Clinical Animal Behaviourist

Reporting to:	Head of Training and Behaviour
Location:	Head Office and Dog School / Rehoming Centre Locations, Nationwide.
Revised:	July  2016

Summary

Behaviour problems are the most common reason for dogs to come into rehoming centres, and Dogs Trust are committed to making sure that problems are identified and training or rehabilitation programmes put in place. Dogs Trust uses reward based, welfare compatible methods of training and behavioural rehabilitation techniques in line with the latest scientific evidence.  In addition to working with dogs in our centre we run Dog School, an exciting new initiative, providing community education about dog behaviour and accessible dog training classes across the UK. Through providing appropriate advice to dog owners, Dog School aims to reduce the numbers of dogs developing problematic behaviour and have a positive long-term impact on dog welfare. Reporting to the Head of Training and Behaviour, the Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CAB) will have a thorough understanding of canine behaviour and welfare, demonstrable proficiency in conducting behaviour consultations for a range of problem behaviours, and ideally prior experience in teaching or mentoring clinical skills. He or she will be expected to maintain an up to date knowledge of developments in dog behaviour, and be able to evaluate critically new approaches, therapies or treatments in the area. The CAB will be expected to develop written and on-line support materials on behavioural issues for Rehoming Centres and Dog Schools across the UK, and be able to discuss treatment strategies with other Dogs Trust staff as well as external professionals such as veterinary surgeons.  He or she is expected to assist the Head of Training and Behaviour in devising and delivering training to Rehoming Centre and Dog School staff, and to provide mentoring of staff in clinical behaviour towards professional accreditation. The post holder will also be expected to visit Rehoming Centres and Dog Schools across the UK to ensure excellent standards of provision in behavioural advice, and provide staff with help and advice on behaviour modification for individual dogs as necessary and as requested.

Duties

·     Keep up to date with the latest thinking on canine behaviour and training, including knowledge of the influence of physiological changes on behaviour, the principles of learning, and the relationship between behavioural signs and welfare. ·     Be able to read and interpret new information in a critical manner and to help convey these in lay terms to ensure that therapies and practices applied in Dog School and Rehoming Centres are evidence based and have a positive impact on dog welfare. ·     Provide independent assessments, as required, of dogs with behaviour problems that require more specialist input, including human directed aggression. ·     Support and advise Dog School and Rehoming Centre staff on matters relating to dog behaviour and training. ·     Provide mentoring for the professional development of staff towards national standards of accreditation in clinical behaviour. ·     Provide staff training in dog behaviour through workshops, clinical case reviews and conferences. ·     Be thoroughly familiar with Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs), Administrative Guidelines and Instructions (AGIs) and the policies of Dogs Trust. ·     Promote the work of Dogs Trust through the media, the public, local vets etc, whilst always protecting the image of Dogs Trust. ·     Ensure that all Health and Safety procedures, as deemed necessary after assessment of risk are implemented and followed. ·     Carry out other duties as directed by the Head of Training and Behaviour

              

Person Specification

The Clinical Animal Behaviourist will: Have a thorough, in depth knowledge of dog behaviour, training and welfare.  An animal behaviour or welfare qualification at degree level or above is essential. Have experience in handling dogs with a range of problem behaviours, and be familiar with a range of different techniques for training and rehabilitation Be passionate about enhancing the welfare of dogs and their owners through the use of appropriate management, behaviour modification and rehabilitation programmes.  Have demonstrable proficiency in conducting behaviour consultations for a range of problem behaviours. Have excellent written skills, with the ability to write, interpret and analyse comprehensive behavioural reports and record basic (descriptive) statistics where required. Be a good listener, empathic and able to mentor and develop Dogs Trust staff in clinical skills. Have good verbal communication skills, and be able to discuss the management of dogs confidently with a range of stakeholders, including veterinary surgeons, other specialist practitioners, Dog School staff, TBAs and senior TBAs. ·       Be able to work independently, be organised and able to develop and prioritise his or her own workload. ·       Be willing to travel within the UK as a regular part of the job along with overnight stays. Be aware of the limitations of their expertise, and ensure cases that require additional specialist or veterinary advice are highlighted to relevant professionals. Be experienced at dealing with the general public, prepared to run workshops, demonstrate rehabilitation techniques and comfortable delivering presentations to large audiences. Ideally have prior experience in teaching or mentoring clinical skills ·       Be computer literate with knowledge of MSWord, Excel and able to use Internet. ·       Be able to record information accurately and use data to generate basic reports ·       Ideally be accredited as a Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist with ASAB, or have qualifications and clinical experience of an equivalent standard. Must possess a full manual UK driving licence