Give Independence — and Give a Dog a Job. Join the Canine Companions for Independence® team.
Canine Companions is the first and largest provider of assistance dogs for people with physical, cognitive and developmental disabilities. We expertly train specially-bred dogs and match them free of charge with children, veterans and adults in need.
Achieve a unique, challenging and fulfilling career as an assistance dog trainer through specialized career development and discover the leader in you.
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Certified instructors start in an entry-level position as instructor assistants (IA). You’ll receive comprehensive, paid, hands-on training under the guidance of experienced instructors over the course of several years to prepare you to become a Canine Companions certified assistance dog instructor. You’ll Give a Dog a Job for a person with a disability!
- Train dogs to high skill levels
- Develop communication and instruction skills
- Take advantage of comprehensive career development
Successful IAs complete a program lasting 12 to 16 months at our Santa Rosa campus, learning Canine Companions' values and training protocols under the supervision of experienced Instructors. The IA's primary job responsibilities include:
- Feeding & grooming
- Basic canine health care & exercise
- Canine husbandry & kennel management
- Build the foundation of knowledge necessary to be promoted to apprentice program
Qualities of an Instructor Assistant:
- Motivated
- Responds well to supervised and unsupervised direction
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Comfortable with public speaking
- Exhibits flexibility
- Solution oriented
- Functions as an active part of a team
- Loves learning
- Knowledge of dogs
- Ability to motivate volunteers and students
- Physical stamina
- Associate’s degree or higher education required
Relocation is required: All instructor assistants begin at our national headquarters in Santa Rosa, CA. If promoted to an apprentice instructor, relocation to one of our regional training centers is required: Santa Rosa, CA; Oceanside, CA; Orlando, FL; Delaware, OH; Medford, NY; and Irving, TX. Advancement is based on performance and availability of positions.
A glimpse into the daily life of an instructor preparing assistance dogs for placement with people with disabilities — a six month process!
Apprentice Instructor
If successful as an instructor assistant, the apprenticeship of a Canine Companions instructor lasts approximately three years. The apprentice rotates through all aspects of our program in order to develop skills in the following areas:
- Training program: training multiple strings of dogs to a high skill level
- Participant program: working with clients; gaining knowledge of disabilities and how they can affect a person's range of motion; conducting applicant interviews; problem solving
- Puppy program: selection of new volunteer puppy raisers; communication with active puppy raisers; teaching evening puppy classes
- Graduate program: techniques for instructing clients in proper handling and care of Canine Companions assistance dogs; matching dogs to recipients; one-on-one instruction; follow-up services
After completing the requirements of the apprenticeship and passing extensive certification tests, the apprentice instructor may advance to full, certified assistance dog instructor.
Instructor
Conscientious application of their expertise in concert with a genuine interest in people and dogs allow our Instructors to make a tremendous difference in the lives of people with disabilities. Instructors train dogs to meet Canine Companions' high standards and the standards for Assistance Dog International certification. They also teach Canine Companions' recipients the dog handling skills they need to benefit fully from their new partner in independence.
Apply for Your Dream Job
Canine Companions provides comprehensive career development with paid, hands-on training under the guidance of professional Instructors and experienced staff.
For these reasons, we seek individuals who are interested in and demonstrate a long-term commitment to a career as an assistance dog instructor. Desirable areas of knowledge or experience include:
- College coursework in the biological and/or behavioral sciences
- Hands-on experience with dogs in a training environment
- Experience working with people with disabilities
Credits:
Canine Companions for Independence