Regional Puppy Instructor

At Guiding Eyes for the Blind, we are passionate about connecting exceptional dogs with individuals seeking greater independence.  We are dedicated to creating and supporting life-changing partnerships between people and dogs.

At our facilities, we breed, raise, and train exceptional guide dogs – and match them with individuals ready to embrace a life of greater freedom, confidence, and possibility.  Together, they embark on incredible life adventures.

Our incredible dogs make our mission possible – and working with them will inspire you!  We put our clients first, striving to exceed their expectations by providing exceptional dogs trained to meet their unique needs and empower them to live the lives they choose.

Join us, and play a key role in transforming lives.

As a Regional Puppy Instructor, you’ll play a vital role in supporting our mission by helping prepare our puppies for future guide dog training – so they can ultimately foster greater independence for those that are blind or visually impaired.  In this role, you’ll work with puppies in your region to ensure they reach the level of readiness required for future formal guide dog training.

This position provides direct support and guidance for puppy raising activities undertaken by youth and adult Volunteers and actively recruits Volunteers to assist Guiding Eyes in raising guide dog puppies.  You will work directly with Volunteers to plan and evaluate the progress of pups on program as well as provide hands-on training and instruction to the raisers.

This position currently holds classes in Yorktown Heights, NY; Patterson, NY; and Livingston, NJ.  While class locations may change, they will remain within approximately 1.5 hours of Patterson, NY.

The Role

• Develop and maintain puppy raising regions in alignment with organizational goals, including meeting region goal numbers for pups on program.
• Teach regular group training classes for puppies and young adult dogs; may require working non-traditional business hours including, but not limited to evenings, nights, and weekends.
• Provide direct supervision, mentorship, and support to volunteer Region Coordinators and Puppy Raisers.
• Oversee the application process to ensure quality puppy-raising environments.
• Evaluate puppies’ progress and provide follow-up guidance as needed to support proper development.
• Complete and submit written evaluations for puppies evaluated in the field.
• Coordinate transportation and logistics for puppies and young adult dogs as needed.
• Provide routine behavioral support to regional Volunteers with assistance from the Regional Puppy Managers and other technical advisors.
• Act as a representative for Guiding Eyes at different local public events and community engagements.
• Maintain regional supply inventory, monitor expenses, and operate within approved financial parameters for assigned region.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the department and organizational mission.

Qualifications You Will Need

• College degree preferred, ideally with a concentration in Animal Behavior, Psychology, Education, or a related field.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience teaching in group settings; ability to instruct in both group and one-on-one settings.
• Strong understanding of dog behavior and puppy development, including the ability to recognize and support healthy behaviors and appropriately address concerns using positive methods.
• Solid foundation in puppy training, socialization, and behavior modification using positive training techniques.
• Effective relationship-builder with the ability to find common purpose, build consensus and foster collaboration.
• Prior experience working in and managing team environments.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain behavioral concepts, set expectations, and navigate high-stress or emotionally charged conversations with empathy and professionalism.
• Confident presenter with strong public speaking and instructional skills.
• Able to accurately assess situations and make quick, sound judgements independently.
• Flexible and adaptive; thrives in a dynamic environment with shifting priorities.
• Self-motivated and disciplined, with the ability to work independently.
• Exceptional organizational, str