written and practical examination, and can include topics such as:

• Canine anatomy and husbandry, including kennel duties and basic canine care;
• Evolution, communication, and social behaviour of the canine;
• Canine/human interaction;
• Canine health;
• Guide dog history;
• Basic breeding and genetics;
• Canine temperamental/physical analysis; and
• Legal aspects of guide dog mobility.

Guide dog training

• Philosophy and methodology;
• Policies and procedures;
• Training equipment;
• Canine cognition and learning theory;
• Training environments;
• Dog training schedules;
• Obedience training;
• Assessment of trained dogs;
• Common behavioural disorders associated with training; and
• Matching processes

Public relations

• Professionalism
• Communication skills, media interaction

General Requirements

• Successful completion of Year 12 standard of education is preferable;
• Additional qualifications in relevant fields including veterinary nursing, kennel and cattery course;
• A current driver’s license is essential;
• A high level of respect and affection for animals, in particular of dogs;
• Personal qualities of patience, tolerance and flexibility;
• The ability to work well within a multi-disciplinary team;
• Well-developed communication skills; and
• Good level of physical fitness, able to walk 10km daily at a moderate to fast past.

Career Prospects

Guide Dog Trainers are employed by Guide Dog organisations throughout the world.

Whilst we encourage all interested applicants, with suitable qualifications, to enter the Guide Dog field; it is very important to be honest about the opportunities to enter this career path. Opportunities to become Guide Dog Trainers are very limited. Competition is always very keen for the limited number of Cadetships offered, and often positions are filled from within organisations. The role of a Guide Dog Trainer is unique; with a very small turnover of staff and vacancies are rare.

Learn more about becoming a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor.