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 Pre-School Teacher (Approx. 60%)
The primary focus of this role is to manage and lead our dog pre-school program and boarding services, 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.
Dog Trainer (Approx. 40%)
This role involves conducting individual and group training sessions, focusing on customized training plans using reward-based/positive reinforcement method.
Client Consultation:
- Conduct thorough consultations with clients to discuss their dog's behavioral 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 utilize modern, science-based, and positive reinforcement methods.
Leading a class:
- 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.
Requirements, Qualifications and Skills
- Certification: Relevant professional certification from a recognized dog training organization is highly preferred (e.g., CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, IAABCetc.).
- Education: Higher learning in Zoology, Biology, Psychology, Children's Education or Veterinary Technology is an advantage
- 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.
- Knowledge: In-depth understanding of canine behaviour, body language, and learning theory, specifically utilizing 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 organized, 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 lifting for extended periods.
- Working hours: willing to work shifts, night shifts, weekends and holidays when required. Able to work 40-44 hours a week
