Dog Selection and Breeding Coordination

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• Collaborate with experienced breeders to facilitate whelping and early development

• Maintain breeding line documentation, including genetic and medical records

• Ensure all dogs receive necessary medical testing, including X-rays, CERF exams, and microchipping

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Dog Assessment and Documentation

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• Conduct regular testing and evaluations for each dog

• Assess dogs to ensure they meet Assistance Dogs International (ADI) standards 

• Document each dog’s progress in detail, including socialization exposures, training hours, skills learned, and temperament assessments

• Maintain organized records for certification readiness, in coordination with administrative staff

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Dog Training and Development

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• Train dogs using positive reinforcement techniques (operant conditioning)

• Expose dogs to real-world environments such as malls, restaurants, and workplaces

• Prepare dogs for transition training once matched with a client (4 to 8 months)

• Teach official command sets and document mastery

• Maintain each dog’s physical and behavioral health, including proper diet and home environment

• Coordinate temporary foster homes when puppy raisers need a break or travel off island

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Dog Training and Development

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• Meet regularly with the Trainers Committee to review dog progress

• Work with the committee to match dogs with clients

• Mentor and support apprentice trainers as needed

• Lead or assist in weekly practice sessions, group training sessions, and workshops

• Lead therapeutic sessions at Child & Family Service

• Work one-on-one with clients in the home and community once a dog has been matched

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Dog Training and Development

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• Submit Puppy Raiser reports to the Executive Director

• Maintain Puppy Raiser records, reports, and documentation submitted by trainers

• Represent Hawaiʻi Fi-Do professionally in public settings

• Maintain training equipment and service dog vests in clean, operational condition

• Abide by trainer agreement policies, including ethics, safety, and professional conduct standards

 

Qualification

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• Verifiable professional service dog training experience (required)

• ADI experience (strongly preferred)

• Demonstrated experience training dogs using positive reinforcement (operant conditioning)

• Strong understanding of service dog behavior, ADI standards, and mobility-related task training

• Ability to perform Public Access Tests (PAT) on dog and client teams

• Willingness and ability to work with clients with disabilities, including an understanding of functional limitations and providing appropriate accommodations

• Strong communication, documentation, and organizational skills

• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively with committees, raisers, and volunteers

• Ability to handle confidential client information and sensitive animal records

• Openness to housing a service dog in training, in a secure, dog-friendly home with a fenced yard

• Valid driver’s license and willingness to transport dogs to and from training and community sessions across Oʻahu

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Physical Demands and Working Conditions

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• Ability to train dogs effectively in crowded, active public environments

• Ability to exert moderate to extensive physical effort, including stooping, crouching, pushing, pulling, climbing stairs, and lifting up to 30 pounds

• Exposure to outdoor elements, inclement weather, unpleasant odors, and loud noises typical of animal training settings

• Ability to drive to all parts of the island to train and transport dogs

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Compensation and Benefits​

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• $20.00 per hour, part-time, up to 19.5 hours per week (flexible based on training cycle)

• Reimbursement for dog-related expenses, including food, veterinary care, and supplies

• Access to professional development and pre-approved training conferences, with reimbursement

• Supportive, mission-driven team environment dedicated to community impact

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