Become an Apprentice Trainer
”Choose a career you love and you will never work a day in your life.“
Position: Apprentice Trainer
Job Status: Volunteer
Organization Contact: Training Director
Location: Remote/Work from Home (USA only)
BASIC INFORMATION
Basic Overview
As a Good Dog! Service Canines Apprentice Dog Trainer, you will support the training of service dogs for families of children with disabilities while developing hands-on skills through guided mentorship and structured coursework. This volunteer role is fully remote with virtual supervision, with occasional opportunities to assist with dog transportation.
Apprentice Trainers provide safe housing, daily care, and foundational training and socialization for assigned dogs, while completing required learning modules and evaluations. Under the guidance of experienced trainers, you will build proficiency in service dog tasks and public access behaviors aligned with ADI standards, using relationship-based, positive training methods.
This role is ideal for individuals committed to learning, collaboration, and progressing toward advanced service dog training responsibilities.
BENEFITS, DUTIES & REQUIREMENTS
Benefits
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Acquire skills, knowledge and experience needed to raise and train a Service Dog through an ADI-accredited program
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Learn the process of training and matching service dogs that will become a part of a “Team of Three” (Parent/Caregiver + Recipient + Dog).
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Become a member of our team where trainers collaborate, offer support and ask questions on all things related to service dog training
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Work towards becoming a paid trainer for Good Dog! Service Canines.
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Fully remote position - work from home with the option of travel
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Provided with all training supplies and a monthly stipend to cover care & training costs.
Duties Include
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Training: Primarily responsible for executing training and socialization in accordance with Good Dog!’s values and training methods. Work with a team and under the guidance of the Training Director to ensure each dog’s goals are met
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Boarding and Care: Provide a safe and rewarding home environment for each puppy. Ensure timely veterinary care, appropriate diet, and structured socialization throughout their time in training
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Reporting: Attend weekly calls with our Training Director, regularly submit progress videos and fill out a training log.
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Matching: Provide input to the training team regarding the placement and matching for each service dog raised.
Minimum Requirements
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Must have the time and lifestyle to train and accompany the pup daily.
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SDiT cannot be left alone for more than 3 hours on a regular basis.
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Must create regular opportunities for the pup to engage with children
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Must have reliable internet access and a device with video capabilities
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Comfortable with virtual communication (phone, email, video calls)
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No dogs under age 2 or children under age 6 in the home
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Must have been in your current job or educational program for at least 3 months before applying
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Must follow ADI standards and use rewards-based, positive training methods
Applicant’s Experience (minimum 1 of the following is required):
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Minimum 1 year of professional dog training experience
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Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree from Bergin University of Canine Studies
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Experience puppy raising for a service or guide dog organization
Apprentice trainers that successfully complete the requirements of the Good Dog! Service Canines apprentice trainer program may be selected to become paid trainers with Good Dog! Service Canines. Successfully attending and completing this apprentice trainer program does not signify that the attendee is a service/assistance dog trainer or qualified to train and/or place service/assistance dogs. Apprentice trainers will receive a full course on the welfare and training that goes into training an assistance dog for a “Team of Three”. Good Dog! Service Canines’ Full Service Placement Program matches qualified families of children with disabilities with professionally trained Service Dogs. Our unique program structure will guide you along the way of pursuing a career within Assistance Dogs International, however - participation in this program does not meet the extensive requirements to become a Certified ADI Assistance Dog Instructor.