Director of Canine Behavior & Training

Annual Salary: Up to $75,000.00 per year, depending on experience. 

Spanish-speaking differential: Additional $1.00 per hour for employees who demonstrate and maintain Spanish language proficiency and are willing to use this skill for Wayside Waifs' business purposes.  

The Director of Canine Behavior provides strategic leadership, oversight, and direction for all canine behavior and training programs, with a focus on improving welfare, reducing stress, and increasing positive outcomes for dogs in care. This role ensures that all canine behavior and training practices reflect the Organization’s mission, core values, and commitment to evidence-based, humane methods.

PRIMARY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Leadership & Program Oversight

• Provide strategic oversight and operational leadership for all canine behavior programs, including:
• Canine Behavior Center operations and staff
• Canine evaluations and general population monitoring
• Public Training programs for adopters and community pets
• Playgroups and enrichment programming
• Behavior Mentorship for other animal welfare organizations
• Rescue and Response focused on helping dogs from hoarding situations, puppy mills, under-resourced shelters, and natural disasters
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of skilled behavior professionals to ensure consistent, high-quality care, assessment, and training.
• Partner with other departments to align behavior programs with intake, adoptions, and foster strategies, ensuring a seamless and welfare-focused experience for every dog.
• Establish data-driven metrics and reporting to evaluate program effectiveness and outcomes.

Behavioral Care & Innovation

• Design and oversee individualized behavior modification plans using evidence-based, positive reinforcement methods.
• Ensure timely and accurate behavior assessments for all dogs, guiding placement, enrichment, and training recommendations with a focus on moving dogs through to adoption as quickly as possible.
• Develop, implement, and refine shelter-wide canine behavior and canine handling protocols that promote safety and welfare.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts, staying current with best practices in applied animal behavior and sheltering.

Training, Mentorship, & Staff Development

• Oversee the development and facilitation of internal and external training and mentorship programs for staff, volunteers, fosters, and behavior professionals.
• Deliver workshops, coaching, and skill-building sessions to ensure consistent application of humane behavior modification principles.
• Promote a learning culture that values professional growth, collaboration, and innovation in animal welfare practices.

Community Engagement & Collaboration

• Serve as the organization’s expert spokesperson on canine behavior and training, representing the organization in media, at conferences, and public education events.
• Strengthen and expand partnerships with shelters, trainers, and animal welfare organizations to improve outcomes for dogs with behavior challenges.
• Oversee public training programs, ensuring quality, safety, and alignment with the organization’s mission and philosophy.

Administration & Compliance

• In collaboration with the Vice President of Animal Welfare and Operations, formulate the behavior department’s annual budgets; consistently manage the budget and utilize resources effectively.
• Ensure accurate data collection and documentation of all canine evaluations, training plans, and behavioral outcomes.
• Maintain compliance with internal safety protocols, legal regulations, and professional ethical standards. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor’s degree in animal behavior or related field is preferred.
• An advanced degree or formal certification (CSB-D, CBCC-KA, CDBC, KPA-CTP, CAAB, CSB-D, or equivalent) or the ability to obtain such within one year of employment is required.
• Minimum 5–7 years of progressive experience in canine behavior and training, preferably in a shelter or rescue environment.
• Proven leadership experience managing teams and programs.
• Extensive knowledge of learning theory, applied behavior analysis, and humane training methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with dogs displaying fear, reactivity, or aggression.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Commitment to the Organization’s mission, values, and the highest standards of animal welfare.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
• Strong ability to manage multiple staff members and build professional relationships
• Excellent customer service skills
• Strong attention to detail and task orientation
• Ability to accurately enter data into database programs for reporting purposes
• Ability to work under pressure and be able to multitask
• Ability to assist in guideline behavior evaluations and formation

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds to waist height to move animals from kennels, lift and push-pull situations.
• Repetitive bending, kneeling, stopping, and similar movements required.
• Must be able to physically restrain animals weighing up to and including 125 pounds.
• Able to work with exposure to wet and/or humid conditions and outside weather conditions.
• Must be able to perform a significant amount of standing during a typical day, exposure to fumes, airborne particles, and possible zoonotic diseases.
• Noise level is moderate to high.
• Exposure to animal waste.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is performed in both office and kennel environments with potential exposure to noise, odors, and zoonotic diseases.
• Requires physical ability to safely handle dogs of all sizes and temperaments.
• Occasional evening or weekend hours and some travel may be required.

SCHEDULE

Weekdays typically 8:00am to 5:00pm with some evenings and weekends required. Also, the ability to have flexibility in times of staffing needs.