Dog Trainer - #1118871

Experienced Dog Trainer & Day School Teacher

We are seeking a passionate, experienced, and qualified Dog Trainer to join our team. This dual-role position is crucial to our operations, focusing on providing high-quality care and positive reinforcement training across our services. The ideal candidate will be highly skilled in both running a dog daycare/pre-school environment and conducting effective private and group training sessions.

This role is split approximately 60% on Dog Pre-School operations and 40% on Dog Training classes.

Responsibilities

Dog Trainer (Approx. 40%)

This role involves conducting individual and group training sessions, focusing on customized training plans.

• Client Consultation:

  • Conduct thorough consultations with clients to discuss their dog's behavioural concerns, training goals, and needs.

  • Clearly communicate realistic expectations and training timelines to clients.

• Training Plan Development:

  • Develop and implement suitable, customized training plans for individual dogs and group classes.

  • All training must utilise modern, science-based, and positive reinforcement methods.

• Instruction:

  • Lead engaging and effective private and group dog training classes for various ages and skill levels.

  • Provide clear, encouraging instruction and feedback to dog owners to empower them in their training journey.

• Cross-Support:

  • Assist with the pre-school program or other duties as needed, including assistance during private or group training sessions led by colleagues.

Dog Pre-School Teacher (Approx. 60%)

The primary focus of this role is to manage and lead our dog pre-school program, ensuring a safe, nurturing, and educational experience for all canine students.

• Care and Environment:

  • Create and maintain a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment for all dog students.

  • Provide high-quality care, including feeding, watering, administering medication as scheduled, and ensuring general comfort and well-being.

  • Maintain a hygienic and healthy environment for the dogs, ensuring the pre-school compound and all facilities are kept in pristine condition.

• Supervision and Interaction:

  • Actively supervise and interact with dog students during playgroups, managing group dynamics safely and positively.

  • Take dog students out for scheduled walks and potty breaks.

• Training and Development:

  • Implement and deliver basic training to dog students using positive reinforcement techniques, reinforcing good manners and foundational skills.

• Communication and Records:

  • Keep detailed records of dog students’ daily activities, including feeding, potty breaks, behavior observations, and training progress.

  • Keep parents updated on their dogs' well-being, progress, and daily activities through appropriate channels.

• Operational Support:

  • Assist with fetching dogs to and from school (transportation assistance may be required).

  • Provide front desk support, which includes receiving students, processing pet registrations, and handling customer emails and phone inquiries.

  • Assist in the management of retail operations as needed.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Education & Certification: Relevant professional certification from a recognized dog training organization is highly preferred (e.g., Compass, ABI, CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, etc.). Diploma and/or degree in veterinary medicine and/or animal behaviour is preferred.

• Experience: Proven experience (e.g., 2+ years) in running or assisting with a dog daycare or pre-school, and experience teaching group and private dog training classes. Experience in vet industry or dog daycare is an advantage.

• Knowledge: In-depth understanding of canine behaviour, body language, and learning theory, specifically utilising positive reinforcement.

• Safety: Demonstrated ability to manage dog playgroups safely and effectively, proactively preventing conflict and injury.

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to interact professionally with clients and keep clear records.

• Work Ethic: Reliable, punctual, highly organised, and proactive with a strong commitment to cleanliness and animal welfare.

• Physical Requirements: Must be able to handle dogs of all sizes and be physically capable of standing, walking, bending and some lifting for extended periods.

• Working Shift: willing to work shifts (day shift, night shift and/or weekend shifts)