Guide Dog Trainer Onboarding Checklist

Guide Dog Trainer Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Guide Dog Trainer starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Animal Care onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Guide Dog Trainer, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Guide Dog Trainer onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Guide Dog Trainer Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The new guide dog trainer attends an orientation session to familiarize themselves with the company’s mission, values, policies, and procedures. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated trainer.

2. Introduction to Team: The new trainer is introduced to their immediate team members, including fellow trainers, supervisors, and support staff. This task is usually performed by the supervisor or team lead.

3. Facility Tour: The new trainer is given a comprehensive tour of the company’s facilities, including kennels, training areas, administrative offices, and any other relevant areas. This task is typically performed by a senior trainer or a designated staff member.

4. Equipment Familiarization: The new trainer is provided with an overview of the equipment used in guide dog training, such as leashes, harnesses, clickers, and training aids. This task is usually performed by a senior trainer or a designated staff member.

5. Introduction to Guide Dogs: The new trainer receives an introduction to guide dogs, their breeds, characteristics, and the specific training methods used. This task is typically performed by a senior trainer or a designated staff member.

6. Shadowing Experienced Trainers: The new trainer shadows experienced trainers to observe and learn the techniques and methods used in guide dog training. This task is performed by experienced trainers within the company.

7. Training Program Overview: The new trainer is provided with an overview of the company’s training program, including the different stages of training, evaluation processes, and milestones. This task is typically performed by a senior trainer or a designated staff member.

8. Safety and Emergency Procedures: The new trainer is trained on safety protocols and emergency procedures specific to guide dog training, including handling aggressive dogs, first aid, and evacuation plans. This task is usually performed by a designated safety officer or a senior trainer.

9. Introduction to Clients: The new trainer is introduced to clients who are currently receiving guide dog training or have already been matched with a guide dog. This task is performed by a senior trainer or a designated staff member.

10. Administrative Tasks: The new trainer is provided with training on administrative tasks, such as record-keeping, client documentation, scheduling, and reporting. This task is typically performed by the administrative staff or a designated trainer.

11. Continuing Education: The new trainer is informed about the company’s commitment to ongoing professional development and provided with information on available training resources, workshops, and conferences. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated trainer.

12. Performance Expectations: The new trainer is provided with clear performance expectations, including key performance indicators, goals, and evaluation criteria. This task is typically performed by the supervisor or team lead.

13. Mentorship Program: The new trainer is assigned a mentor who will provide guidance, support, and feedback throughout their initial period with the company. This task is typically coordinated by the HR department or a designated mentorship coordinator.

14. Introduction to Support Services: The new trainer is introduced to support services within the company, such as veterinary care, grooming, and administrative support. This task is typically performed by a designated staff member or department head.

15. Introduction to Company Culture: The new trainer is provided with an overview of the company’s culture, values, and expectations for professional conduct. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated staff member.

16. Introduction to Ethical Guidelines: The new trainer is educated on the ethical guidelines and standards specific to guide dog training, including client confidentiality, animal welfare, and professional conduct. This task is typically performed by a senior trainer or a designated staff member.

17. Introduction to Training Resources: The new trainer is provided with access to training resources, such as manuals, books, online courses, and videos, to enhance their knowledge and skills. This task is typically coordinated by the HR department or a designated training coordinator.

18. Introduction to Health and Safety Policies: The new trainer is trained on health and safety policies, including proper handling of animals, personal protective equipment usage, and reporting any incidents or accidents. This task is typically performed by a designated safety officer or a senior trainer.

19. Introduction to Client Support Services: The new trainer is introduced to the client support services offered by the company, such as follow-up visits, training updates, and ongoing assistance. This task is typically performed by a designated staff member or department head.

20. Introduction to Community Engagement: The new trainer is informed about the company’s community engagement initiatives, such as public awareness campaigns, fundraising events, and partnerships with other organizations. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated staff member

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Guide Dog Trainer checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Guide Dog Trainer up to speed and working well in your Animal Care team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.