Dog Trainer & Behaviour Specialist

Luckies Stay & Play; Albion; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Luckies Stay & Play is looking for a hands-on dog trainer/behaviour consultant in Brisbane. You will spend time on the daycare floor observing dogs, guiding introductions and enrichment, and applying welfare-focused, evidence-informed training methods.

You’ll support owners with practical behaviour consultations and work with the broader team to ensure a consistent guest experience. The role emphasizes canine body language, group dynamics, and tailored care plans, with collaboration across

Qualifications

• Relevant dog training and behaviour qualifications, education or demonstrable professional experience.
• Strong understanding of canine body language, social behaviour, and play styles.
• Experience in dog daycare, boarding, or similar environments with multiple dogs.
• Ability to coach colleagues in practical handling and welfare-focused methods.
• Excellent communication with dog owners and team members.

Responsibilities

• Spend significant time on the daycare floor observing dogs and supporting safe group interactions.
• Assess canine body language, social dynamics, arousal levels and signs of stress.
• Guide dog introductions, group placement, enrichment and rest strategies.
• Identify emerging behavioural concerns and implement appropriate management and training strategies.
• Support the team to make informed decisions about compatibility, supervision and when extra support is needed.
• Contribute to individual care and behaviour plans for dogs attending daycare or staying overnight.
• Champion Luckies' reward-based, welfare-focused training philosophy.
• Coach and support team members in practical handling skills and behaviour responses.
• Deliver individual training sessions and behaviour consultations as appropriate to qualifications.
• Work with daycare, training, boarding, grooming and wellness teams to ensure a consistent guest experience.

Skills

Dog training

Behaviour assessment

Canine body language

Coaching

Record-keeping

Education

Relevant dog training/behaviour qualification

Job description

This is a hands-on role for someone who loves working with dogs and enjoys helping other people become more confident and capable in their care. A significant part of your role will be spent within daycare, observing dogs, supporting appropriate play and social interactions, identifying behavioural needs and helping the team deliver safe, enriching and well-managed days. You'll be a key advocate for Luckies' training philosophy, ensuring our approach to behaviour, handling, enrichment and welfare is reflected consistently in everyday practice. You'll work alongside our animal care team to provide guidance, build capability and help create an environment where both dogs and people can thrive. Alongside your daycare responsibilities, you'll provide individual training support and behaviour consultations, helping owners better understand their dogs and achieve practical, sustainable outcomes.

Key responsibilities

Spend a significant proportion of your time on the daycare floor, observing dogs and supporting safe, appropriate group interactions.

Assess canine body language, social dynamics, arousal levels and signs of stress or fatigue.

Guide dog introductions, group placement, enrichment and rest strategies in line with individual needs.

Identify emerging behavioural concerns and implement appropriate management and training strategies.

Support the team to make informed decisions about compatibility, supervision, separation and when a dog needs additional support.

Contribute to individual care and behaviour plans for dogs attending daycare or staying overnight.

Champion Luckies' reward-based, welfare-focused and evidence-informed training philosophy.

Coach and support animal care team members in practical handling skills, body language recognition and appropriate responses to behaviour.

Deliver individual training sessions and behaviour consultations appropriate to your qualifications and experience.

Work closely with daycare, training, boarding, grooming and wellness teams to support a consistent guest experience.

About you

Relevant dog training and behaviour qualifications, education or demonstrable professional experience.

Experience working in dog daycare, group settings, boarding, training or another environment involving multiple dogs.

A strong understanding of canine body language, social behaviour, play styles, arousal and stress signals.

Confidence assessing dogs and making considered decisions about group compatibility and management.

A reward-based, welfare-focused and evidence-informed approach.

The ability to coach colleagues in a supportive, practical and approachable way.

Strong communication skills and confidence discussing behaviour with dog owners.

Sound judgement, accurate record-keeping and a clear understanding of your professional scope.

A collaborative mindset and the confidence to uphold standards consistently.

About us

Luckies is creating a premium, integrated pet resort in Brisbane, bringing together dog daycare, boarding, grooming and wellness services in one thoughtfully designed destination. We believe exceptional care starts with understanding each dog as an individual. Our approach combines thoughtful handling, positive experiences, clear communication and consistent standards to help every dog feel safe, supported and understood.