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Behaviour Officer

Dogs Trust

Location: Shrewsbury

Salary: £27,500

Hours: 37.5

Contract Type: Permanent, full time

Closing Date: 21 April 2026

Want to help get tails wagging again? We are looking for someone who can assess, design and implement behavioural rehabilitation for our dogs joining us in our centres.

As Behaviour Officer, you’ll take the lead, figuratively and literally, when it comes to the assessments of our dogs and their training programmes. You’ll play a key role in supporting adopters, during the adoption process and after rehoming, to ensure that every dog has the best possible chance of successfully settling into their new life.

What does this role do?

As a Behaviour Officer you’ll:

  • assess the behaviour of dogs, before they enter the centre and during their stay, to identify potential behaviour needs, as per Dogs Trust Standard Operating Procedures.
  • design and implement Behaviour Modification Programmes and training plans to enhance each dog’s chances of rehoming, in support of the centre’s priorities based on individual dog welfare and requirements.
  • oversee and support the implementation of training and behaviour plans by colleagues. Work with other departments to modify and seek guidance.
  • monitor the progress of individual training and rehabilitation programmes and maintain detailed records of the progress of each dog. Provide professional training, support and assessment colleagues.

Could this be you?

To be successful in this role, you’ll have a thorough knowledge of dog behaviour and welfare, including understanding the principles underlying learning and the ability to write training and behaviour programs. You’ll also have achieved ATBC competence at Animal Trainer level and have achieved specific competences from the Behaviour Technician standard. You’ll have excellent communication skills with the ability to handle delicate situations sensitively and professionally and have the ability to and experience in handling difficult dogs. But above all, you’ll be passionate and committed to the work of Dogs Trust.

A full, manual driving licence is also essential, as driving will be a part of the role.

 

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