Title and Reporting Relationships
Position Title: Puppy Development Advisor
Reports To: Puppy Development Co-ordinator
Division: Adaptive Living
Department (if Applicable): Guide Dog Services
Position Location: 30 McVilly Road, Manurewa
Purpose of Position
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To fulfil the requirements of the Puppy Development programme to the *standards
determined by the Foundation, with a particular focus given to the health and
temperament of puppies, while ensuring volunteer puppy walker’s expectations are met.
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To provide support and assistance to Puppy Development Co-ordinator and puppy
development programme and to assist with management tasks when required.
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To provide support and assistance when required in the training of staff, including
Cadets, onshore and offshore, to the *standards determined by the Foundation.
Responsibilities of the Position
(More specific objectives and key performance indicators will be included in an individual's
performance development plan)
 To recruit and select appropriate puppy walkers, following individual interview and
assessment.
 To ensure puppy kits and necessary equipment is available and ready prior to the
placement of each puppy.
 To ensure puppy walkers are provided with relevant information and training at the time
the puppy is allocated.
 To ensure ongoing support and training is provided to puppy walkers at regular intervals,
and as required, in the optimum learning/training environment, ensuring written reports
are provided and complete with each visit.
 To ensure all puppies/dogs on the puppy development programme receive appropriate
veterinary care, using selected veterinary practices and order number system, with
relevant data recorded in the health record book with each visit.
 To observe and report on health and behaviour of puppies/dogs on a regular basis, and
inform relevant staff of observations - positive and negative.
 To arrange regular boarding/kennel breaks for puppies/dogs in consultation with Dog
Care & Welfare Manager and Puppy Development Co-ordinator.
 To ensure puppy walking fun days are well organised and held regularly.
 To encourage team work and high morale of puppy walkers, with due acknowledgement
and support for their efforts.
 To assist with organising the annual appreciation day/evening.
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To attend team meetings for the PDP and to attend management meetings to report on
the Puppy Development Programme when the Puppy Development Co-ordinator is
unable to attend.
To provide assistance and support to field staff if requested in the regions in respect of
the puppy development satellite programmes they are operating.
To assess on a developmental basis the guide dog potential of each puppy/dog.
To consult with Puppy Development Co-ordinator on all aspects of the puppy
development programme.
To recommend withdrawal of puppies/dogs from the programme, in consultation with
Puppy Development Co-ordinator, and/or designate, as required ensuring appropriate
documentation is provided.
To assist with practical and theoretical training for onshore and offshore colleagues and
volunteers to ensure they have access to and work to an appropriate standard relevant to
their position and required duties.
To ensure each puppy is correctly attired with red coat, ID passport, appropriately
numbered medallion and equipment.
To ensure inquiries and complaints regarding the puppy development programme are
responded to, including problems relating to access.
To train guide dogs to *standards determined by the Foundation when time is available.
To undertake approved relevant internal and external training courses, including
overseas, to improve work performance, and report back appropriately.
To respect and maintain confidentiality.
To provide an on call service in case of emergencies for puppies and puppy walkers.
To undertake other relevant tasks as requested by the Puppy Development Co-ordinator,
i.e. fundraising activities, assisting with sourcing puppy walkers, upgrading the puppy
development manual, purchasing and regular supply of equipment, stock take.
To undertake other duties as requested in accordance with the Foundation Act 1963 and
the Board of Trustees By-Laws.
Standards determined by the Foundation means:
Programmes delivered by Guide Dog Services department seek to be culturally
appropriate and adhere to professional standards outlined by Orientation & Mobility
Instructors Association of Australasia, including the Code of Ethics for Mobility Instructors
(OMIAA); International Federation of Guide Dog Schools for the Blind (IFGDSB); The
Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Visually Impaired (AER); New
Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA
Dimensions of the Position
Number of Positions Responsible For
Direct: Nil
Indirect: Nil
Shared Responsibility: Nil
Key Relationships
Internal
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Puppy Development Co-ordinator
Other Guide Dog Services staff
M&F staff
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External
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Puppy Walkers
Veterinarians
Person Specification
Qualifications, Experience, Skills and Knowledge
Essential
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Minimum experience in the guide dog field or 3 years experience in a similar work
environment
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Excellent time management skillls
An ability to communicate and work with dogs and people
An understanding of biculturalism
Preferred
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Minimum qualification - Guide Dog Trainer qualification (or on completion of cadetship)
Additional qualifications in animal husbandry, canine behaviour, dog handling and
computer skills would be an advantage
Personal Attributes and Values
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Excellent planning and organising skills
Ability to facilitate learning
Excellent problem solving skills
Ability to work autonomously and contribute to a team
Personal and professional integrity
Highly developed work ethics
Values diversity
Willing to train in additional competency areas, if required
Ability to respect confidentiality
Ability to lead by example
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